Investigator, Law​/Legal, Legal Counsel

Position Description
Join Michigan’s State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) as an Investigator working statewide to represent people as they appeal their felony convictions. We focus on our clients as people and actively work to challenge injustices and disparities in the criminal legal system based on race, class, ability, behavioral health, and other identifying characteristics and statuses. The position pays from $57,252 to $96,048, depending on experience.

Our office follows a hybrid workplace model that mixes in-office and remote work to offer flexibility and support to staff. This position is for either our Lansing or Detroit office.

Position Description
Join Michigan’s State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) as an Investigator working statewide to represent people as they appeal their felony convictions. We focus on our clients as people and actively work to challenge injustices and disparities in the criminal legal system based on race, class, ability, behavioral health, and other identifying characteristics and statuses. The position pays from $57,252 to $96,048, depending on experience.

Our office follows a hybrid workplace model that mixes in-office and remote work to offer flexibility and support to staff. This position is for either our Lansing or Detroit office.
Investigation can be the heart of a successful appeal. We are seeking a tenacious and creative person who is skilled at interviewing, researching, and communicating. Knowledge of the criminal legal system, however obtained, is required. A commitment to social justice is essential.
The Investigator will lead efforts to obtain and analyze the evidence needed to zealously defend our clients in their appeal process through client and witness interviews, record review and analysis, and many other avenues. Assignments range from single-task requests to ongoing multi-faceted projects, but always move toward holding police, prosecutors, and the system accountable.
SADO investigators advance a client’s appeal by engaging in the following duties, and more:

• Analyze the facts of a case and discuss strategies of defense with attorneys and defense team members
• Evaluate available evidence and develop evidentiary leads
• Gather and review records from a range of state and federal agencies
• Locate and interview witnesses, complainants, co-defendants, and suspects
• Travel to, view, and analyze crime scenes
• Enter prisons and jails to visit clients and witnesses
• Locate, contact, and evaluate available experts and arrange consultations
• Prepare experts, lay witnesses and clients for evidentiary hearings
• Create comprehensive reports of interviews, research, and other results
• Arrange for and serve subpoenas as necessary
• Assist attorneys at hearings with witness preparation or by preparing questions
• Testify in court