The Federal Public Defender Office for the Districts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island (FPDO) is accepting applications for the full-time position of Investigator in its Boston office. Our office is committed to zealously defending individuals who are accused of committing federal crimes and who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer. We represent the accused from arrest through trial and sentencing (if convicted), as well as on appeal, including appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and on collateral federal habeas corpus review.
An Investigator supports federal public defense teams by thoroughly investigating allegations against FPDO clients, engaging in comprehensive fact-finding, conducting mitigation research, and assisting with trial preparation in the federal district court.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Investigation Management: Help determine the scope, timing, and direction of fact and mitigation investigations.
- Witness Relations: Locate, interview, and prepare defense, prosecution, and expert witnesses for testimony.
- Background Research: Investigate client and witness histories, including educational, medical, psychological, familial, and criminal backgrounds.
- Evidence Collection: Locate, retrieve, and analyze relevant materials, discovery records, and case-related documents.
- Trial & Sentencing Support: Assist attorneys in pretrial, trial, and sentencing proceedings; serve subpoenas, research jury pools, and give sworn testimony.
- Content Creation: Write detailed investigative reports, manage case databases, and produce written submissions or sentencing videos to lessen client exposure.
- Logistics: Manage witness travel, coordination, and team collaboration.
- Additional duties: Perform additional duties as determined by the Federal Defender or the management team.
