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Federal Defender Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Luzerne County

Assistant Public Defender

Wilkes Barre, PA · On-site

$62K/yr

Duties of APD include trials and court hearings, appeals in state court and Federal/State Habeas ... Investigate alleged crime or offense by meeting with witnesses, police officers and reviewing the ...

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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.

Assistant Public Defender Felony 6's

The Allen County

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Department: Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023
Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal defense to indigent defendants in the courts of Allen County, Indiana as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Indiana Constitution and Indiana state law. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Works directly with defendant and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in person meetings, while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality.
  • Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings.
  • Represents defendants in all court appearances, including pretrial discovery, withdraw pleas, and suppression notices.
  • Works with support staff to provide effective and high quality legal representation to accused indigent people facing felony or misdemeanor charges, juvenile adjudication, and mental health commitments.
  • Attends post-trial sentencing hearings for clients who negotiate plea bargains or are found guilty in trial.
  • Files appeals when errors are found in court proceedings which prevented the defendant from having a fair trial.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law
  • Valid Indiana license to practice law
  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work
  • Minimum of one year of experience in criminal litigation
  • Must have prior experience as lead or co-counsel in two felony jury trials that went to verdict.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
The Deputy Public Defender performs work that consists of many complex and significant variables when providing criminal defense to indigent defendants. Extensive judgement and adaptation is required to provide effective and high quality legal representation.
RESPONSIBILITY:
The Deputy Public Defender performs work that is extensive and consequential while representing defendants. The Deputy Public Defender works with little to no supervision and is responsible for providing effective and high quality legal representation to all assigned defendants.
PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:
The Deputy Public Defender maintains frequent communication with defendants, judges, prosecutors, probation, law enforcement, investigators and Public Defender office staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting. Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading exists.
SUPERVISION:
None
LICENSING:
Valid Indiana license to practice law
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:
Chief Public Defender
HOURS:
Hours vary; 37.5 hours
Please complete the application accurately and thoroughly. A resume is optional. Remember to save and submit your application. If applying for multiple positions, submit a separate application for each one. You'll receive an email confirmation once your application is received. Due to the high volume of applications, further communication will only occur if you're selected for an interview.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.

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