Investigator

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. is seeking an Investigator in our Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit. This position will be an integral member of the Appeals team assisting the unit’s attorneys in preparation of cases.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in the Western New York community. The work involves primarily conducting criminal investigations and obtaining discovery materials in the defense of clients who are represented by the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo’s Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit but could be assigned work in other units. This position involves work on appellate and post-conviction matters including, but not limited to, CPL Article 440 motions, clemency, parole, habeas corpus, Article 78, and 18 USC § 1983 proceedings. The investigator may work alone and at odd hours, including the possibility of nights and weekends in the discharge of their responsibilities. The investigator will be called upon to assist with investigations in all counties the Appeals and Post-Conviction Unit assists clients in, including, but not limited to Erie County, Genesee County, Cattaraugus County, Orleans County, Niagara County, Chautauqua County, and Ontario County.

Why Join Us?

· Competitive Pay: Starting at $27.93/hour

· Comprehensive Benefits Package:

o Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.

o Generous vacation, personal, and sick time.

o Paid parenthood leave plan

o 401(k) retirement plan.

o Long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, and other voluntary insurance offerings

o Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, and a flexible spending account.

· Union Position: Be part of a supportive and collective bargaining environment.

· Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Qualifying employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities:

· Works collaboratively with Appeals and Post-Conviction attorneys and supervisors to assemble defense materials in the form of statements of witnesses or preparation of exhibits to assist in successful appellate and post-conviction arguments.

· Obtains discovery materials from trial counsel and prosecutors.

· Reviews discovery materials for exculpatory or otherwise helpful information. Where appropriate, conducts further investigation to obtain related documentation or witness statements

· Promptly conducts assigned investigations as directed by attorneys and/or supervisory staff.

· Conducts physical and/or technical surveillance.

· Photographs the scene as appropriate and downloads photographs to computer system.

· Locates and develops witnesses capable of producing legally admissible evidence in court or affidavits.

· Locates clients and obtains necessary releases, forms, and waivers from clients

· Obtains written statements from witnesses.

· Assists attorneys in interviewing clients, witnesses and any other person at various locations, for factual information related to the case, as required.

· Prepares complete and accurate written reports regarding completed investigations.

· Serves legal papers, including subpoenas.

· Notarizes documents and witness statements.

· Maintains accurate case records on LegalServer and any other required case management system.

· Maintains digital records on Laserfiche, including discovery materials.

· Performs field work as required.

· Obtains records, reports, videos, recordings, discovery, evidence, and other pertinent documentation per attorney’s direction.

Employment Standards:

· Completion of a two (2) year specialized program in criminal investigation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two (2) or four (4) year college or university; or

· Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university; or

· Two (2) or more years of study at a regionally accredited or New York State registered two (2) or four (4) year college or university and two (2) years of related experience in criminal defense, criminal prosecution, or law enforcement; or

· Graduation from high school or possession of high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of experience in a position involving criminal defense, criminal prosecution, or law enforcement.

· An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the above standards.

Additional Requirements:

· Possession of a valid New York State Driver's License and access to a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from minorities, females, disabled individuals, veterans, and individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We look forward to welcoming a new member to our dedicated team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Buffalo, NY 14202 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $36