Job Details for Assistant Investigator

Court Name/Organization

Connecticut Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position

We seek an Assistant Investigator to join our office in September 2026.

Location

Hartford, New Haven, CT

Opening and Closing Dates

09/01/2026 - Open Until Filled

Appointment Type

Permanent

Classification Level/Grade

JSP 5 - JSP 9

Salary

$45,963 - $72,737

Announcement Number

2026-08

Position Description

The Assistant Investigator plays an integral role in the development and work-up of a client’s case, including investigating factual allegations and facts in support of a defense, as well as gathering information to help tell our clients’ stories and present information mitigating the impact of the allegations against them. The Assistant Investigator works as part of the defense team to assist in planning and developing litigation strategies in criminal cases and assists attorneys and investigators at hearings and trials. Related duties include developing trusting relationships with clients; locating and interviewing witnesses; locating and retrieving documents, records, tangible evidence, and other relevant materials; communicating with clients’ family members; working with experts; and assisting with issues involving clients’ medical and other needs. The Assistant Investigator also assists with the collection, organization, management, review, and analysis of discovery and other case materials; assisting the litigation team in identifying appropriate tools and workflows for reviewing and analyzing case materials; and helping ensure that relevant information is effectively communicated to the defense team. The Assistant Investigator uses computer software and other technology for word processing, databases, document review, graphics, and other litigation-support functions and assists attorneys and investigators in developing demonstrative evidence and other materials for use in litigation. The Assistant Investigator is expected to remain current on developments in litigation-support technology and to recommend appropriate tools and processes as needed.

The Office’s business often requires team members to work together and support each other at various and sometimes unpredictable instances. Accordingly, the foregoing job description is only a sample of the work involved and other duties and needs may arise.

Qualifications

To qualify, the applicant should have the following:

• A desire and capacity to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of investigative principles, practices, methods, and techniques to assist in a team approach for planning and developing litigation strategies in criminal cases.
• Computer fluency, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and the ability to learn and utilize litigation-support and case-management technology.
• A high level of organizational skills to gather, maintain, and manage documents and information for assigned cases.
• The ability to apply knowledge of court rules, local practices, and the Federal Criminal and Civil Rules of Procedure in analyzing litigation support requirements.
• The ability to speak and write clearly and effectively.
• The ability to read, analyze, and interpret records and legal documents.
• The ability to exercise good judgment in a mature and diplomatic manner.
• The ability to recognize and analyze problems and recommend practical solutions.
• The ability to keep confidences and protect legal privileges.
• The ability to recognize and analyze problems and recommend practical solutions.
• The desire to work with and on behalf of people from diverse backgrounds.
• A strong commitment to providing holistic representational support to indigent persons in proceedings under federal criminal law.
• Proficiency in Spanish (preferred).

The position requires that the applicant possess a valid driver’s license, insurance, and own/operate a personal vehicle for business purposes (mileage is reimbursable). Occasional travel is required, including night and weekend work.

Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation including but not limited to an FBI fingerprint and name check.

General Experience

The applicant should have related work experience that demonstrates high-level analytical skills.

Employee Benefits

The salary of the successful applicant will be commensurate with the person’s qualifications and experience. The starting salary for this position falls within a range under the Judicial Salary Plan from Grade 5 at $45,963 to Grade 9 at $72,737. The position offers federal employment benefits, including paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k). Teleworking is available, consistent with office policy, court obligations, and position duties.

Miscellaneous

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut provides legal representation to persons charged with committing federal crimes who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. We represent the accused from arrest through trial and appeal, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

We are attorneys, paralegals, investigators, mitigation specialists, office administrators, and information technology specialists. Our team fosters interdisciplinary skill sets that ensure compassionate and comprehensive representation. We work together to uphold every person's right to be presumed innocent, to have a fair trial, to mitigation, and to have a fair sentence, if convicted. Our defense is vigorous, both at trial and on appeal. We advocate for humane sentences through client-centered representation, which honors an individual's lived experience.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice: We are committed to cultivating a culture of acceptance and connectedness that honors the diverse backgrounds of the people we represent. Our commitment to inclusion is integral to our commitment to a fair justice system. In recruiting members of our team, we welcome the full spectrum of humanity. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to our office because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We know that the best legal representation occurs through a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive workforce.

Application Info

To apply for this position, email a single PDF containing a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample to CTX_[email protected] . Please include the job announcement number in the subject line of the email.

We especially encourage applications from members of the BIPOC community, people affected by the criminal legal system, and people from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully, no matter the allegation or circumstance.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.