Job Details for Investigator
| Court Name/Organization | Pennsylvania Western Federal Public Defender |
| Overview of the Position | The Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for the position of Investigator. The Investigator is a key member of the defense team who reviews evidence, develops theories of defense and mitigation, locates and interviews witnesses for fact and mitigation investigation, identifies experts, visits crime scenes, assists in preparation for trial and other court hearings, and testifies in court when required. The Investigator also gathers, reviews, and analyzes records; serves subpoenas; and works with attorneys to interview clients, document clients’ social history, and prepare mitigation summaries for plea negotiation and sentencing. This position will primarily support the Trial Unit and the Appeals/Non-Capital Habeas Unit in our Johnstown and Pittsburgh offices. The Investigator must be able to establish and maintain good working relationships with individuals and agencies (including prisons), provide oral and written reports, and use technology including software, cameras, and other equipment. The Investigator is an essential part of providing equal justice to individuals unable to afford counsel in federal cases. The ideal candidate brings strong initiative, sound judgment, discretion, and a deep commitment to client-centered advocacy. |
| Location | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Opening and Closing Dates | 05/22/2025 - 05/30/2025 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Salary | $63,000 - $167,000 |
| Link to Court Careers Information | https://paw.fd.org/ |
| Announcement Number | 2025-05 |
Position Description
Duties and Responsibilities of the Investigator:
- Reviews and analyzes discovery and other case documentation. Assists in determining scope, timing, and direction of the investigation. Initiates new areas of investigation.
- Locates and interviews witnesses, including prosecution, defense and expert witnesses. Evaluates witnesses and discusses relevant value with the attorney.
- Provides information to experts, coordinates evaluations, and clarifies the focus of the issues to be addressed by the expert.
- Maintains a filing and reference system for mitigation and mental health literature, including biographies and areas of expertise of available experts.
- Reports findings of interviews and of the investigation to the responsible attorney. Locates, views, and retrieves tangible evidence, personal property and other relevant material and/or objects.
- Photographs, measures, and/or documents investigation as needed.
- Gathers, reviews, analyzes, and organizes all records relevant to a case. Verifies information obtained to establish accuracy and authenticity of facts and evidence.
- Assists the attorney at hearings and trials by evaluating testimony, and coordinating witnesses and documents. Serves subpoenas and notifies defense witnesses of court appearances.
- Utilizes computer software for word processing, databases, records review, case management, and graphics. Assists the attorney in developing demonstrative evidence for court hearings and use at trial.
- Investigates the client’s social history and assists the attorney in developing mitigation information for use in plea negotiation and/or sentencing.
Qualifications
An applicant must be a high school graduate or equivalent; additional education is preferred but not required. A variety of experience, including in non-legal fields and/or social work, paralegal or legal assistant training, would be helpful, as would experience developing and analyzing mitigation evidence for court proceedings. The ability to read, write, and speak fluently in the Spanish language is strongly preferred but not required. This position requires considerable initiative, resourcefulness, creativity and drive; excellent writing skills, computer proficiency, the ability to communicate and work well with others; and a commitment to obtaining justice for indigent persons. The successful applicant can analyze and evaluate facts, evidence, and related information. This position requires regular travel in the Western District of Pennsylvania, including to our Johnstown office, as well as some overnight and out-of-state stays. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, reliable car, and motor vehicle insurance.
Employee Benefits
This position is full-time with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Generous Health/Vision/Dental/Life Insurance Coverage
- Dependent and Long-term Care Insurance Programs
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Commuter Benefit Program, including Mass Transit and Parking Reimbursement Accounts
- Earned paid time off, including paid sick leave
- 11 Paid Federal Holidays
- Up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Mandatory participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
- Optional participation in the Thrift Savings Plan retirement account with up to 5% agency matching contributions
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
- Employee Assistance Program (confidential counseling and assistance)
- Credit for prior federal service
Miscellaneous
Duties and Responsibilities of the Investigator:
- Reviews and analyzes discovery and other case documentation. Assists in determining scope, timing, and direction of the investigation. Initiates new areas of investigation.
- Locates and interviews witnesses, including prosecution, defense and expert witnesses. Evaluates witnesses and discusses relevant value with the attorney.
- Provides information to experts, coordinates evaluations, and clarifies the focus of the issues to be addressed by the expert.
- Maintains a filing and reference system for mitigation and mental health literature, including biographies and areas of expertise of available experts.
- Reports findings of interviews and of the investigation to the responsible attorney. Locates, views, and retrieves tangible evidence, personal property and other relevant material and/or objects.
- Photographs, measures, and/or documents investigation as needed.
- Gathers, reviews, analyzes, and organizes all records relevant to a case. Verifies information obtained to establish accuracy and authenticity of facts and evidence.
- Assists the attorney at hearings and trials by evaluating testimony, and coordinating witnesses and documents. Serves subpoenas and notifies defense witnesses of court appearances.
- Utilizes computer software for word processing, databases, records review, case management, and graphics. Assists the attorney in developing demonstrative evidence for court hearings and use at trial.
- Investigates the client’s social history and assists the attorney in developing mitigation information for use in plea negotiation and/or sentencing.
Application Info
Interested applicants are invited to apply by submitting a single pdf document that includes a cover letter, resume, and writing sample via email to the attention of: Elisa A. Long, federal public defender, paw_employment@fd.org, subject: 2025-05.
The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.