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Federal Defender Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Public Defender's Office

Investigator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$76K - $108K/yr

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of a full-time Investigator to be stationed in the Tucson Trial Unit. The Federal Public Defender ...

Steuben County

Public Defender

Angola, IN · On-site

... investigations. Conducts factual and legal research as required to prepare for cases, including ... Working knowledge of and ability to apply Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances to a wide ...

New

Steuben County

IN

... investigations. Conducts factual and legal research as required to prepare for cases, including ... Working knowledge of and ability to apply Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances to a wide ...

New

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Texarkana, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Conduct thorough investigations into all aspects of each case, including interviewing clients ... federal criminal law as applicable.Strong legal research skills, with the ability to analyze ...

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Federal Defender Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do federal defender investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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?

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 is a federal defender investigator?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Investigator

Federal Public Defender's Office

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$76K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER for the District of Arizona is accepting applications for the position of a full-time Investigator to be stationed in the Tucson Trial Unit. The Federal Public Defender operates under authority of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3006A(g)(2)(A), to provide federal criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel.

Requirements: To qualify a person must be a high school graduate or equivalent and have at least three years of general experience and three years of specialized experience; some higher education may be substituted for specialized experience. Bachelor's degree preferred. The applicant should possess the ability to write clearly and present complex and interrelated concepts and ideas. U.S Citizenship and heavy and extended travel in and out of Arizona is required. Spanish language fluency is required. Applicants selected for interview will be tested for Spanish fluency. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation.

Duties: The duties of an investigator include case preparation, obtaining and reviewing law enforcement records, interviewing clients and witnesses, and meeting with experts. Other duties include social history investigations, locating and interviewing potential penalty phase witnesses, identifying factors in a client's background that require expert evaluations, consulting with attorneys to develop guilt and penalty phase theories of the case and case strategy, and working with clients and a client's family while the case is pending.

Salary and Benefits: The starting salary for the investigator position will be fixed commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the applicant within a range from JSP 11, Step 1, to JSP 13, Step 1, and currently yielding $76,095 to $108,455 per annum. The position is in the excepted service and does not carry the tenure rights of the competitive Civil Service. The position does include regular government employee benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, telework opportunities and the Thrift Savings Plan. Salary is payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer (direct deposit). All positions are at will and are subject to the availability of funds.

Items to include: Please include a letter of interest along with resume. References will be required from candidates selected for an interview.

The Federal Public Defender is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.


Equal Opportunity Employer. The Federal Public Defender for the District of Arizona is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals from groups underrepresented in national projects within the defender community are encouraged to apply.