Investigator

Position Summary

The Investigator will play a critical role in identifying, locating, and interviewing witnesses; gathering documentary and physical evidence; and developing investigative strategies to support post-conviction claims of innocence or wrongful conviction. The work requires persistence, creativity, discretion, and a deep commitment to justice.

Position Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough, trauma-informed witness interviews and obtain statements.
• Locate and interview witnesses who were not previously identified or contacted.
• Gather, analyze, and document physical and documentary evidence, including public records, court files, police reports, forensic evidence, and digital materials.
• Conduct online investigations using publicly available databases, social media, and other internet sources.
• Assist in preparing investigative reports, affidavits, and exhibits for legal filings.
• Maintain organized, accurate, and confidential case files.
• Work collaboratively with attorneys, paralegals, and experts to develop case strategies.
• Conduct fieldwork, including travel and in-person interviews, as needed.
• Testify in court or depositions if necessary.
• Build rapport with clients and their families while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Other duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission.

Experience & Educational Background

• Demonstrated investigative experience (e.g., in criminal defense, journalism, civil rights, law enforcement, private investigation, or related fields).
• Knowledge of criminal law, post-conviction processes, and forensic evidence.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interviewing skills and ability to elicit accurate information from a wide range of individuals.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to think creatively and critically in complex investigations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Comfort working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Cultural competency and ability to work sensitively with diverse individuals and communities.
• Commitment to racial and social justice, and to the mission of fighting wrongful convictions.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork, sometimes on short notice.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Fluency in a language in addition to English (highly desirable).

Application Instructions

Resume and cover letter required.

Salary Range

$65,000 - $75,000

About Us

The Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law is a leader in legal education, located in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The law school is renowned for its program in intellectual property, which includes the FAME Center for Fashion, Arts, Media and Entertainment Law. Cardozo Law has a long tradition of public advocacy and is the birthplace of the Innocence Project and the home of our Center for Rights and Justice. Cardozo offers a world-class faculty and encourages creative thinking and innovation in the legal profession. Cardozo provides students with a strong foundation in legal theory combined with practical hands-on experience in a variety of areas including criminal law, civil rights law, and business law. The school prides itself on creating a vibrant and warm community for faculty, staff, and students.

A division of Yeshiva University, Cardozo Law School offers an excellent compensation package and a broad range of employee benefit plans. The law school is a secular institution within a religious university and welcomes people of all religions, ethnic backgrounds, races, and sexual identities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Yeshiva University is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunities to all employees and candidates without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.