Investigator

ArchCity Defenders (ACD) is a holistic legal advocacy organization that combats the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color. ACD’s foundation of civil and criminal legal representation, social services, impact litigation, policy and media advocacy, and community collaboration achieves and inspires justice and equitable outcomes for people throughout the St. Louis region and beyond.

ACD envisions a society liberated from systems of oppression where the promise of justice and racial equity is realized; communities where our approach to public safety prioritizes investment in well-being, health, and transformation without relying on criminalization and incarceration; and people living freely in their communities, thriving regardless of their race or income.

• Re-envision public safety, promote community well-being through policy change, and hold public actors and institutions accountable for misconduct through litigation and zealous holistic representation.
• Challenge a system of policing, courts, and jails designed to meet municipal financial needs rather than the needs of those they purport to serve. Such practices attracted national spotlight during the 2014 Ferguson Uprising and remain widespread throughout our region.
• Engage in litigation and collaborative advocacy designed to bring abusive practices to an end and empower those communities that have been targeted by such practices.

Investigator

Role Overview

ACD seeks a diligent and creative individual with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff of attorneys, paralegals, social workers, community organizers, and media and communication advocates who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of poverty and involvement with the legal system. The Investigator will report to the Deputy Executive Director and collaborate with attorneys and other members of the ACD legal teams. The ideal candidate will be a resourceful and adaptable professional who thrives in a dynamic environment. Highly organized and vigilant, they possess exceptional time management and situational awareness. With a commitment to professionalism, compassion, and integrity, they are solutions-focused, creative under pressure, and deeply dedicated to equity, holistic representation, and client advocacy. 

Job Responsibilities

• Plan and execute investigations in consultation with attorneys, utilizing appropriate methods and tracking progress through organizational systems.
• Conduct fieldwork, including crime scene analysis, evidence collection, surveillance, and photography.
• Locate and interview clients, witnesses, and other relevant parties to gather critical information.
• Draft interview summaries and complete affidavits as directed by attorneys.
• Retrieve work, health, housing, mental health, and other records or documents as needed to support litigation.
• Obtain, analyze and preserve evidence; prepare court exhibits such as maps, diagrams, and visual presentations.
• Serve subpoenas and summonses, acting as the organization’s process server as needed.
• Assist attorneys and paralegals with depositions and trial preparation.
• May be called to testify in court regarding investigative findings.
• Maintain accurate, well-organized case files and collaborate effectively with legal teams.
• Embrace a holistic, client-centered approach to representation.
• Perform investigative duties outside of traditional business hours when needed.
• Participate in training programs and maintain current knowledge of investigative practices.
• Maintain availability to other staff members for consultation and education.
• Perform any other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of ACD’s legal team.

Skills and Qualifications

• Valid Missouri driver’s license with liability insurance as required by law and be able to safely operate a vehicle in furtherance of job requirements.
• Experience in investigative work in social services, criminal process, or journalism.
• Knowledge of legal procedures and investigative techniques (e.g., interviewing, digital forensics, photography, and audio/video systems).
• Ability to work as part of several different legal teams and at the direction of different attorneys.
• Ability to work outside of normal business office hours.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively, including overnight travel.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high volume workload effectively.
• Strong critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize work tasks while working both collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to locate, obtain, review, analyze, and summarize relevant records and data.
• Excellent interviewing and communication skills with the ability to document clear work product and case notes.
• Commitment to cultural awareness, professionalism, confidentiality, compassion, and integrity.
• Ability to engage and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, civil rights, and the mission of ArchCity Defenders. 

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs. occasionally.
• Subject to sitting, standing, walking, reaching and handling to perform the essential functions. 

Cover Letter and Writing Sample Instructions

• Please submit your cover letter as a single PDF file that includes your cover letter followed by a writing sample.
• Your writing sample should illustrate your professional writing ability. We’re not looking for a specific “type” of sample or number of pages, just some writing that would give us helpful insight. You may attach an existing piece of work or something newly drafted to the end of your cover letter.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time position with benefits, including health/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) with partial match, YMCA membership, work cell phone, parental and sick leave, subsidized parking, paid continuing education or professional development opportunities, and 26 days of PTO plus holidays. The salary range for this position is $48,000-$58,000 based on relevant experience. 
• ArchCity Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQIA , and gender non-conforming applicants.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled with priority given to applicants submitting materials by April 25, 2025.