Job Description

Job Details for Trial Investigator

Court Name/Organization

Colorado Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Colorado seeks a full-time trial investigator to join our office. We operate under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. § 3006A), representing individuals unable to afford counsel and prosecuted in our federal courts. Our office is committed to serving the distinct needs of our clients with a diverse group of dedicated professionals. Applicants of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, veteran status, and other status protected by law are welcome.

Location

Denver, CO

Opening and Closing Dates

04/09/2026 - Open Until Filled

Appointment Type

Permanent

Classification Level/Grade

JSP Grade 14

Salary

$140,239 - $182,316

Position Description

This position is fully funded. Our investigators collaborate with our attorneys to provide the best defense for our clients. They conduct field investigations, perform witness interviews, gather/examine evidence, and collect records. They meet with incarcerated clients in county jails and state and federal prisons throughout the state. They are also mitigation experts and prepare both case and mitigation reports and court presentations. They are proficient in forensic and demonstrative litigation software. Case investigation will require travel within and outside the state. Our office environment is positive, collaborative, and client-centered, with opportunities for professional growth and advancement. The office has a telework policy that permits employees to work at home up to two days per week.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with at least three years of general experience working in an office or business and at least six years of criminal defense investigation experience. Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience in progressively responsible investigative duties, such as (1) locating and interviewing witnesses; (2) conducting extensive fact and mitigation investigations; (3) memorializing interviews and investigation details in written reports; (4) analyzing discovery and records; (5) serving subpoenas; and (6) supporting trial teams, including testifying in court. Based on the nature of our cases and our responsibilities across the state, investigators may work non-traditional work hours (nights and weekends) to include overnight and out-of-town travel. Applicants should have comprehensive knowledge of fact investigation, excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, and considerable initiative, resourcefulness, creativity, and drive.

Preferred but not required: Proficiency/fluency in Spanish. Experience with complex fraud and financial crimes. Experience in capital defense.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and motor vehicle liability insurance. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check and an IRS tax check.

Employee Benefits

This is an “Excepted Appointment,” full-time position with federal benefits and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications within the range of JSP Grade 14 ($140,239 - $182,316). Among the many benefits are the Federal Employees Retirement System, the Thrift Savings Plan (401k), paid annual and sick leave, 11 paid federal holidays, and health, life, disability, long-term care, dental, and vision insurance.

Miscellaneous

This position is fully funded. Our investigators collaborate with our attorneys to provide the best defense for our clients. They conduct field investigations, perform witness interviews, gather/examine evidence, and collect records. They meet with incarcerated clients in county jails and state and federal prisons throughout the state. They are also mitigation experts and prepare both case and mitigation reports and court presentations. They are proficient in forensic and demonstrative litigation software. Case investigation will require travel within and outside the state. Our office environment is positive, collaborative, and client-centered, with opportunities for professional growth and advancement. The office has a telework policy that permits employees to work at home up to two days per week.

Application Info

Qualified individuals should submit a letter of interest, resume, and an anonymized example of an investigative or mitigation report, combined in .pdf format, to Veronica Knights, Personnel Administrator, at employment@cofpd.org . Subject reference should be Trial Investigator Position.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Remote work, Work from home, Night shift, Weekend work, 2 days per week

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