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UPDATE: Philly Defenders were flat funded in the city’s FY27 budget. That’s a $0 budget increase.

While the District Attorney’s Office, the Courts, and the Police Department all received additional funding, public defenders were left behind.

As caseloads and client needs continue to grow, this decision will impact our ability to maintain staffing levels, support court operations, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Read Chief Defender Keisha Hudson’s full statement at the link in our bio.🔗
#phillynews #fy27budget #fundpublicdefense

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Open post by phillydefenders with ID 18133021711580340

UPDATE: Philly Defenders were flat funded in the city’s FY27 budget. That’s a $0 budget increase.

While the District Attorney’s Office, the Courts, and the Police Department all received additional funding, public defenders were left behind.

As caseloads and client needs continue to grow, this decision will impact our ability to maintain staffing levels, support court operations, and meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Read Chief Defender Keisha Hudson’s full statement at the link in our bio.🔗
#phillynews #fy27budget #fundpublicdefense ...

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As City Council prepares to vote on the FY27 budget, the decisions made could shape the future of public defense in Philly.

The right to counsel is guaranteed, but effective counsel requires investment. Funding public defense helps keep families together, people housed and employed, and communities stronger.

Justice shouldn’t depend on your zip code or your bank account.

Special thanks to @mrernestowens for sitting down with Chief Defender @khudson_phillydefender to discuss why investing in public defense is an investment in Philadelphia.

Hit the link in our bio to watch the full interview.

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Open post by phillydefenders with ID 18105262597983748

As City Council prepares to vote on the FY27 budget, the decisions made could shape the future of public defense in Philly.

The right to counsel is guaranteed, but effective counsel requires investment. Funding public defense helps keep families together, people housed and employed, and communities stronger.

Justice shouldn’t depend on your zip code or your bank account.

Special thanks to @mrernestowens for sitting down with Chief Defender @khudson_phillydefender to discuss why investing in public defense is an investment in Philadelphia.

Hit the link in our bio to watch the full interview. ...

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We’re looking for experienced Trial Attorneys committed to protecting the rights of our clients and advancing justice in our communities.

In this role, you’ll:
• Handle hearings, motions, waiver trials, jury trials, and probation violations
• Manage a complex felony caseload
• Interview and advocate for clients in the community and correctional facilities
• Work alongside attorneys, social workers, investigators, and support staff to provide holistic representation

What we’re looking for:
✔ Pennsylvania Bar member in good standing
✔ 3+ years of criminal defense experience
✔ Experience litigating complex felony cases
✔ Commitment to serving indigent clients and advancing justice

Apply today at phillydefenders.org/careers
#PhillyDefenders #TrialAttorney #PublicDefense #LegalJobs #PhiladelphiaJobs Hiring

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Open post by phillydefenders with ID 18115303579798928

We’re looking for experienced Trial Attorneys committed to protecting the rights of our clients and advancing justice in our communities.

In this role, you’ll:
• Handle hearings, motions, waiver trials, jury trials, and probation violations
• Manage a complex felony caseload
• Interview and advocate for clients in the community and correctional facilities
• Work alongside attorneys, social workers, investigators, and support staff to provide holistic representation

What we’re looking for:
✔ Pennsylvania Bar member in good standing
✔ 3+ years of criminal defense experience
✔ Experience litigating complex felony cases
✔ Commitment to serving indigent clients and advancing justice

Apply today at phillydefenders.org/careers
#PhillyDefenders #TrialAttorney #PublicDefense #LegalJobs #PhiladelphiaJobs Hiring ...

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Every day, Philly Defenders work alongside clients, families, and communities to create pathways to stability, opportunity, and justice.

These are just a few examples of the work made possible through public defense. From courtrooms to community spaces, we’re meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.
#FundPublicDefense #PhillyDefenders #PublicDefense #CommunityImpact

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Open post by phillydefenders with ID 17967595602064484

Every day, Philly Defenders work alongside clients, families, and communities to create pathways to stability, opportunity, and justice.

These are just a few examples of the work made possible through public defense. From courtrooms to community spaces, we’re meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.
#FundPublicDefense #PhillyDefenders #PublicDefense #CommunityImpact

...

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One in five Philadelphians will need a public defender at some point in their lives. Public defense is about more than courtrooms, it’s about protecting jobs, housing, families, immigration status, and opportunities for a fresh start.

In this FY27 Budget Breakdown, our CFO, Carolyn Jester, walks through the numbers behind public defense and why sustained investment matters. When public defense is underfunded, the impact goes beyond the justice system—it affects the health, stability, and well-being of entire communities.

Hit the link in our bio to read our full FY27 Budget Testimony.🔗
#FundPhillyDefenders #PublicDefense #Philadelphia #FY27budget

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Open post by phillydefenders with ID 18098394485009998

One in five Philadelphians will need a public defender at some point in their lives. Public defense is about more than courtrooms, it’s about protecting jobs, housing, families, immigration status, and opportunities for a fresh start.

In this FY27 Budget Breakdown, our CFO, Carolyn Jester, walks through the numbers behind public defense and why sustained investment matters. When public defense is underfunded, the impact goes beyond the justice system—it affects the health, stability, and well-being of entire communities.

Hit the link in our bio to read our full FY27 Budget Testimony.🔗
#FundPhillyDefenders #PublicDefense #Philadelphia #FY27budget ...

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Loving Drake’s new album art… but we think the cover hits harder when it stands for protecting people’s rights. 💿⚖️😂

Funding public defense means investing in fairness, due process, and communities that deserve to be seen, heard, and defended. Every person deserves access to justice — not just those who can afford it.

More funding means more advocacy, more support, and more people getting a real chance at coming home to their families. Philly deserves that. 💙
#FundPublicDefense #PhillyDefenders #JusticeForAll #iceman #drakeinspo

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Open post by phillydefenders with ID 18127094122620208

Loving Drake’s new album art… but we think the cover hits harder when it stands for protecting people’s rights. 💿⚖️😂

Funding public defense means investing in fairness, due process, and communities that deserve to be seen, heard, and defended. Every person deserves access to justice — not just those who can afford it.

More funding means more advocacy, more support, and more people getting a real chance at coming home to their families. Philly deserves that. 💙
#FundPublicDefense #PhillyDefenders #JusticeForAll #iceman #drakeinspo ...

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People in immigration court are not guaranteed legal representation , leaving many families vulnerable to detention and unjust outcomes.

As immigration enforcement increases across Pennsylvania, we’re calling on lawmakers to invest in due process, legal representation, and community stability.💙

Read our latest op-ed at the link in bio.
#PhillyDefenders #DueProcess #ImmigrationJustice

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Open post by phillydefenders with ID 18098620031146816

People in immigration court are not guaranteed legal representation , leaving many families vulnerable to detention and unjust outcomes.

As immigration enforcement increases across Pennsylvania, we’re calling on lawmakers to invest in due process, legal representation, and community stability.💙

Read our latest op-ed at the link in bio.
#PhillyDefenders #DueProcess #ImmigrationJustice

...

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Our offices will be closed beginning Friday at 1 PM as we observe the holiday weekend.

If you or a someone you know needs assistance during this time, resources remain available through the link in our bio. 💙

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Open post by phillydefenders with ID 18116964310702792

Our offices will be closed beginning Friday at 1 PM as we observe the holiday weekend.

If you or a someone you know needs assistance during this time, resources remain available through the link in our bio. 💙

...

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Testimony in Support of a Child Welfare Commission

Statement: Defender “Flat Funded” for FY 2027

Testimony: In Support of Equal Access to Justice for Immigrants

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