Investigator, Law​/Legal, Legal Counsel

Position Description

The Federal Public Defender for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa is accepting applications for the position of Investigator to be located at its Cedar Rapids office.

The Federal Public Defender Office operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. 3006A) to represent individuals who are unable to afford counsel and are prosecuted in our federal courts. Our office is committed to serving the distinct needs of these individuals with a diverse group of dedicated professionals who collaborate with, listen to, and advocate on behalf of one another.

We welcome and value individuals 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.  for more information about our office.

• Locates and interviews witnesses and handles related tasks such as serving subpoenas and coordinating witness testimony.
• Reviews and analyzes discovery and other case‑related documents utilizing tools such as Acrobat, Excel, Cellebrite and Axiom.
• Locates, retrieves and views pertinent evidence, personal property or other related materials.
• Documents evidence through photography, videography, mapping and other digital capture tools.
• Gathers, reviews and analyzes records, and identifies and provides information to experts.
• Writes comprehensive descriptive reports on work completed.
• Works closely with counsel and paralegals to prepare evidence for trial and motion submissions and occasionally testifies.
• Investigates the client’s social history and assists the attorney in developing mitigation information for use in plea negotiation or sentencing.
• Forms a trusted relationship with clients and engages frequently and directly with clients, their families, and their communities. This position may require exposure to some dangerous situations.

• Must be a high school graduate or equivalent with a minimum of six years of investigative experience, to include three years general experience and three years specialized experience utilizing the skills essential to this position. Education above the high school level may be substituted for general experience.
• This position requires considerable initiative, resourcefulness, creativity and drive.
• A basic understanding of criminal law, procedure, evidence and confidentiality issues, such as attorney‑client privilege is required.
• The ability to communicate with and have compassion for individuals from diverse social classes and lifestyles is required.
• Excellent writing skills, computer proficiency, and the ability to communicate and work well with others are required.
• Must be willing to work long, irregular hours and travel extensively throughout the State of Iowa. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance. Travel will be reimbursed when necessary.
• A variety of prior experience, including non‑legal fields and/or social work, paralegal, or legal assistant training, would be helpful, as would experience developing and analyzing mitigation evidence for court proceedings.
• Criminal defense investigative experience is preferred but not required. Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required. Experience in digital/cyber forensics or financial forensics is a plus. The selected candidate must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States.

The selected candidate will be subject to a background check and subsequent favorable suitability determination as a condition of employment. Employment will be considered provisional until a satisfactory background check is confirmed.

Compensation is determined by the Judicial Salary Plan, and will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience within a range of JSP-11, Step 1 to JSP-14, Step
1. Federal government benefits apply, including health and life insurance, retirement, and the Thrift Savings Plan. Direct deposit of pay required. Some telework may be offered.

Electronically submit resume, cover letter and three references by February 27, 2026, to . The email subject line must read:
Investigator 2601. Preference will be given to applications received by February 27, however, position will remain open until filled. Only applicants considered for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please. This position is subject to funding availability.

The Federal Public Defender is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.