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How much do you know about Black legal history? 🤔
To celebrate Juneteenth, our Communications Intern hit Temple’s campus to quiz students on Black legal facts and landmark court cases.

Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Public defenders help carry that work forward by protecting constitutional rights and ensuring access to legal representation for all. Happy Juneteenth from the Defender Association of Philadelphia. ❤️🖤💚

#Juneteenth #PublicDefense #CivilRights #JusticeForAll #PhillyDefenders

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How much do you know about Black legal history? 🤔
To celebrate Juneteenth, our Communications Intern hit Temple’s campus to quiz students on Black legal facts and landmark court cases.

Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Public defenders help carry that work forward by protecting constitutional rights and ensuring access to legal representation for all. Happy Juneteenth from the Defender Association of Philadelphia. ❤️🖤💚

#Juneteenth #PublicDefense #CivilRights #JusticeForAll #PhillyDefenders ...

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This is why funding public defense matters. Public defense is public safety.⚖️✨

Prosecutors dismiss at least 24 firearms cases after our Police Accountability Unit uncovered evidence that Philadelphia police officers were allegedly engaging in unlawful stops targeting Black men.

Public defenders do more than represent clients in court. We investigate, challenge unconstitutional practices, hold systems accountable, and protect the rights of the communities we serve. That work requires resources.

Special thanks to Police Accountability Unit attorneys Mike Mellon and Paula Sen for their dedication and advocacy.
Read the full story from @phillyinquirer at the link in our bio. 🔗

#FundPublicDefense #PublicDefense #PoliceAccountability #CivilRights #Philadelphia PhillyDefenders

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This is why funding public defense matters. Public defense is public safety.⚖️✨

Prosecutors dismiss at least 24 firearms cases after our Police Accountability Unit uncovered evidence that Philadelphia police officers were allegedly engaging in unlawful stops targeting Black men.

Public defenders do more than represent clients in court. We investigate, challenge unconstitutional practices, hold systems accountable, and protect the rights of the communities we serve. That work requires resources.

Special thanks to Police Accountability Unit attorneys Mike Mellon and Paula Sen for their dedication and advocacy.
Read the full story from @phillyinquirer at the link in our bio. 🔗

#FundPublicDefense #PublicDefense #PoliceAccountability #CivilRights #Philadelphia PhillyDefenders ...

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This Pride Month, we’re highlighting three of our community partners who do a great job of providing support, resources, healthcare, advocacy, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across Philadelphia.

🌈 The Attic Youth Center
🌈 GALAEI
🌈 Mazzoni Center

Learn more about these organizations and follow us for information and resources that support the communities we serve.

#PrideMonth #Philadelphia #LGBTQ #CommunityPartners #PhillyDefenders PrideInPhilly

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This Pride Month, we’re highlighting three of our community partners who do a great job of providing support, resources, healthcare, advocacy, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and families across Philadelphia.

🌈 The Attic Youth Center
🌈 GALAEI
🌈 Mazzoni Center

Learn more about these organizations and follow us for information and resources that support the communities we serve.

#PrideMonth #Philadelphia #LGBTQ #CommunityPartners #PhillyDefenders PrideInPhilly ...

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UPDATE: We 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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UPDATE: We 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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News and Events

Testimony in Support of a Child Welfare Commission

Statement on Challenge to Philly’s “ICE Out” Law

Flat Funding Will Mean Reductions to Some Services

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