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Major Cases Team Investigator Job Description

Position Announcement

The Shelby County Public Defender is hiring an investigator for its Major Cases Team to help provide high-quality, client-centered legal representation to indigent people charged with serious crimes in the justice systems of Shelby County, Tennessee.

Competitive candidates will have a deep and demonstrated commitment to the defense of indigent people; excellent communication, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills; the proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently; and a strong work ethic.

Established in 1917 as the first public defender east of the Mississippi, the Shelby County Public Defender has a long legacy as a national leader in standing up for equal justice. We are committed to cutting-edge practices in representing more than 30,000 adults and children each year at every level of the justice system, from municipal court to the United States Supreme Court. We are proud to stand up for the vulnerable people of Shelby County — one of the nation’s most important cultural centers, with a deep history of struggle for racial and economic justice.

Position Summary

The Major Cases Team Investigator is an integral member of the interdisciplinary Major Cases Team (MCT). During the course of a comprehensive investigation of the allegations against clients, the MCT Investigator interviews clients, witnesses, and alleged victims; reviews and analyzes discovery, including digital evidence; locates favorable witnesses and obtains evidence to support clients’ defenses; and, in close collaboration with attorneys and mitigation specialists, contributes to the development of a compelling defense theory.

Job Responsibilities

·         Conduct an independent investigation of the state’s case, regardless of the appearance of guilt and the quantity and quality of the state’s evidence.

·         Identify, locate, and interview witnesses, including alleged victims, decedents’ families and friends, law enforcement, and state’s expert witnesses to gather information on events surrounding cases. Take initiative to pursue leads and follow up on information previously obtained.

·         Conduct culturally competent interviews with clients, clients’ families and friends, and potential defense witnesses. Establish rapport to overcome barriers against the disclosure of sensitive information.

·         Draft detailed and well-written reports summarizing contacts with witnesses, scene descriptions, and analysis of physical evidence. Obtain signed, written witness statements or recorded witness statements when appropriate.

·         Review, summarize, and digest all discovery, including body-worn camera footage, cell phone extractions, and other digital evidence, into easily accessible formats.

·         Review crime scene and physical evidence.

·         Locate, obtain, evaluate, and preserve documentary evidence from a variety of sources, including legal databases and social media.

·         Assist the defense team in identifying areas in which expert assistance is needed (e.g., ballistics, crime scene reconstruction, digital forensics, DNA, forensic pathology, and others). Contact and liaise with experts. Organize records, discovery, and other materials in accessible formats to share with experts.

·         Confer with attorneys on points of law and procedure. Contribute to discussions regarding case and litigation strategy.

·         In consultation with the defense team, develop a compelling theory of the case, integrating the legal defense, the facts, and the dominant emotions of the case into a short, concise statement of non-guilt.

·         Assist with preparation for trial by identifying necessary witnesses, serving subpoenas, coordinating with and preparing defense witnesses, and marshaling defense evidence, including trial exhibits. Appear as a witness and testify at trial, if necessary.

·         Perform other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

The Investigator reports to the MCT’s lead investigator as well as its supervising attorney.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·         Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities.

·         Ability to obtain sensitive information through culturally competent interviewing.

·         Ability to assess the reliability of evidence and the credibility of witnesses.

·         Ability and willingness to perform job duties and conduct interviews in a variety of locations and settings.

·         Knowledge of the techniques, principles, and methods used in criminal investigations.

·         Familiarity with the role, limitations of, and methods of challenging forensic evidence in the context of criminal trials.

·         Ability to self-start, take initiative, and not wait on direction.

·         Effective time management, organization, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

·         Ability to manage competing deadlines and conduct comprehensive investigation with minimal oversight.

·         Meticulous attention to detail across all aspects of work.

·         Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, maintaining focus and flexibility under pressure.

·         Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys and other members of the defense team.

·         Strong written advocacy skills, including the ability to draft clear and concise reports summarizing interviews and discovery and written witness statements crafted for effective use at trial.

·         Creative and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize large quantities of information and identify and develop compelling theories of defense tailored to each client’s circumstances.

Education and Other Requirements

·         Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field (e.g., social work, psychology, human services, sociology, public health, or criminal justice).

·         Three years of criminal investigative experience, or related education, training, or other relevant professional experience.

·         Proof of education, training, and/or experience is required.

·         Work may require travel; evening and weekend work may be necessary.

Compensation and Benefits

·         Salary is based upon experience, starting near $40,000. Benefit options include medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance through Cigna.

·         Shelby County is one of the least expensive major metropolitan areas in the country, with a low cost but high standard of living.

Statement on Non-Discrimination

The Shelby County Public Defender is committed to diversity and actively recruits people who are traditionally underrepresented in the practice of law. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ethnicity, class, public benefit, political view, military status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, family structure, prior record of arrest or conviction, genetic predisposition or carrier status, age, disability, experience as a victim, or any other protected classification under applicable federal, state or local law.