Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking an experienced investigator with advanced computer abilities for the position of Digital and Open Source Investigator to join the Investigation Unit in the Criminal Defense Practice.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including housing, public benefits, education, and employment issues.

The Criminal Defense Practice represents and protects the legal rights of people who are arrested. Our staff consists of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and administrative professionals.

The Investigation Unit works closely with criminal defense attorneys to help uncover facts and witnesses necessary to provide a zealous defense and the best possible outcome in court.

The Digital and Open-Source Investigator will be responsible for assisting litigation teams in conducting effective, efficient, and complete digital investigations in their cases. The DOSI will also work with the Science and Surveillance project to help identify trends and develop advocacy positions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high quality digital forensic investigations, including:

• using forensic tools to analyze and review data from forensically acquired digital devices,

• using forensic tools to capture and forensically preserve data from computers, mobile devices, and other storage media,

• capturing cloud data, including websites, social media accounts, email accounts, and other sources of online data, and

• examining other collected digital data, including call detail records and metadata from video, photo, and audio files.

• Review and analyze forensic device analysis toolkits (like Cellebrite and GrayKey), social media discovery, body-worn camera videos, and digital location information to help litigation teams:

• understand and use the contents and

• help attorneys identify potentially exculpatory evidence within these voluminous materials.

• Conduct high quality, ethical, passive open-source investigations to support BDS attorneys in representing their clients at all stages of the criminal proceeding.

• Train case investigators and attorneys on digital and open-source investigations, best practices, and other technical issues.

• Arm attorneys with background technical knowledge that can both help them make more effective arguments about evidence with a technical component and equip them to present case materials more persuasively.

• Be “on-call” for technical investigative assistance related to hearings, trials, and other case appearances, including occasional work after 5:00 PM during litigation.

• Be available to testify as needed.

• Meet with and work directly with the Director of Science and Surveillance Project to identify trends in the use of digital tools by law enforcement.

• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong level of experience and knowledge in digital forensics.

• A degree in digital forensics, computer science, or related fields is a plus.

• High degree of technical aptitude including the ability to quickly get up to speed when related software is updated or new software is added to the field.

• Demonstrated ability to break down complex topics and explain them consistently and effectively to a non-technical audience.

• Vigilance when working with very sensitive and privileged information including and ability to treat such information with the security and care it requires.

• Familiarity with at least some of the software below including:

• Digital forensic software (e.g. Cellebrite, Axiom)

• Video forensic software (e.g. DVR Examiner)

• Video editing software (e.g. Amped FIVE)

• Audio editing software (e.g. Audacity)

• Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (or higher), or a willingness to obtain certification.

• Open-source investigation certification, or a willingness to obtain certification.

Position Information 

This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm with occasional evening and weekends based on the needs of the cases. This position is based at BDS’s offices in Downtown Brooklyn, NY 11201 and the courts that are within walking distance of the office. The Digital and Open Source Investigator will be expected to be on site or in court most days in the week with the opportunity to work from home from time to time.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience, which is visible to all employees. For this position there is a salary range of $70,000-$100,000 depending on the applicant’s education and experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b)-retirement plan. In order to support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Application Instructions    

Click “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.  

We recommend you submit your application by 5/31/24.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, H.R. Manager, Christina Wallace at cwallace @ bds.org.