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 – makes 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 fundamentally fair system that creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our attorneys and staff the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Many former Defenders go on to serve as judges, state and federal officials, and successful private practitioners.
Join our team! Check out a list of our current openings:
Since 1934, we have believed that poverty shouldn’t prevent access to justice. Everyone, regardless of income, deserves the highest quality legal counsel.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.At Philly Defenders, we see firsthand how mental health impacts our clients, their families, and entire communities .
Too often, people struggling with mental health are met with handcuffs instead of help. We believe in a system that prioritizes care and support rather than punishment.
This month—and every month—we advocate for access to mental health resources, trauma-informed services, and dignity for all.
#mentalhealthawarenessmonth #Phillydefenders #CareNotCages #JusticeForAll #mentalhealthisjustice
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On May 6, Chief Defender Keisha Hudson testified before City Council on #Phillydefenders FY26 budget proposal. Download our written submission and watch the full hearing here:
FY 26 Budget Testimony to City Council
phillydefenders.org
On May 6, 2025 Chief Defender Keisha Hudson testified before City Council on the Defender Association's FY26 budget proposal0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our Chief Defender, @khudson_phillydefender spoke out on the urgent need for increased public defense funding this week. Last year’s $7.5M was historic, but it’s not enough—public defenders across PA are still overwhelmed, leaving too many people jailed simply for being poor. This isn’t just a budget issue; it’s a justice issue. ⚖️
If we fund law enforcement and prosecution, we must fund public defense. Thank you to the legislators fighting for change and to our public defenders who never stop fighting for justice. @phlcouncil @senhughesoffice #FundPublicDefense #JusticeForAll #Indigentdefense #fundphillydefenders #phillydefenders #Phillynews #philly
Mar 28
Couldn’t let Women’s History Month end without highlighting over three decades of women making history right here in our office.
Huge thanks to the female Chief Defenders who have done so much for this office and the surrounding communities. Happy Women’s History Month! #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInLeadership #HonoringHerStory
Mar 26
Peer advocates play a crucial role in helping our young clients navigate complex systems and access the resources they need to stay out of the system. Their unique experiences make them invaluable in guiding clients toward a better future. ✨
That’s why our budget request includes more resources to support our clients. A big thank you to our entire social services team for their relentless dedication and hard work every day! #PeerAdvocates #ClientSupport #MakingADifference #StrongerTogether #socialservies #peeradvocates #socialworkers #philly #phillyreform #fundphillydefenders
Mar 25
It’s budget season!⚖️💰
Public safety isn’t just a promise—it requires investment. To build a safer Philadelphia, we must ensure the right resources are in place. We look forward to working with City Council and the administration to make that vision a reality. Read our full budget statement. Link in bio 🔗
#PhillyBudget #JusticeForAll #InvestInCommunity #fundphillydefenders
Mar 20
Philadelphia can’t be a city of opportunity while immigrants face detention without representation. ⚖️✨
We’ve asked the city for funding to launch our first Immigrant Defense Unit—because every
#Philly resident deserves equal justice.
#DefendImmigrants #PhillyJustice
#FundPhillydefenders
#theDefenseNeverRests #immigration #ice
Mar 19
Our Chief Defender, Keisha Hudson, recently spoke to @PHLCouncil about why we need more social workers—especially for our clients in Kensington—and funding to expand our work in Wellness Court. Social workers and specialized courts help people tackle addiction, behavioral health challenges, and housing instability, keeping them out of the justice system and on a better path.
This #SocialWorkMonth, we’re shining a light on the impact of social workers and the need to invest in real solutions that support our communities.
🔗 in bio to read and watch the full testimony
#SocialWorkersMatter #InvestInCommunities #HarmReduction #BehavioralHealth #JusticeReform #EndMassIncarceration #Philadelphia
Mar 6
This week marks 3 years of Driving Equality! 🚗✨ #PhillyDefenders Chief @khudson_phillydefender shared big news at Monday’s press conference: traffic stops for Black drivers are down nearly 9%!
While this is progress, the data still shows a huge discrepancy in the treatment of Black drivers. There’s still work to do, and we remain committed to pushing for real change.
Check out our Driving Equality interactive dashboard to see the impact firsthand.
Major shoutout to @CouncilmemberIsaiahThomas for his vision and for working with our Police Accountability Unit to make this change a reality!
🔗 Link in bio for details.
#DrivingEquality #PhillyData #JusticeReform #EquityInAction #philly #phillynews #phillyreform #blacklivesmatterphilly #publicsafety
Mar 5
