The Role
Provides investigative support for federal public defense attorneys, including retrieving and researching records, documenting requests, maintaining releases, conducting field investigations, serving subpoenas, assisting with expert vetting, and supporting case needs. Requires strong organization, communication, computer literacy, database and online research skills, independent judgment, teamwork, and flexibility for nights, weekends, and holidays.
Summary Generated by Built In
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for full-time assistant investigator positions, stationed in Los Angeles, California. The Federal Public Defender’s Office is committed to the client-centered pursuit of justice by advocating for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent individuals who are accused or convicted of crimes.
Job Duties: Assistant investigators are responsible for providing a full range of investigative support services for attorneys and investigators. General areas of responsibility include retrieving criminal, civil, juvenile, medical, and/or educational records electronically and/or in person; conducting searches for civil and criminal records; documenting records requests; maintaining all releases and keeping them up to date; assisting with field investigations, including conducting door knocks and serving subpoenas; assisting with expert vetting; and providing any additional support to the cases, as needed.
Requirements: All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or at least one-year of relevant investigative experience. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of computer literacy, including expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat programs. Applicants must be able to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines. Applicants must be proficient in conducting online searches and have experience using databases. The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish or other languages is preferred, but not required. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and a working vehicle with appropriate insurance. Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
A background investigation is a condition of employment. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; have strong organizational and technical skills; an ability to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; capable of learning new technological tools, when needed; be able to work independently and take initiative; and work well collaboratively.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, three writing samples, and three references. We will accept applications until October 16, 2026, or until filled. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Job Duties: Assistant investigators are responsible for providing a full range of investigative support services for attorneys and investigators. General areas of responsibility include retrieving criminal, civil, juvenile, medical, and/or educational records electronically and/or in person; conducting searches for civil and criminal records; documenting records requests; maintaining all releases and keeping them up to date; assisting with field investigations, including conducting door knocks and serving subpoenas; assisting with expert vetting; and providing any additional support to the cases, as needed.
Requirements: All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or at least one-year of relevant investigative experience. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of computer literacy, including expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat programs. Applicants must be able to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines. Applicants must be proficient in conducting online searches and have experience using databases. The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish or other languages is preferred, but not required. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and a working vehicle with appropriate insurance. Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
A background investigation is a condition of employment. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; have strong organizational and technical skills; an ability to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; capable of learning new technological tools, when needed; be able to work independently and take initiative; and work well collaboratively.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, three writing samples, and three references. We will accept applications until October 16, 2026, or until filled. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or at least one year of relevant investigative experience
- High computer literacy, including expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat
- Ability to organize work and prioritize tasks to meet critical deadlines
- Proficiency conducting online searches and experience using databases
- Valid driver's license
- Working vehicle with appropriate insurance
- United States citizenship or permanent residency with intent to seek citizenship
- Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish or another language
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively
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