ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Federal Defender Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFederal Defender Investigator Jobs

Federal Defender Investigator information

See salary details

$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do federal defender investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal defender investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Defender Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Defender Investigator, you need strong investigative skills, knowledge of criminal law and procedure, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases, and evidence collection tools is common in this role. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and discretion are essential soft skills for building rapport with witnesses and collaborating with legal teams. These abilities are crucial to gather accurate information, support the defense team, and ensure fair representation for clients in federal cases.

What are Federal Defender Investigators?

Federal Defender Investigators are professionals who work with federal public defender offices to assist in the defense of individuals charged with federal crimes. Their primary role is to gather facts, locate and interview witnesses, collect and analyze evidence, and help attorneys build strong defense cases. They often conduct field investigations, review law enforcement reports, and prepare detailed reports for attorneys. Their work is critical in ensuring that defendants receive a fair trial and that all relevant information is brought to light.

What are some common challenges faced by Federal Defender Investigators, and how can new hires effectively address them?

Federal Defender Investigators often encounter challenges such as building trust with reluctant witnesses, managing large volumes of complex case files, and conducting thorough investigations within tight deadlines. New hires can address these challenges by developing strong communication skills, staying highly organized, and collaborating closely with attorneys and other team members. Seeking mentorship from experienced investigators and staying current with investigative best practices can also help navigate the complexities of federal defense cases.

What is the difference between Federal Defender Investigator vs Federal Public Defender Investigator?

AspectFederal Defender InvestigatorFederal Public Defender Investigator
CredentialsRelevant investigative experience, sometimes certifications in criminal justice or law enforcementSimilar credentials, often requiring investigative or law enforcement background
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, courtrooms, client interviewsGovernment offices, court settings, field investigations
Employer & IndustryFederal public defender offices, criminal defenseFederal public defender offices, criminal defense
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for investigative roles in federal defenseSimilar to Federal Defender Investigator, used interchangeably in searches

The Federal Defender Investigator and Federal Public Defender Investigator roles are very similar, both working within federal public defender offices to support criminal defense cases. They typically require investigative experience and work in government legal settings. The main difference is often in terminology used by different offices or regions, but their responsibilities and qualifications largely overlap.

More about Federal Defender Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Defender Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Federal Defender Investigator job openings:
What states have the most Federal Defender Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Defender Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Defender Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Defender Investigator jobs are:
Federal Defender Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Defender Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Attorney

Federal Defenders of Montana

Great Falls, MT • On-site

$82K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., the community defender organization serving the State and District of Montana, is growing! We are accepting applications for two (2) permanent full-time positions of Assistant Federal Defender at the Great Falls Headquarters Office. The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation, funded by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, which provides excellent legal representation and criminal defense services to individuals charged with federal crimes who are financially unable to retain counsel. The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., is not an agency of the federal government; staff members are not federal employees.

Positions: One position is for a trial lawyer, capable of handling all stages of a federal case, including trial, motions’ work, revocation proceedings and direct appeal. The other position, a non-capital habeas lawyer, requires intensive research and writing with good working knowledge of 28 U.S.C. § 2254 and 2255, but will also include trial and other duties as directed. All applicants should have demonstrated dedication to criminal defense work, as well as strong research, writing and courtroom skills.

Travel and Outside Practice of Law: Considerable travel throughout the district in connection with the responsibilities of the position should be anticipated. Federal defender attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.

Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary (Judicial Pay Scale (JSP) $82,459 -$197,100), health coverage, generous leave policy, and retirement plan.

Bar Admission: Qualified applicants must be admitted to and in good standing with the bar of the highest court of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands of the United States. Admission to the bar of Montana and the bar of the United States District Court for the District of Montana, or a commitment to admission within a year of acceptance of a position is mandatory.

Application Process: To apply, email your cover letter, resume, brief writing sample, and references in a single Adobe PDF file using the subject line “MTX-GREATFALLS-AFD”. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. No telephone inquiries please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background investigation. The Federal Defenders of Montana, Inc., maintains a drug-free workplace.