Senior Investigator

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc . has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Investigator to contribute to our impact on Western New York communities. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in Western New York by primarily handling serious felony cases and providing specialized expertise in forensics, crime scene analysis, or mitigation work. This union position is part of the Criminal Defense Unit (CDU) team and plays a critical role in ensuring high-quality criminal defense representation by leading complex investigations, mentoring Staff Investigators, and collaborating closely with attorneys to build strong defense strategies.

Given the nature of our work, the Senior Investigator is expected to work primarily on-site from our office located at 290 Main Street, Buffalo, NY.

Who are we?

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc . has been providing access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community for over 100 years. Using a holistic approach, we provide quality, client-centered legal representation in a vast range of criminal and civil matters such as mandated criminal defense, mandated child and youth representation, consumer credit, employment, education, family, post-conviction, appeals, housing, employment, and immigration. Please visit our website to learn more.

Why Join Us?

Mission-Drive Culture:

· Supportive work environment

· Opportunities to learn and grow through collaboration with colleagues

· Schedule Flexibility within operating hours

Competitive Pay: Salary ranging from $70,314 -$89,902 commensurate with relevant experience.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

· Medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your dependents.

· Extensive paid time off programs – holiday, vacation, personal, sick time, and more

· Paid parenthood leave plan.

· 401(k) retirement plan with contributions made by the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. between 6 and 8% when eligible.

· Life insurance.

· Voluntary supplemental insurance offering, which include short-term disability, long-term disability, term life insurance plus more.

· Parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, flexible spending account, and more.

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Loan Forgiveness Program.

Key Responsibilities:

This includes but is not limited to:

· Conduct complex investigations in support of the defense in serious felony and misdemeanor cases, including crime scene analysis, witness interviews, evidence gathering and surveillance.

· Analyze discovery, police reports, and forensic evidence.

· Ensure compliance with all legal and ethical guidelines in investigative procedures

· Work collaboratively with attorneys and support staff to develop case strategies and prepare for trial.

· Testify in procedural, pretrial hearings, and trial.

· Maintain case documentation, reports, and evidence records with strict confidentiality and accuracy.

· Establish relationships with law enforcement agencies, forensic experts, and other relevant entities.

· Mentor and provide guidance to Staff Investigators.

Employment Standards:

· Minimum of 8-10 years of investigative and/or public safety experience.

· Bachelor’s degree in Criminal justice, Criminology, or related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

· Extensive knowledge of New York State Penal Law, Criminal Procedural Law, and Rule of Evidence.

· Proficiency with digital evidence tools, databases, and case management systems.

· Strong Organizational and communication skills

· Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under pressure.

· Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License and access to a registered, insured vehicle available for use during working hours, or demonstrated capacity to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience in criminal defense investigation is strongly preferred

· Certification from a recognized investigative organization (e.g., Certified Criminal Defense Investigator).

· Prior experience in a Public Defender’s Office or similar indigent defense setting or former criminal justice professional.

· Bilingual abilities are a plus

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. , values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristic or protected class.

If you need a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office.

How to Apply:

Please send your cover letter, resume, and at least 3 references to [email protected] or mail them to:

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc.

Attention: Human Resources

290 Main Street, Suite 400

Buffalo, NY 14202

If you need a reasonable accommodation in submitting the documents outlined above, completing the application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office at [email protected] or 716-853-9555 x183 or x288.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Following a review of applications, Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. will only contact those applicants whose backgrounds align with the qualifications outlined above.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,314.00 - $89,902.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Buffalo, NY 14202 (Required)

Work Location: In person