Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel

The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel (OADC) seeks two investigators, with varying experience levels, for OADC’s new Postconviction Unit (PCU). The PCU Investigators will be crucial members of our interdisciplinary team who gather and prepare evidence in support of clients’ postconviction claims. This is an exciting opportunity to help launch a new unit and advance excellent indigent holistic defense.   About Us: The OADC is the state agency responsible for providing legal representation for indigent adults and youth charged with criminal or delinquent acts, where the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) has a conflict of interest. Traditionally, the OADC has accomplished this by contracting with over 400 private attorneys and another 500 legal service providers (forensic social workers/clinical advocates, paralegals, investigators, legal researchers, case assistants, etc.) to provide client services on an hourly basis. The PCU is a new in-house endeavor that will provide direct representation to OADC clients. Our fundamental belief is that good holistic legal defense teams produce good results for our clients.   Mission Statement: The mission of the OADC, through the practice of holistic public defense, is to help adults and children whom the government has charged with criminal and delinquent offenses. The OADC’s holistic practice model fosters ethical, informed, and standard-driven best practices in public defense. The OADC allocates resources in a manner intentionally designed to rebalance the disparate power wielded by the government in the criminal legal system. The OADC advocates for every client’s inherent worth and dignity by centering the client’s lived experiences and voice to achieve the best legal outcome.   The OADC is dedicated to zealous, client-centered advocacy rooted in social justice, integrity, and humility. We recognize that we are working within a broken and racist criminal legal system. Public defense advocates play an essential role in challenging bias and disparity within the courtroom, within our offices, and within ourselves. Statistical data and experiences support that there is a disparate presence of violent policing, over-charging, and harsher sentencing outcomes for Colorado’s people of color and other vulnerable populations. The OADC is unwavering in its support of decarceration, the decriminalization of youth, and equity within the criminal legal system.   Our EDI Vision: accelerate Equity, advance Diversity, amplify Inclusion – together #SeeStriveTransformTogether   The OADC believes that transforming EDI work at this core level takes courage and intention. The work has progressed from the inside out - beginning first with building a team united in its understanding of and deep commitment to EDI and working to actualize this commitment through efforts to shape and refine our culture, spaces, and practices.   About the Job: The PCU will provide direct representation to indigent clients pursuing claims under Crim. P. Rule 35(c) and 35(a), where the OSPD has declared a conflict of interest. The PCU will operate independently within our agency structure. Once it is fully staffed, the PCU will consist of the Director, the PCU Coordinator, four Staff Attorneys, one PCU Paralegal, two Investigators, and one Licensed Social Worker.   The PCU Investigators will work closely with team members to investigate, develop, and strengthen clients’ postconviction claims. Essential job functions will include: Locating and interviewing individuals with relevant information concerning clients’ cases. Reviewing and analyzing discovery materials, witness statements, and physical and/or digital evidence. Collaborating and consulting with defense team members to develop the theory of the case and investigative strategies. Generating detailed, accurate reports or memorandum summarizing witness interviews, evidentiary observations, and performed work. Collecting, documenting, and preserving digital and physical evidence as appropriate. Utilizing critical thinking and attention to detail to develop and pursue investigative leads and sources of information. Identifying opportunities to enhance the client’s case through expert testimony. Communicating and meeting with PCU Staff Attorneys and other team members regarding case status, court dates, witness information, and investigative progress. Tracking time and maintaining clear, timely notes in case management system. Seeking clarification on investigation requests to prioritize and complete assigned tasks within appropriate timelines. Conducting fieldwork to collect client records, serve subpoenas, examine crime scenes, view physical evidence, etc. Maintaining and using technology, tools, and equipment for conducting investigations including, but not limited to, audio recording devices, cameras, analytic software, office equipment, measurement tools, maps, and demonstrative media tools. Providing hearing support, including but not limited to: testifying, assisting as an advisory witness, and coordinating exhibits or witnesses, as needed. Traveling throughout Colorado and elsewhere to pursue leads, gather information, visit clients, and attend court.   About You: Our ideal candidate will be self-motivated, team-oriented, and possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills. There is a preference for individuals who possess the following: A demonstrated commitment to criminal defense, including one or more years of experience performing criminal defense investigations. Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of an interdisciplinary legal team. Strong attention to detail and analytic skills. Ability to identify legal issues and conduct comprehensive investigations using proper investigative channels and protocols. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to testify in court and effectively interact with a wide range of diverse individuals. Self-directed organization and time-management skills with the ability to meet short deadlines and complete assignments with frequent interruptions. Culturally responsive practices while serving underserved, marginalized populations. Empathy for the needs and histories of people with criminal records. Ability to function under institutional pressure in jails, detention centers, prisons, and courtrooms. Proficiency with technology including Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, case management systems, social media platforms, and audio or video recording devices or software. Familiarity with Colorado court rules and procedures, legal terminology, rules of professional conduct, and principles of attorney-client privilege. A valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a working vehicle. Certification with the ACFE, NALI, CDITC or other reputable investigative association. A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Forensic Science, Investigations, or a related field.   The OADC will consider candidates who possess a combination of demonstrable skills, experience, and other qualifications in lieu of a bachelor's degree. Candidates who do not possess a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related areas should be prepared to provide evidence of their relevant skills, experience, and other qualifications as part of the application process. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of many identities, backgrounds, and experiences to apply. OADC values lived experiences. A criminal history will not necessarily disqualify a candidate’s opportunity, but the OADC will run a background check on any finalist.   If you are offered employment, the following are the conditions of employment: Be a current resident of the State of Colorado or become a resident of the State of Colorado within 30 days of the hire date; Be willing to submit to a routine background investigation, including a criminal history check; and If hired, the Immigration Reform and Control Act requires you to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the United States within three workdays.   How to Apply: In the online application, you must provide a resume, a cover letter and answer several questions. You may also upload two letters of recommendation. Please complete the online application at the link below by 11:59 pm on Monday, March 4, 2024.   https://fs2.formsite.com/OADC/nd3fixmbri/index   Once you submit your application, you will receive an automatic email from Formsite. Please add noreply@fs2.formsite.com as a safe sender. If you cannot find this email, please look in your spam/junk folder. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Faxed, mailed, or emailed applications will not be accepted. Please direct any additional inquiries or questions to pcuinvestigatorjob@coloradoadc.com .   The State of Colorado is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Click here for further information about State of Colorado Employee Benefits. In addition to benefits offered by the State of Colorado, there is a gym located in the Ralph Carr Building for use by OADC employees, you will receive an RTD pass, a cell phone stipend each month, and a flexible work schedule.   Salary Range: $64,548- $83,796 FLSA Status: Exempt Location: Colorado   The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, social class, national origin, marital or parental status, pregnancy, disability status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or political affiliation. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and an environment of representative diversity, and encourage individuals of many identities, backgrounds, and experiences to apply.   To request accommodation, please contact Juanise Cornell at peopleadvocate@coloradoadc.com or (720) 994-2840 as soon as possible. Any person with a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to participate in the hiring process. The person making the request may be asked to provide additional information regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed, which will be kept confidential. Advance preparation may be required, so timely requests for accommodation are appreciated.