Provides investigative support to Federal Public Defender attorneys and investigators by retrieving and documenting records, conducting online and database searches, maintaining releases, assisting with field investigations and subpoenas, vetting experts, and supporting case needs. Requires strong organization, communication, computer, research, and interpersonal skills, with flexibility for nights, weekends, and holidays.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for full-time assistant investigator positions, stationed in Los Angeles, California. The Federal Public Defender’s Office is committed to the client-centered pursuit of justice by advocating for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent individuals who are accused or convicted of crimes.
Job Duties: Assistant investigators are responsible for providing a full range of investigative support services for attorneys and investigators. General areas of responsibility include retrieving criminal, civil, juvenile, medical, and/or educational records electronically and/or in person; conducting searches for civil and criminal records; documenting records requests; maintaining all releases and keeping them up to date; assisting with field investigations, including conducting door knocks and serving subpoenas; assisting with expert vetting; and providing any additional support to the cases, as needed.
Requirements: All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or at least one-year of relevant investigative experience. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of computer literacy, including expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat programs. Applicants must be able to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines. Applicants must be proficient in conducting online searches and have experience using databases. The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish or other languages is preferred, but not required. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and a working vehicle with appropriate insurance. Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
A background investigation is a condition of employment. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; have strong organizational and technical skills; an ability to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; capable of learning new technological tools, when needed; be able to work independently and take initiative; and work well collaboratively.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, three writing samples, and three references. We will accept applications until October 16, 2026, or until filled. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Job Duties: Assistant investigators are responsible for providing a full range of investigative support services for attorneys and investigators. General areas of responsibility include retrieving criminal, civil, juvenile, medical, and/or educational records electronically and/or in person; conducting searches for civil and criminal records; documenting records requests; maintaining all releases and keeping them up to date; assisting with field investigations, including conducting door knocks and serving subpoenas; assisting with expert vetting; and providing any additional support to the cases, as needed.
Requirements: All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or at least one-year of relevant investigative experience. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of computer literacy, including expertise with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat programs. Applicants must be able to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines. Applicants must be proficient in conducting online searches and have experience using databases. The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish or other languages is preferred, but not required. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and a working vehicle with appropriate insurance. Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
A background investigation is a condition of employment. Applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.
Selection Criteria: Successful applicants demonstrate an interest in social justice, civil rights, or indigent defense; must have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; have strong organizational and technical skills; an ability to organize work and set priorities to meet critical deadlines; capable of learning new technological tools, when needed; be able to work independently and take initiative; and work well collaboratively.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting a letter of interest, résumé, three writing samples, and three references. We will accept applications until October 16, 2026, or until filled. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. Priority will be given to early applicants. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. Please, no phone calls.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
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What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
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- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
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- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
