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Public Defender Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Public Defender Investigator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.4K

$78.6K

$136.7K

How much do public defender investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender investigator in Riverside, CA is $78,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,800.00 and $102,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public defender investigator?

Public Defender Investigators are professionals who work with public defender offices to investigate the facts of criminal cases on behalf of defendants who cannot afford private attorneys. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, visit crime scenes, and help build a defense strategy. Their work is crucial in ensuring that clients receive a fair trial by uncovering information that may support innocence or mitigate charges. Public Defender Investigators often work closely with attorneys to prepare for court and may testify as needed. They play a vital role in upholding justice and protecting the rights of the accused.

What are some common challenges faced by public defender investigators in building a strong defense case?

Public Defender Investigators often encounter challenges such as limited access to witnesses, reluctance of individuals to cooperate, and working under tight deadlines. They must carefully gather and verify information while maintaining objectivity, even in emotionally charged cases. Additionally, balancing a heavy caseload and ensuring thoroughness can be demanding, but strong organizational and communication skills help investigators effectively support attorneys and clients.

Is it easy to get hired as a public defender investigator?

Getting hired as a public defender investigator typically requires relevant experience in law enforcement, investigations, or legal settings, along with strong analytical and communication skills. Competition can be moderate, and candidates often need to pass background checks and meet specific certification or education requirements. Success depends on the individual's qualifications and the availability of positions within the public defender's office.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender Investigator, you need strong investigative skills, knowledge of criminal law and procedures, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, public records databases, and evidence collection tools is commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure thorough and unbiased investigations, supporting fair legal representation for clients.

What does a public defender investigator do?

As a public defender investigator, your primary responsibilities are to assist public defender attorneys and gather evidence for use in criminal and civil trials. You work for clients who cannot afford a private attorney for their case. Your investigative duties include conducting interviews, running background checks, completing undercover surveillance, preparing legal documents, conferring with the attorney, and analyzing evidence. You handle a felony or misdemeanor charge, deliver subpoenas, act as a witness, and appear in a trial as necessary.

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

AspectPublic Defender InvestigatorPublic Defender Paralegal
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer relevant experienceHigh school diploma or associate degree; paralegal certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, interviews, case investigationOffice-based, legal research, document preparation
Employer & Industry UsagePublic defender offices, criminal justiceLaw firms, public defender offices, legal departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Public Defender Investigator and a Public Defender Paralegal lies in their roles. Investigators focus on gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and fieldwork, while paralegals handle legal research, document preparation, and administrative tasks. Both roles support public defenders but serve distinct functions within the criminal justice system.

More about Public Defender Investigator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA? For Public Defender Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Public Defender Investigator jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Public Defender Investigator job openings:
Public Defender Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Investigator job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,584 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Civil Rights Legal Fellow

Council on American-Islamic Relations

Anaheim, CA • Hybrid

$70K - $85K/yr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Civil Rights Legal Fellow

Work Location: Anaheim, CA

Position Status: Exempt, Temporary, Full-Time for one year

Salary: Range: $70,000 to $85,000 salary/year, commensurate with skills and experience. Time limited one-year position, with possibility for future extension contingent upon additional funding, performance, and other factors.

Reports To: Civil Rights Managing Attorney

Generous Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for employees & dependents, 401(k) plan with an employer match, 12 vacation days, 10 sick days and 12 holidays, hybrid work schedule utilized temporarily with three days in office and two days remote work.

About CAIR

Join the largest American Muslim civil rights organization at the frontlines in protecting the rights of free speech, to freely practice one's faith, to pursue employment opportunities without harassment, and to live as an active and engaged American without reprisal. The Council on American-Islamic Relations of California (CAIR-CA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. We recognize that our employees are passionate, talented, and are our most valuable resource. With such an important vision to be a leading advocate for justice and mutual understanding, our diverse workforce stands together to demonstrate our values for everyone who chooses to join these efforts.

About the Role

The Greater Los Angeles area office of CAIR (CAIR-LA) is looking for a recent law graduate or practicing attorney with up to three years of experience to work on priority issues affecting the American Muslim community. Specifically, CAIR-LA's Civil Rights Department is looking to identify a qualified candidate with a demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy and to serving the Muslim community to fill the Fellowship position. The Fellow must be a motivated individual who will be expected to identify, strategize, and use creative legal and grassroots advocacy solutions to address systematic issues facing the American Muslim community.

CAIR-LA's Civil Rights Department works to protect and defend the constitutional rights of American Muslims. The department counsels, mediates, and advocates on behalf of Muslims and others who have experienced religious discrimination.

Fellows gain the skills, knowledge, and exposure required to deal with contemporary civil rights issues affecting the American Muslim community, including employment discrimination, public accommodation discrimination, First Amendment rights, the rights of incarcerated individuals to religious accommodations, school bullying, equal protection, and procedural due process issues.

The position will remain open until filled.

General Duties and Responsibilities

  • Support the Civil Rights department's advocacy and litigation work
  • Conduct intakes and investigate legal claims through effective communication with an incredibly diverse community
  • Perform in-depth legal research and analysis on a variety of legal claims
  • Legal writing including, but not limited to, drafting complaints, letters, briefs and memos; and non-legal writing including drafting community advisories, issue briefings, and reports
  • Participate in discovery, brief writing, and trial practice
  • Draft and edit public education and non-litigation advocacy materials
  • Communicate with outside parties such as attorneys, employers, law enforcement agents, administrative agencies, etc.
  • Work to educate and empower diverse community members on their rights through community presentations and material distributions
  • Participate in public speaking and outreach activities through community events and coalition meetings
  • Other duties as needed and assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Law degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school
  • Candidates who have not yet been admitted to practice law will be expected to have been admitted by the Fall of 2026
  • Demonstrated commitment to upholding civil liberties and civil rights
  • Excellent research, writing, analytical, and speaking skills
  • Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability for meeting deadlines
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with outstanding attention to detail
  • Comfort working productively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking experience
  • Experience working with people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
  • Access to a working vehicle and the ability to drive throughout the greater Los Angeles area
  • High degree of self-motivation and creativity
  • A strong commitment to civil rights, immigrants' rights, and CAIR's mission
  • Conversational proficiency in Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Spanish, or Somali preferred but not required

To apply, please submit the following: (1) a letter of interest in the position and your earliest date of availability to start, (2) your resume, (3) a brief legal writing sample, and (4) your law school transcript. Please attach all documents to your submission.

CAIR-CA is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination.

Apply