Teams at Defender Association of Philadelphia

Leads the Child Advocacy Unit’s legal operations, staffing, case assignments, courtroom coverage, strategic priorities, and practice standards. Supervises and develops attorneys, advises on complex dependency cases, supports multidisciplinary advocacy, maintains a limited caseload, and advances trauma-informed, anti-racist, client-centered representation for children and youth.

Represents indigent clients in Philadelphia criminal courts through preliminary hearings, motions, waiver and jury trials, probation violations, and complex felony cases. Maintains a criminal caseload, drafts and argues motions, interviews clients in offices and correctional facilities, and provides holistic, collaborative defense with social workers, investigators, and other staff.

Represents indigent clients in criminal matters from preliminary arraignments through trials and appeals. Assistant Defenders complete intensive training, develop courtroom and litigation skills, collaborate with social workers and investigators, build trust with clients, and advocate throughout the criminal legal process. The role requires a three-year commitment and travel to Philadelphia courtrooms and correctional facilities.