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Defender Association of Philadelphia · 2 months ago

Assistant Defender-Spring class 2026

Philadelphia, PA, US

Full-time

Onsite

Entry Level

$55K/yr - $145K/yr

1+ years exp

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is a non-profit law firm serving clients in the city of Philadelphia. They are seeking barred attorneys for their spring class starting in March/April 2026, who will handle various aspects of client representation in the criminal courts, participate in comprehensive training, and commit to a three-year term.

ConsultingLaw EnforcementLegal

Responsibilities

Handle all aspects of client representation in the Philadelphia Criminal Courts, including but not limited to preliminary hearings, motions, pre-trial listings, status listings, waiver trials, adjudicatory hearings, jury trials, and violations of probation hearings

Interview clients in-person at the office and at county and state correctional institutions. Prison interviewing assignments will be a routine and regular part of the trial attorney’s weekly schedule

Maintain and manage a criminal caseload within the assigned trial unit. This may include 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

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

Qualification

Juris Doctor degreeCriminal trial experienceWritten communication skillsInterpersonal communication skillsOrganizational skillsTime management skillsClient representationHolistic representation practicesTeam-oriented work

Required

Juris Doctor degree, required

A demonstrated interest in and commitment to the representation of individuals within the criminal justice system

Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills

Excellent organizational and time management skills

Travel to various courtrooms and local and state prisons

Preferred

One to three years of criminal trial experience, preferred

Benefits

Very generous and rich benefits plan with 100% employer paid option for medical, employer paid 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