Defender Association of Philadelphia jobs - 31 jobs

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER CAPITAL HABEAS UNIT CHU attorneys examine the records of their clients' cases and do careful research and writing to support a wide variety of legal claims. They work with clients; undertake factual investigation; engage with experts; conduct evidentiary hearings; litigate appeals; and present oral argument in the federal courts. CHU attorneys are responsible for remaining current with developments in criminal and habeas corpus law and providing updates to legal staff; analyzing discovery materials; and assisting with the planning and implementation of investigation relating to both the guilt and sentencing phases of capital cases. CHU attorneys work collaboratively with each other and with paralegals, investigators, and administrative staff on their cases. CHU attorneys also work with members of the Office's other practice groups (including the Non-Capital Habeas, Trial, Appeals, and Capital Trial Units) to provide the highest level of legal representation to the office's clients. Candidates must have excellent analytic, research, and writing skills to fill the position of Assistant Federal Defender in the Capital Habeas Unit. Candidates should have prior experience in trial, appellate, or post-conviction criminal defense litigation, and prior habeas experience is preferred. Candidates ideally will have at least five years of criminal litigation experience. Candidates must possess a solid understanding of criminal law, criminal procedures, and evidence; have outstanding legal research and writing skills; and be able to analyze complex legal issues. Candidates also must be able to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, staff, government, and court personnel and must have a commitment to the representation of indigent defendants. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable. The position requires the attorney to work in the office and will require travel throughout the United States. Candidates for this position must possess a law degree, be a member of a state bar, and be in good standing with all federal and state bars of which they are a member. All CHU attorneys must be admitted in good standing before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Newly hired attorneys are afforded a grace period in which to seek and gain admission to these bars. Philadelphia, our country's birthplace, is rich in culture, entertainment, and history. Our office is in Philadelphia's Center City district, in the historic Curtis building, close to the federal courthouse and across from Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell, and Washington Square Park. Salary will be based upon experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations. Kindly note that the filling of this position will be subject to the funding restrictions and approval of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references to Federal Community Defender Careers. Candidates will be interviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applications received by January 23, 2026, will be given priority. The Federal Community Defender Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to promoting a professional work environment that supports and respects all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender identity, national origin, religion, or disability. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

CLS offers a rich and exciting summer internship experience for 15-20 law students who have completed their first or second year of law school. Our law students receive exceptional training and the opportunity to work with some of the most talented legal minds in civil legal services. All CLS interns will have the opportunity to work directly with clients, engage with the communities we serve, and contribute to systemic advocacy efforts to advance economic and racial equity. Interns are placed into one of our legal units: Health and Independence, SSI, Housing, Home Ownership and Consumer Rights, Family Advocacy, Energy and Utilities, Employment, Youth Justice Project, Medical Legal Partnership. CLS welcomes applicants of all backgrounds to apply and strongly encourages law students from diverse backgrounds to apply for our internship. CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences would motivate you to work toward CLS's mission and would contribute to the vitality and perspective of our organization. To apply, please submit the following materials through our website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. (***************************** ) Resume Cover letter addressing interest and experience in public interest and poverty law/racial justice advocacy Law school transcript List of three (3) references (at least one academic reference and at least one professional reference) Please either submit an application on our website OR via a hiring fair (like PIPS, GPALS, etc.). Please do not submit your application on our website if you are already scheduled to interview via a hiring fair or waiting for a hiring fair selection. If you do not get an interview slot with us at a hiring fair, you can then submit an application through our website. Undergraduate students, law students interested in fall/spring internships, or any other employment inquiries should be directed to our HR department via Shaneika Patterson at [email protected] and/or Crystal Stackhouse at [email protected]. Frequently Asked Questions What are the dates of the Summer 2026 internship? Are those dates flexible? The internship is a 10-week program from Monday, June 1, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026. Students are generally allowed reasonable flexibility for family or other obligations, so long as they complete the ten-week program and are compliant with the terms of any work study or other external funding they receive. There is a week of mandatory orientation the week of June 1-5, 2026. Is the internship funded? Generally the internship is unpaid. However, 3 fellowship stipends are available and awarded on a rolling basis. Please see below for more information. We are also happy to support any requirements for work study or other external funding sources, like Equal Justice America. What are the work hours? What are the in-person requirements? CLS operates Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff are expected to work in-person 2 days per week; however, students are encouraged to be in person more frequently as needed and to get the most out of their summer. Do I get to choose which unit I work with? Can I work across multiple units? Unit placements are assigned when we have filled our full class of interns - usually in April. When students accept their internship, they rank their top 3 units. With rare exceptions, we are able to place students in one of their top 3 choices but cannot guarantee placement in any unit. Students are encouraged to staff CLS clinics for other units and can shadow another unit if they express an interest, but are generally assigned to one unit for the entirety of their summer work. What if I want to work in the Housing Unit? Our housing unit prioritizes 2L students, especially from Philadelphia-area law schools. We encourage housing-focused students to apply for their 2L summer! What if I am not a law student? What if I am a law student and would like to intern during the fall or spring semester? Please contact our HR department by emailing Shaneika Patterson at [email protected] and/or Crystal Stackhouse at [email protected]. Additional Fellowship Application The Amber Racine and Senator Roxanne Jones Fellowships are available on a competitive basis to 3 law students with financial need from underrepresented groups based on race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex (including sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression and sexual orientation), national origin, or disability. The recipient of each Fellowship receives a financial award of $5,000 and mentorship support to enable future leaders in public interest law to spend their summer interning at CLS. Eligible law students should apply for the Fellowships when they submit their application for CLS's summer internship. Fellowship selection will take place on a rolling basis, so students are encouraged to apply early. To be considered for the Fellowships, please submit an additional one (1) to three (3) page personal statement with the following information: Background: Tell us about yourself and how your background played a role in informing your decision to attend law school and pursue a career in public interest Your accomplishments and achievements in work, life, school and your community Demonstrated commitment to public interest work and serving the needs of underserved communities Special circumstances establishing your financial need Your future goals and dedication to a career in public interest legal services All other funding sources applied for and status of each Any other information you think the Selection Committee may deem relevant that you would like us to take into consideration If you have questions about summer law student internships, please reach out to Gillian Schaps and/or Lauren Davis, Co-Chairs of the Law Student Hiring Committee. [email protected] or [email protected]

Paralegal, Municipal Court Unit FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Division/Department: Municipal Court Unit Reports to: Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs of Municipal Court Unit Direct Reports: N/A Job Summary The Municipal Court Unit is one of our adult trial practices that handles preliminary hearings, misdemeanors, and some felony trials. The Paralegal in the Municipal Court Unit assists attorneys in client representation in adult court for Municipal Court preliminary hearings and trials. The Paralegal is a liaison for clients and an advocate in coordinating cases with attorneys, social workers, family members and individuals involved in all aspects of the criminal justice system. The Paralegal is responsible for detail-oriented tasks for client representation before court in addition to following up after court in anticipation for continued team-oriented representation. Some of these tasks include but are not limited to checking conflicts; reviewing video and issue spotting in advance of trial; interviewing clients. The paralegal may also work closely with interns in the Municipal Court Unit to help monitor and train. Paralegals may interface with each other, attorneys, clients, private counsel, judges and others in the court system. The work they do is of the utmost importance in ultimately bringing about the best representation for our Defender clients. Major Areas of Responsibility Identify Defender conflicts of interest and recommend resolutions Review and prepare memorandum for legal cases Review videos and prepare memorandum for trial preparation Assist in trial preparation with attorneys Request, receive and review discovery Assess files for errors and necessary investigations/referrals Order and obtain notes of testimony Interview clients Communicate and correspond with clients, clients' family, attorneys and staff regarding upcoming court hearings Assist Municipal Court Unit attorneys and staff in ensuring internal databases are updated Assist Municipal Court Unit staff in their administrative tasks when needed Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree with Paralegal Certification or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience. Experience: Ability to communicate effectively with clients and conduct comprehensive legal interviews Experience working with indigent clients in criminal justice proceedings preferred Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred Previous paralegal experience preferred Ability to communicate with and develop trusting relationships with clients, family members, employers and community to ensure that client has support throughout the court process Ability to understand and interpret the Pennsylvania Crimes Code Ability to interact professionally with attorneys, clients, office and court personnel Must have analytical and interpretive skills Computer literacy including the ability to learn multiple internal and external computer systems Ability to learn the court system and internal and external procedures Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to handle high volume daily assignments Ability to work both independently and within a team Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Travel to various courtroom, prisons, and other community placements as needed Nothing in this restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions. It does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Job Description Make a difference! Become a Defender! The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a highly organized, professional, and detailed oriented Padilla Attorney for our Community Defense (Immigration Practice) Unit (CDU). The CDU will provide direct legal services in immigration law matters by representing clients in immigration court hearings, immigration appeals, and federal filings with USCIS, U.S. Department of State, and federal courts. In addition, the CDU will provide immigration analysis and advice in Pennsylvania criminal cases involving non-citizen defendants for whom the Defender Association is appointed. In addition, the CDU serves as an immigration resource for all members of our staff. The Immigration Attorney (Padilla Advisals) will provide immigration analysis and advice to the 200+ attorneys at the Defender Association for cases involving noncitizen criminal defendants. Working directly with the other attorneys in the CDU and other Units, the Immigration Attorney will be responsible for providing current and detailed assessments of the immigration consequences of pending criminal charges. What You'll Do Maintain in-house referral system for all cases involving non-citizen clients. Review individual case files and conduct all necessary legal research. Consult directly with trial attorneys representing immigration clients in court and with other members of the CDU. Be available through telephone or email communication, when not present at the Defender office, to at least receive and acknowledge inquiries regarding the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Conduct immigration interviews and consultations when necessary, including interviews of clients in criminal and immigration custody. Consult with attorneys and other staff members on immigration matters. Prepare written memoranda on the immigration consequences of pending criminal charges for noncitizen clients. Conduct in-house trainings on immigration issues for Defender Association staff, as well as external trainings and CLE presentations. Prepare and maintain resource materials on the immigration consequences of Pennsylvania crimes, notably the “Defender's Guide to Representing Non-Citizen Criminal Defendants in Pennsylvania.” Act as point person for contact on all criminal-immigration matters between the Defender, the Chief of the Unit, and other immigration service providers. Meet with potential clients for consultations, determine appropriate course of action, and prepare initial case files. Liaise with other Defender Association offices and attorneys on collateral consequences of criminal convictions. Assist other CDU attorneys with federal court actions involving non-citizen criminal defendants. Collect and maintain data related to arrests, advice, and representation of non-citizen clients, as directed by the Chief of the Unit Appear in court to present testimony on immigration consequences of criminal convictions, as needed. If desired, appear in criminal court to directly represent clients facing immigration consequences What You'll Need Juris Doctorate Degree required; Must be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania Admission to practice in the Federal Courts preferred, but may be obtained within a reasonable time of employment required Experience working with multicultural immigrant communities At least two years of experience representing individuals in criminal or removal proceedings/USCIS is preferred. Clinical experience will be considered, as will other experience demonstrating knowledge of the immigration consequences of interaction with the criminal justice system. Fluency in Spanish and/or French is preferred. Excellent research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills Knowledge and familiarity with statutes, procedures, caselaw, and best practices related to immigration representation, preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills Capacity and desire to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams Strong organizational skills to manage a high-volume, fast-paced legal practice environment Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed Benefits & Perks Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays Retirement Savings Employer Match Paid eight weeks of parental leave Free Septa Anywhere Key Card Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer Impactful mission driven work Wellness Benefits Ongoing Training and Development of You Salary: Compensation is competitive and is scaled based on relevant experience post-bar admission. Includes a premier benefits package Application: Please submit an online application with detailed cover letter and writing sample (maximum 20 pages) Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender's website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. [

Make a difference! Become a Defender! The Defender Association of Philadelphia offers law students a rich and exciting summer internship program from the end of May to the end of July. The program is designed for law students who completed their first year of school and have a real interest in indigent criminal defense litigation. This experience offers a broad exposure to the practical applications of criminal defense. Additionally, law students can work with some of the best trial lawyers in the country. The program includes one week of intensive in-house training on law, procedure and Defender practice. Rotating assignments include exposure to representing clients in the preliminary arraignment, miscellaneous criminal motions, pre-trial probation, and juvenile courts. Interns also have extensive client contact through phone, office and prison interviewing, and learn how to analyze a client's legal problems. Interns will also review forensic data (including video, voice and body-camera footage) and write legal memoranda on the weight of the information reviewed. Interns may participate in a legal research and writing program and work in our civil/criminal mental health unit. We ask those selected to seek outside funding and we can be a work study site. Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff the skills to support that they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Many former Defenders go on in their careers to serve as judges, state and federal officials, and successful private practitioners. Come join our team! Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn. To Apply: Please submit a cover letter addressing interest and experience in indigent criminal defense and resume. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Job Description Make a difference! Become a Defender! The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a highly organized, professional, and reliable Clerk Messenger for our prison services within our Municipal Court Pretrial Unit (MCPTU). MCPTU focuses on reducing mass incarceration by supporting clients before trial through a wide array of rehabilitative initiatives and programs to divert clients from incarceration. This dynamic role serves as the logistical support and on-site liaison for our attorneys working inside the prison. The mission is to ensure our attorneys have the critical legal files they need to represent our clients and to build and maintain professional relationships with prison staff to facilitate our work. If you are independent, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are driven by mission-oriented work, we encourage you to apply. What You'll Do Maintain Defender Association office at CFCF Prison. Ensure that the office is stocked with materials necessary to conduct prison interviewing and that technology is working appropriately. Work closely with prison staff and our attorneys, communicating effectively to ensure that all clients scheduled to be interviewed are brought down and are seen by an attorney Ensure all interviews completed at the prison are printed, placed in the file, files are marked, notes are inputted into our client database and interviews are uploaded to our database. Communicate in real time with Prison Services / Early Bail Review regarding interviewing status, transfers, refusals, and add-ons and cancellations Communicate with clients regarding wait times and rescheduling Access information from our client databases for interviewing attorneys and maintain USD drives for interviewing Check that all files have necessary and up to date paperwork before handing out to attorneys to be interviewed. Manage the flow of client files at the prison and within the office Work with MCPTU / Prison Services staff at the Defender Association to compile the list of clients scheduled for prison interviewing the next day, check custody status using ATIMS and maintain prison interview files according to facility name and court date Serve as back up to other administrative staff in the Unit to provide coverage in their absence Drive to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility each day M-F by 7:30am with Defender Association files to be interviewed Assist in the collection and review of all outgoing prison mail, sort by specific institution and stamp mail. Re-route other mail as required Assist with the delivery of Defender mail to all Philadelphia County Prison institutions and pick up mail being returned to the Defender Association Communicate with the Chief, MCPTU concerning attendance, tardiness and other violations of Defender personnel policy by Defender staff, while at the prison assigned to prison interviewing Perform other duties as assigned What You'll Need High school diploma/GED, required; Bachelor's degree, preferred Previous administrative experience, preferred Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer programs Excellent written and communication skills, especially with clients Enjoy working collaboratively Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, ability to mulit-task and prioritize Requires daily travel between the Defender office and CFCF prison May have to lift to 25 pounds Employment is contingent upon a background check consistent with the Defender's policies and applicable law. A prior conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant: relevant factors will be considered in accordance with legal requirements and the nature of the position. Benefits & Perks Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays Retirement Savings Employer Match Paid parental leave Free Septa Anywhere Key Card Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer Meaningful Work Wellness Benefits Ongoing Training and Development of You Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender's Pretrial Unit and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.

Job Description CLS offers a rich and exciting summer internship experience for 15-20 law students who have completed their first or second year of law school. Our law students receive exceptional training and the opportunity to work with some of the most talented legal minds in civil legal services. All CLS interns will have the opportunity to work directly with clients, engage with the communities we serve, and contribute to systemic advocacy efforts to advance economic and racial equity. Interns are placed into one of our legal units: Health and Independence, SSI, Housing, Home Ownership and Consumer Rights, Family Advocacy, Energy and Utilities, Employment, Youth Justice Project, Medical Legal Partnership. CLS welcomes applicants of all backgrounds to apply and strongly encourages law students from diverse backgrounds to apply for our internship. CLS invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences would motivate you to work toward CLS's mission and would contribute to the vitality and perspective of our organization. To apply, please submit the following materials through our website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. (***************************** ) Resume Cover letter addressing interest and experience in public interest and poverty law/racial justice advocacy Law school transcript List of three (3) references (at least one academic reference and at least one professional reference) Please either submit an application on our website OR via a hiring fair (like PIPS, GPALS, etc.). Please do not submit your application on our website if you are already scheduled to interview via a hiring fair or waiting for a hiring fair selection. If you do not get an interview slot with us at a hiring fair, you can then submit an application through our website. Undergraduate students, law students interested in fall/spring internships, or any other employment inquiries should be directed to our HR department via Shaneika Patterson at *********************** and/or Crystal Stackhouse at ************************. Frequently Asked Questions What are the dates of the Summer 2026 internship? Are those dates flexible? The internship is a 10-week program from Monday, June 1, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026. Students are generally allowed reasonable flexibility for family or other obligations, so long as they complete the ten-week program and are compliant with the terms of any work study or other external funding they receive. There is a week of mandatory orientation the week of June 1-5, 2026. Is the internship funded? Generally the internship is unpaid. However, 3 fellowship stipends are available and awarded on a rolling basis. Please see below for more information. We are also happy to support any requirements for work study or other external funding sources, like Equal Justice America. What are the work hours? What are the in-person requirements? CLS operates Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff are expected to work in-person 2 days per week; however, students are encouraged to be in person more frequently as needed and to get the most out of their summer. Do I get to choose which unit I work with? Can I work across multiple units? Unit placements are assigned when we have filled our full class of interns - usually in April. When students accept their internship, they rank their top 3 units. With rare exceptions, we are able to place students in one of their top 3 choices but cannot guarantee placement in any unit. Students are encouraged to staff CLS clinics for other units and can shadow another unit if they express an interest, but are generally assigned to one unit for the entirety of their summer work. What if I want to work in the Housing Unit? Our housing unit prioritizes 2L students, especially from Philadelphia-area law schools. We encourage housing-focused students to apply for their 2L summer! What if I am not a law student? What if I am a law student and would like to intern during the fall or spring semester? Please contact our HR department by emailing Shaneika Patterson at *********************** and/or Crystal Stackhouse at ************************. Additional Fellowship Application The Amber Racine and Senator Roxanne Jones Fellowships are available on a competitive basis to 3 law students with financial need from underrepresented groups based on race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex (including sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression and sexual orientation), national origin, or disability. The recipient of each Fellowship receives a financial award of $5,000 and mentorship support to enable future leaders in public interest law to spend their summer interning at CLS. Eligible law students should apply for the Fellowships when they submit their application for CLS's summer internship. Fellowship selection will take place on a rolling basis, so students are encouraged to apply early. To be considered for the Fellowships, please submit an additional one (1) to three (3) page personal statement with the following information: Background: Tell us about yourself and how your background played a role in informing your decision to attend law school and pursue a career in public interest Your accomplishments and achievements in work, life, school and your community Demonstrated commitment to public interest work and serving the needs of underserved communities Special circumstances establishing your financial need Your future goals and dedication to a career in public interest legal services All other funding sources applied for and status of each Any other information you think the Selection Committee may deem relevant that you would like us to take into consideration If you have questions about summer law student internships, please reach out to Gillian Schaps and/or Lauren Davis, Co-Chairs of the Law Student Hiring Committee. ******************** or ******************* Powered by JazzHR lR3c8Pfkvx

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender! The Defender Association of Philadelphia is looking for an experienced trial attorney to join our organization's criminal trial practice divisions. The Defender Association of Philadelphia is a non-profit law firm serving the clients in the city of Philadelphia. Defender attorneys are part of a dynamic team that includes social workers, paralegals, mitigation specialists, investigators, and administrative professionals who play critical roles serving our clients and communities. Complementing our trial practice, the Defender Association focuses on meeting the needs of clients pre-trial and following incarceration. Our office represents 70% of people charged with crimes in Philadelphia. We are comprised of various practice units wherein we provide representation beginning at the preliminary arraignment through the appellate process. We employ a client centered representation model which includes providing clients with zealous advocacy in the courtroom and partnering with our community through Participatory Defense, expungement clinics and other community-based events. What You'll Do Handle all aspects of client representation in the Philadelphia Criminal Courts, including but not limited to preliminary hearings, motions, waiver trials, jury trials, and violations of probation Maintain and manage an adult criminal caseload within the assigned trial unit. This involves specially-assigned, complex cases of all types, including cases where clients are charged with violent and sexual offenses Draft, file, and argue all necessary motions and memoranda of law Interview clients over the telephone, in-person, and at county and state correctional institutions Engage in holistic representation practices that assist the client in collateral matters that may impact the direct legal representation of the client Maintain a professional team-oriented work atmosphere with other attorneys, social workers, investigators and administrative staff within the unit, and all other units at the Defender Association What You'll Need Juris Doctor required, must be Pennsylvania bar member (active and in good standing) Minimum of three years' experience providing direct legal representation to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, including litigating complex felony cases Jury trial experience preferred A demonstrated interest in and commitment to the representation of individuals who are indigent within the criminal justice system Ability to adapt to changing needs of the Defender Association and to work collaboratively with all Defender staff Must be able to travel to courtrooms, local and statewide prisons/facilities if needed How to Apply: Please include cover letter, resume and writing sample (maximum 20 pages) in your application. Benefits & Perks Very generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefit Substantial paid time off including 35 PTO days plus all federal holidays off 401(b) with Employer Match PSLF eligible employer Meaningful & Impactful Work Growth Opportunities Ongoing Training and Development of You Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Paralegal, Municipal Court Unit FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Division/Department: Municipal Court Unit Reports to: Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs of Municipal Court Unit Direct Reports: N/A Job Summary The Municipal Court Unit is one of our adult trial practices that handles preliminary hearings, misdemeanors, and some felony trials. The Paralegal in the Municipal Court Unit assists attorneys in client representation in adult court for Municipal Court preliminary hearings and trials. The Paralegal is a liaison for clients and an advocate in coordinating cases with attorneys, social workers, family members and individuals involved in all aspects of the criminal justice system. The Paralegal is responsible for detail-oriented tasks for client representation before court in addition to following up after court in anticipation for continued team-oriented representation. Some of these tasks include but are not limited to checking conflicts; reviewing video and issue spotting in advance of trial; interviewing clients. The paralegal may also work closely with interns in the Municipal Court Unit to help monitor and train. Paralegals may interface with each other, attorneys, clients, private counsel, judges and others in the court system. The work they do is of the utmost importance in ultimately bringing about the best representation for our Defender clients. Major Areas of Responsibility Identify Defender conflicts of interest and recommend resolutions Review and prepare memorandum for legal cases Review videos and prepare memorandum for trial preparation Assist in trial preparation with attorneys Request, receive and review discovery Assess files for errors and necessary investigations/referrals Order and obtain notes of testimony Interview clients Communicate and correspond with clients, clients' family, attorneys and staff regarding upcoming court hearings Assist Municipal Court Unit attorneys and staff in ensuring internal databases are updated Assist Municipal Court Unit staff in their administrative tasks when needed Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree with Paralegal Certification or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience. Experience: Ability to communicate effectively with clients and conduct comprehensive legal interviews Experience working with indigent clients in criminal justice proceedings preferred Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred Previous paralegal experience preferred Ability to communicate with and develop trusting relationships with clients, family members, employers and community to ensure that client has support throughout the court process Ability to understand and interpret the Pennsylvania Crimes Code Ability to interact professionally with attorneys, clients, office and court personnel Must have analytical and interpretive skills Computer literacy including the ability to learn multiple internal and external computer systems Ability to learn the court system and internal and external procedures Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to handle high volume daily assignments Ability to work both independently and within a team Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Travel to various courtroom, prisons, and other community placements as needed Nothing in this restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions. It does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Job Description Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender! The Defender Association is seeking an appellate attorney in the Child Advocacy Unit (CAU) who would specialize in legal and practical issues involving children. The Delinquent & Dependent Children (D&DC) appellate attorney would be assigned cases in the Courts of Common Pleas, the Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The D&DC appellate attorney would be assigned partial appellate caseload from the CAU, including cases involving dependency, abuse, adoption, and termination of parental rights proceedings. The D&DC attorney would also be assigned appeals from adjudicatory and dispositional orders of the Philadelphia Juvenile Court, including petitions for dispositional review under Pa.R.A.P. 1612, which allow expedited review of the factual basis for out of home placement dispositions. This position would also create and lead trainings on important and novel legal issues respecting children both internally and externally. What You'll Do Write briefs and argue cases on appeal in Pennsylvania courts Edit briefs for attorneys in the CAU Advise and train attorneys practicing in both the dependency and delinquency units on the law and motions practice as well as new developments in the law or decisions by appellate courts Assist the units in drafting pre- and post-trial and hearing motions, advise and train staff and attorneys on record development and proper objections Research and advise relevant units on new legal claims that should be raised to advance the rights of the Defender Association's clients Develop expert knowledge on most important and evolving legal issues involving children to develop effective training for internal and external audiences Handle adult criminal appeals when office needs may demand special assignments Perform other duties as needed What You'll Need Juris Doctorate and admission to Pennsylvania Bar (active and in good standing), required Minimum of 1 year of experience representing children in dependent or delinquent matters, more experience preferred Previous experience drafting appellate briefs, preferred Must be an excellent legal writer Excellent organizational and communication skills Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with attorneys, clients, office, and court personnel, oftentimes under considerable pressure Willingness to petition for membership in the PA State Juvenile Rules Committee Willingness to continuously develop to presentation skills May travel to various courtrooms and prisons within the city and state May have minimum travel out of state for conferences Benefits & Perks Generous and rich benefits plan offering 100% employer paid medical plan, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays Retirement Savings Employer Match Eight weeks paid parental leave Free Septa Anywhere Key Card Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer Meaningful Work Wellness Benefits Ongoing Training and Development of You To apply Please apply online and include resume, cover letter and writing sample (no more than 20 pages) Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender's website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER CAPITAL HABEAS UNIT CHU attorneys examine the records of their clients' cases and do careful research and writing to support a wide variety of legal claims. They work with clients; undertake factual investigation; engage with experts; conduct evidentiary hearings; litigate appeals; and present oral argument in the federal courts. CHU attorneys are responsible for remaining current with developments in criminal and habeas corpus law and providing updates to legal staff; analyzing discovery materials; and assisting with the planning and implementation of investigation relating to both the guilt and sentencing phases of capital cases. CHU attorneys work collaboratively with each other and with paralegals, investigators, and administrative staff on their cases. CHU attorneys also work with members of the Office's other practice groups (including the Non-Capital Habeas, Trial, Appeals, and Capital Trial Units) to provide the highest level of legal representation to the office's clients. Candidates must have excellent analytic, research, and writing skills to fill the position of Assistant Federal Defender in the Capital Habeas Unit. Candidates should have prior experience in trial, appellate, or post-conviction criminal defense litigation, and prior habeas experience is preferred. Candidates ideally will have at least five years of criminal litigation experience. Candidates must possess a solid understanding of criminal law, criminal procedures, and evidence; have outstanding legal research and writing skills; and be able to analyze complex legal issues. Candidates also must be able to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, staff, government, and court personnel and must have a commitment to the representation of indigent defendants. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable. The position requires the attorney to work in the office and will require travel throughout the United States. Candidates for this position must possess a law degree, be a member of a state bar, and be in good standing with all federal and state bars of which they are a member. All CHU attorneys must be admitted in good standing before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Newly hired attorneys are afforded a grace period in which to seek and gain admission to these bars. Philadelphia, our country's birthplace, is rich in culture, entertainment, and history. Our office is in Philadelphia's Center City district, in the historic Curtis building, close to the federal courthouse and across from Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell, and Washington Square Park. Salary will be based upon experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations. Kindly note that the filling of this position will be subject to the funding restrictions and approval of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references to Federal Community Defender Careers. Candidates will be interviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applications received by January 23, 2026, will be given priority. The Federal Community Defender Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to promoting a professional work environment that supports and respects all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender identity, national origin, religion, or disability. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

The Defender Association of Philadelphia offers law students a rich and exciting summer internship program from the end of May into August 2026 in our Child Advocacy Unit (CAU). This Unit provides legal representation for dependent children, from newborn to 21 years of age, in matters involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, truancy and incorrigibility as well as in adoption proceedings. In keeping with the mandates of the Juvenile Act, while we protect and promote the legal interests of these children, we also strive to serve their best interests. A multidisciplinary team of attorneys and social workers assess the needs and welfare of each child, and then make recommendations to the Court to ensure our clients' safety and to achieve permanency for our clients in a loving and supportive home environment. What You'll Do Our summer program is designed for 2nd year law students with a real interest in children's issues, child welfare system and juvenile justice. This experience offers broad exposure to the practical applications of child welfare law with two different tracks. Most of our interns will work collaboratively with supervising attorneys and social workers on specific cases. We also have an opportunity for a law student interested in child welfare policy to work with our Policy Director of Child Advocacy. Interns will participate in comprehensive training and received individualized supervision and mentoring. Interns will get direct, hands-on experience with advocacy, legal research, court observation, client interviewing, home/placement visits, crisis intervention, negotiation, and case management. What You'll Need Be a current law student in good standing - only 2Ls and rising 3L can apply Interest and commitment to children's issues and juvenile justice Experience or interest in serving racially and socioeconomically - oppressed clients and communities Ability to deal effectively with children, adolescents, and family members Ability to work collaboratively in a high-volume practice Relevant clinical program or work experience, preferred For students interested in a Policy Internship, you should demonstrate: A strong interest in policy Some knowledge of the child welfare system Ability to research and analyze federal, state, and local policy regarding children and youth Ability to write legislative impact reports and policy updates clearly and concisely Willingness to attend policy and system provider meetings in person and/or via the Web. Ability to work independently and/or collaboratively To Apply: Please apply online with a cover letter addressing interest and experience in children's issues/juvenile justice and resume to phillydefender.org/careers. For additional questions, contact Sharene Ginyard, Esq. at ************************** or Mimi Laver, Esq. at ************************ Given the robust nature of these internships, we have a limited number of spots so they can be competitive. Who is the Defender? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Many former Defenders go on in their careers to serve as judges, state and federal officials, and successful private practitioners. Come join our team! Come join our team! For more information, go Defender's Child Advocacy Unit and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training

Paralegal in Homicide/Special Defense Unit

Make a difference! Become a Defender! The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking an experienced, organized and dedicated immigration attorney to join our Community Defense Unit. The Community Defense Unit provides direct legal services in immigration law matters through the representation of clients in immigration court hearings, appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and Federal Court, and filings with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State. The Community Defense Unit also provides immigration analysis and advice to Defender Association attorneys for cases involving noncitizen criminal defendants. In addition, the Community Defense Unit serves as an immigration resource for all members of our staff. The Immigration Attorney must have a demonstrated commitment to defending and promoting the rights of immigrants as well as strong research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills. What You'll Do • Represent clients in removal proceedings before EOIR Immigration Courts, Board of Immigration Appeals, and Federal Court • Represent clients at interviews before USCIS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) • Conduct research and prepare legal memos and briefs for immigration clients, including affirmative filings with USCIS, CPT, ICE and U.S. Department of State • Conduct immigration interviews and consultations, including interviews of clients in custody • Collect and Maintain data related to direct representation of clients in immigration law matters Funding Contingent Responsibilities • Consult directly with Defender Association trial attorneys and staff representing immigration clients in criminal court • Conduct in-house trainings on immigration issues for Defender Association staff • Serve as an office resource for immigration-related questions What You'll Need • Juris Doctorate Degree required; Admission to PA Bar required. • Admission to practice in the Federal Courts required. • At least three (3) years of experience representing individuals in removal proceedings and before USCIS, preferred. • Fluency in Spanish, preferred. • Knowledge and familiarity with statutes, procedures, caselaw, and best practices related to immigration representation, required. • Excellent research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a capacity and desire to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams • Strong organizational skills to manage a high-volume, fast-paced legal practice environment • Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed Benefits & Perks • Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance • Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays • Retirement Savings Employer Match • Paid eight weeks of parental leave • Free Septa Anywhere Key Card • Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer • Meaningful Work • Wellness Benefits • Ongoing Training and Development of You This position as an Immigration Attorney is funded by a sub-award contract with Nationalities Services Center and under its terms, the position's scope of work is exclusively related to those duties specified in major responsibilities. The funding, and thus this position ends on June 30, 2026, unless the Nationalities Services Center and/or the Defenders gets continued funding. While we hope that the funding continues beyond that date, we cannot guarantee employment past that date. If funding becomes available from other sources, the Defender further hopes to expand the responsibilities of the immigration attorney to include those specified in the funding contingent responsibility section to ensure a more complete and integrated unit. Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender's website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender! The Defender Association is seeking an appellate attorney in the Child Advocacy Unit (CAU) who would specialize in legal and practical issues involving children. The Delinquent & Dependent Children (D&DC) appellate attorney would be assigned cases in the Courts of Common Pleas, the Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The D&DC appellate attorney would be assigned partial appellate caseload from the CAU, including cases involving dependency, abuse, adoption, and termination of parental rights proceedings. The D&DC attorney would also be assigned appeals from adjudicatory and dispositional orders of the Philadelphia Juvenile Court, including petitions for dispositional review under Pa.R.A.P. 1612, which allow expedited review of the factual basis for out of home placement dispositions. This position would also create and lead trainings on important and novel legal issues respecting children both internally and externally. What You'll Do Write briefs and argue cases on appeal in Pennsylvania courts Edit briefs for attorneys in the CAU Advise and train attorneys practicing in both the dependency and delinquency units on the law and motions practice as well as new developments in the law or decisions by appellate courts Assist the units in drafting pre- and post-trial and hearing motions, advise and train staff and attorneys on record development and proper objections Research and advise relevant units on new legal claims that should be raised to advance the rights of the Defender Association's clients Develop expert knowledge on most important and evolving legal issues involving children to develop effective training for internal and external audiences Handle adult criminal appeals when office needs may demand special assignments Perform other duties as needed What You'll Need Juris Doctorate and admission to Pennsylvania Bar (active and in good standing), required Minimum of 1 year of experience representing children in dependent or delinquent matters, more experience preferred Previous experience drafting appellate briefs, preferred Must be an excellent legal writer Excellent organizational and communication skills Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with attorneys, clients, office, and court personnel, oftentimes under considerable pressure Willingness to petition for membership in the PA State Juvenile Rules Committee Willingness to continuously develop to presentation skills May travel to various courtrooms and prisons within the city and state May have minimum travel out of state for conferences Benefits & Perks Generous and rich benefits plan offering 100% employer paid medical plan, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays Retirement Savings Employer Match Eight weeks paid parental leave Free Septa Anywhere Key Card Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer Meaningful Work Wellness Benefits Ongoing Training and Development of You To apply Please apply online and include resume, cover letter and writing sample (no more than 20 pages) Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender's website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Paralegal in Homicide/Special Defense Unit Make a difference! Become a Defender! Are you looking to join an organization with a great mission? The Defender represents client who are accused of serious charges and who cannot afford an attorney. We are looking for a paralegal for the Homicide/Special Defense Unit (SDU) which is a primarily adult trial practice unit within the Defender Association that provides representation in homicide, high profile, serious and complex cases. Representation begins at arrest and continues through the resolution of the case. The paralegal will provide support to attorneys, mitigators and investigators. Some responsibilities include assisting with the opening of cases, accessing discovery and assessing for relevance, drafting correspondence, calculating sentencing guidelines, liaising with government and private agencies in order to procure records. Organization, attention to detail, interest in the criminal justice system, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn are necessary attributes for this position. What You'll Do Calculate sentencing guidelines Download and organize discovery from evidence.com Identify missing discovery and draft discovery request letters to the District Attorney's Office Draft and email continuance requests on behalf of attorneys Organize and consolidate closed files for digital storage Assist with the opening of new files Assist with the identification of potential conflicts of interest Review arraignment lists to identify possible SDU cases Open, download and review Celebrite extractions, videos and other digital media for relevant information Order records from government and private organizations Follow up with outside agencies to ensure the acquisition of records and completion of investigations Assist with other administrative tasks as needed What You'll Need Bachelor or Associate degree with paralegal certification or any equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience. Excellent written and communication skills Strong organizational and time management skills Ability to work in a collaborative environment Strong computer and technological skills Familiarity or ability to learn about the Philadelphia Court Systems Working legal knowledge Commitment to client confidentiality and ability to work on high profile and serious criminal cases. Willingness to learn Problem solving and analytical skills Willingness to travel to the Philadelphia county jails, various courts, city agencies, hospitals and private organizations within the city of Philadelphia Benefits & Perks Generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefits Substantial paid time off (over 35 PTO days) We are a PSLF eligible employer Wellness benefits Paid parental leave Free Septa Key Card Retirement savings plan w/employer match Meaningful work Growth opportunities To Apply: Please include a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this role with your resume and application. Salary is $48,000. Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go to Defender Association of Philadelphia and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender! The Municipal Court Pretrial Unit (MCPT) focuses on reducing mass incarceration by supporting clients before trial through a wide array of rehabilitative initiatives and programs to divert clients from incarceration. A law clerk assigned to the MCPT Unit is a key member of the defense team who provides legal representation to indigent individuals accused of crimes in Philadelphia. Law clerks represent Defender clients in various courtrooms and stages of their cases. Law clerks practice in Preliminary Arraignment Court, Bench Warrant Court, Discovery Court, Common Pleas Arraignment and more. Law clerks conduct comprehensive confidential legal interviews at the local prisons, essential to effective client representation, write motions, file investigation requests, social service referrals and more. Law clerks appear before Bail Commissioners and makes arguments related to pre-trial supervision and detention. They also argue appeals to bail decisions before Municipal Court Judges. Law clerks also conduct confidential pre-arraignment socio-bio interviews to gather mitigation to inform bail decisions. What You'll Do: Arraignment Preparation : Prepare arraignment court sheets, gathering all relevant client documents, and ensure all information is accurate for proper transfer to client files. Case Review & Advocacy : Review clients' charges and records, advocating for the least restrictive means of pretrial supervision before the Bail Commissioner. Client Communication : Communicate with clients' family members both by phone and in person, providing updates and responding to inquiries. Courtroom Rotation : Rotate weekly through various courtrooms, and interact with Judges, Court Staff, Prison Staff, Magistrates and/or Commissioners to gather relevant information for clients' cases. Client Interviews: Conduct in-depth confidential initial legal client interviews, gathering relevant information regarding clients' cases, charges, and personal circumstances. These interviews take place in person at Philadelphia jails, local county jails, local State Correctional Institutions (SCI), the Office and over the phone. Investigation Requests & Referrals : File investigation requests based on legal interviews, and assess client needs to make appropriate referrals to social services, mental health, immigration, etc. File Management & Discovery : Update client files before hearings by reviewing and requesting discovery, and complete return work post-hearing by marking and updating files before forwarding them onto other units. Collaboration : Ability to work with other law clerks and attorneys alike, sharing information, best practices and assistance on case preparation, client interactions, and courtroom procedures to help promote client centered advocacy. What You'll Need Juris Doctorate required; Admission or pending Admission to Pennsylvania Bar preferred Must be able to work with diverse client population; Must be able to work well with others; Must have good organizational skills; Must be able to handle multi task; Must be reliable and on time Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be available for staffing of 24-hour Arraignment Court (Will rotate through three 8-hour shifts: 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm and 11pm-7am) Must be able to withstand prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer May have to lift up to 15 pounds Travel to various courtrooms and prisons as needed To apply Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience. Benefits & Perks Very generous and rich benefits plan with vision, dental, life insurance and long term disability Substantial paid time off (35 days of PTO plus all federal holidays) Six weeks of paid parental leave 403 (b) retirement savings with Employer Match Free Septa All Access Key card Meaningful & Impactful Work Ongoing Training and Development of You Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT ASSISTANT FEDERAL DEFENDER TRIAL UNIT Philadelphia, one of America's most preeminent historical cities, is rich in culture, entertainment, and history. Our office is in Philadelphia's Center City district, in the historic Curtis building, close to the federal courthouse and across from Independence Mall, the Liberty Bell and Washington Square Park. Our Trial Practice Our trial attorneys represent persons facing prosecution for all types of federal offenses, and our lawyers maintain varied caseloads that include offenses involving firearms, controlled substances, immigration, kidnapping, terrorism, complex white-collar fraud, public corruption, child exploitation, human trafficking, robbery, federal capital homicide and other crimes. We represent indigent federal defendants in all phases of a district court prosecution, from pretrial litigation through sentencing. The Trial Unit's Assistant Federal Defenders also represent individuals' pre-indictment who are targets of prosecution. We also participate in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania's re-entry court, which is one of the country's leading federal re-entry programs, as well as its mental health court and relapse prevention (drug) court. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania is a larger federal district, due to both geographical size as well as the number of cases prosecuted. As a result, our office has a respected and robust litigation practice. While most of our cases are litigated in the Philadelphia courthouse of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, cases are also litigated at the courthouses in Allentown, Easton, and Reading. Qualifications Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of criminal practice experience for this position. The experience should include completion of jury trials to verdict, a demonstrated working knowledge of federal criminal law, including pre- and post-trial motion practice, and an extensive working knowledge of the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Candidates must also have strong research and writing capabilities as well as the ability to work cooperatively with others. Candidates must have a clearly demonstrated commitment to excellence, and a commitment to the representation of the indigent, and a reputation for personal and professional integrity. Candidates must also possess the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, witnesses, staff, and court and agency personnel. Candidates must have or be willing to learn, employ and maintain skills in courtroom technology, electronic discovery, and electronic case management. Fluency in Spanish is a plus. Travel throughout the Eastern District of Pennsylvania's nine county area is required. Occasional out of district travel may be required as well. Applicants must be members in good standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and eligible to become a member of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Furthermore, applicants must be in good standing of every state bar of which they are admitted. Applying for the Position Interested applicants should apply at Federal Community Defender Careers. Applicants must include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and list of at least three references with the application. Applications received by January 5, 2026, will receive priority consideration. Salary will be based on years of experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations. Kindly note that the filling of this position will be subject to the funding restrictions and approval of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. The Federal Community Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to promoting a professional work environment that supports and respects all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender identity, national origin, religion, or disability. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Make a difference! Become a Defender! The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a highly organized, professional, and detailed oriented Padilla Attorney for our Community Defense (Immigration Practice) Unit (CDU). The CDU will provide direct legal services in immigration law matters by representing clients in immigration court hearings, immigration appeals, and federal filings with USCIS, U.S. Department of State, and federal courts. In addition, the CDU will provide immigration analysis and advice in Pennsylvania criminal cases involving non-citizen defendants for whom the Defender Association is appointed. In addition, the CDU serves as an immigration resource for all members of our staff. The Immigration Attorney (Padilla Advisals) will provide immigration analysis and advice to the 200+ attorneys at the Defender Association for cases involving noncitizen criminal defendants. Working directly with the other attorneys in the CDU and other Units, the Immigration Attorney will be responsible for providing current and detailed assessments of the immigration consequences of pending criminal charges. What You'll Do Maintain in-house referral system for all cases involving non-citizen clients. Review individual case files and conduct all necessary legal research. Consult directly with trial attorneys representing immigration clients in court and with other members of the CDU. Be available through telephone or email communication, when not present at the Defender office, to at least receive and acknowledge inquiries regarding the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Conduct immigration interviews and consultations when necessary, including interviews of clients in criminal and immigration custody. Consult with attorneys and other staff members on immigration matters. Prepare written memoranda on the immigration consequences of pending criminal charges for noncitizen clients. Conduct in-house trainings on immigration issues for Defender Association staff, as well as external trainings and CLE presentations. Prepare and maintain resource materials on the immigration consequences of Pennsylvania crimes, notably the “Defender's Guide to Representing Non-Citizen Criminal Defendants in Pennsylvania.” Act as point person for contact on all criminal-immigration matters between the Defender, the Chief of the Unit, and other immigration service providers. Meet with potential clients for consultations, determine appropriate course of action, and prepare initial case files. Liaise with other Defender Association offices and attorneys on collateral consequences of criminal convictions. Assist other CDU attorneys with federal court actions involving non-citizen criminal defendants. Collect and maintain data related to arrests, advice, and representation of non-citizen clients, as directed by the Chief of the Unit Appear in court to present testimony on immigration consequences of criminal convictions, as needed. If desired, appear in criminal court to directly represent clients facing immigration consequences What You'll Need Juris Doctorate Degree required; Must be licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania Admission to practice in the Federal Courts preferred, but may be obtained within a reasonable time of employment required Experience working with multicultural immigrant communities At least two years of experience representing individuals in criminal or removal proceedings/USCIS is preferred. Clinical experience will be considered, as will other experience demonstrating knowledge of the immigration consequences of interaction with the criminal justice system. Fluency in Spanish and/or French is preferred. Excellent research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills Knowledge and familiarity with statutes, procedures, caselaw, and best practices related to immigration representation, preferred. Strong communication and interpersonal skills Capacity and desire to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams Strong organizational skills to manage a high-volume, fast-paced legal practice environment Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed Benefits & Perks Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays Retirement Savings Employer Match Paid eight weeks of parental leave Free Septa Anywhere Key Card Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer Impactful mission driven work Wellness Benefits Ongoing Training and Development of You Salary: Compensation is competitive and is scaled based on relevant experience post-bar admission. Includes a premier benefits package Application: Please submit an online application with detailed cover letter and writing sample (maximum 20 pages) Who is the Defender Association? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender's website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. [