Overview
The Bronx Defenders – an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx – seeks a passionate individual with a commitment to public defense to join our Criminal Defense Practice as a Spanish-Speaking Investigator.
Founded in 1997, The Bronx Defenders is a public defender nonprofit that has developed a nationally recognized model of representation called holistic defense, which provides people with teams of lawyers, social workers, and advocates to defend them zealously in court as well as to address the underlying drivers and enmeshed penalties of legal system involvement.
Since opening our doors, we have grown into an organization of more than 400 staff members defending nearly 20,000 New Yorkers each year in criminal, family, civil, and immigration proceedings who face incarceration, family separation, eviction, and deportation, among other devastating consequences.
Today we are reimagining the role of public defense even further, using community organizing and engagement, legislative advocacy, and impact litigation to partner with the communities we represent to bring about long-lasting systemic change.
We also share our model and lessons learned with current and future public defenders. We run two legal clinics at NYC law schools and train public defenders from one end of the country to the next on how to move to a holistic model of representation.
The Criminal Defense Practice
The Bronx is one of the most aggressively policed boroughs in New York City. As a result, we represent thousands of people each year, nearly 40% of whom are charged with low-level offenses such as shoplifting, traffic offenses, and drug possession. As part of our holistic approach, we spend time getting to know the people we represent and gaining a deeper understanding of their lives and needs. With that understanding, we advocate for people by thoroughly investigating their cases, raising novel legal arguments, using creative tools of persuasion and storytelling, and addressing needs that go beyond the scope of their cases.
Responsibilities
Investigators work alongside attorneys and advocates to defend Bronx residents accused of crimes. Broadly speaking, investigators find evidence that will assist in the defense of the people we represent. Most of the work conducted by investigators does not take place in the office but is carried out in the field: at private homes, on the street, and in the Bronx community. Investigators may also be asked to interview individuals who are incarcerated at both New York City and New York State correctional facilities.
Collaborate with attorneys and advocates to create a comprehensive investigative strategy
Locate, interview and take detailed statements from prosecution witnesses who are accusing our clients of committing a crime
Locate and interview favorable defense witnesses
Gather and review time-sensitive video surveillance
Photograph and diagram crime scenes and prepare courtroom exhibits
Perform Department of Motor Vehicles, public record, social media and criminal background investigations
Assist attorneys with case development
Write memoranda regarding investigative efforts and results
Juggle high volume, urgent requests in a fast-paced, high-stakes setting, and
Occasionally testify in court proceedings
Qualifications
Fluency in written and spoken Spanish (validated objectively) required
Experience working in and with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically marginalized communities
Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people with various backgrounds, identities and experiences
Strong communication and active listening skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with reluctant parties,
Ability to think critically and creatively in unpredictable environments
Comfort navigating the Bronx community, conducting in-home interviews and visiting crime scenes
Ability to multitask, maintain order and prioritize…