What are the responsibilities and job description for the Investigator - Criminal Defense Practice position at Brooklyn Defender Services?
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks an Investigator to join the Investigation Unit in the Criminal Defense Practice.
BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.
BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including housing, public benefits, education, and employment issues.
The Investigation Unit works closely with criminal defense attorneys to help uncover facts and witnesses necessary to provide a zealous defense and the best possible outcome in court.
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Investigations, Investigation Unit, Investigators help uncover information that supports providing high-quality representation to our clients
Responsibilities
- Locate, interview, and take detailed statements from witnesses and other relevant parties.
- Obtain and review video surveillance footage.
- Photograph and diagram crime scenes.
- Testify in court to introduce investigation findings.
- Serve subpoenas.
- Additional responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience for the position.
- New York Process Server License, or willing to become licensed within six months in the position.
- The ability to work as part of the defense team in a client-centered practice and maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained while working on the case.
- Prior experience working in a litigation or investigative environment preferred.
- Strong analytical skills, ability to think creatively about all facets of a case and follow leads wherever they may take you.
- Strong people skills, including experience approaching and interacting with strangers about sensitive subjects.
- Skill in building trust with individuals and drawing out their stories, and excellent judgment to handle confidential and sensitive issues.
- Ability to take notes and write summaries and details for the attorney and for future potential testimony.
- Ability to take responsibility for multiple tasks concurrently and organize own work to ensure on-time and accurate completion.
- Proficiency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Arabic or Mandarin is a plus.
Position Information
This is a non-exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS’s offices, and the courts located in Downtown Brooklyn. Investigators should assume they will have assignments in the field almost every day, which is usually in Brooklyn, but could involve travel throughout NYC and beyond from time to time.
BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position there is a base salary range of $62,000-70,000 depending on the applicant’s education and experience with additional salary possible for applicants with extensive experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.
Application Instructions
Click “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by August 6, 2026.
Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, H.R., Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org.
Salary : $62,000 - $70,000