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
Salary
Salary is competitive and determined by years of relevant experienced post-bar. Candidates with three years of experience start at $81,000 with a $2,000 increase for every additional year of related experience.
How to Apply:
Please include cover letter, resume and writing sample (maximum 20 pages) in your application.
Benefits & Perks
- Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
- Generous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
- Wellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
- Family Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leave
- Retirement: Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
- Commuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key card
- Union Membership: Law clerks and attorneys are unionized
- PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
- Culture: Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment.
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.
Skills Required
- Juris Doctor degree
- Active Pennsylvania bar membership in good standing
- At least three years of direct legal representation experience involving the criminal justice system
- Experience litigating complex felony cases
- Interest in and commitment to representing indigent individuals in the criminal justice system
- Ability to adapt to changing organizational needs
- Ability to work collaboratively with Defender staff
- Ability to travel to courtrooms and local or statewide correctional facilities as needed
- Jury trial experience
What We Do
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is a nonprofit public-defense organization providing client-centered legal representation to adults and juveniles in Philadelphia, including people facing criminal charges and clients in mental-health proceedings, as well as children in dependency matters. It complements courtroom advocacy with social-service connections, reentry support, community collaboration, and justice-system advocacy, aiming to protect constitutional rights and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
