Trial Assistant Investigator - Closing 10/16/2026

Federal Public Defender, Central District of California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California in Los Angeles invites applications for full-time assistant investigator positions. You will provide investigative support to attorneys and investigators, including records retrieval, online searches, and field work such as subpoenas and door knocks.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or one year of relevant experience, strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat) and be able to meet deadlines;

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or at least one year of investigative experience.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong organizational and prioritization abilities to meet deadlines.
• Experience performing online searches and using databases.
• Spanish language ability preferred, not required.
• Valid driver's license and insured vehicle required.
• Some nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provide investigative support to attorneys and investigators.
• Retrieve criminal, civil, juvenile, medical, and educational records electronically or in person.
• Conduct searches for records and document requests.
• Maintain releases and keep them up to date.
• Assist with field investigations, including door knocks and subpoenas.
• Assist with expert vetting and other case-related tasks.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Spanish pref.

Education

Bachelor's degree or 1 year relevant investigative experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Databases/search tools

Job description

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.

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.