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.
🚨Office Alert: Our office will be CLOSED on Monday, Jan. 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Day.✨
We’ll be back to REGULAR HOURS on Tuesday, Jan. 21st.
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Shoutout to @PhillyInquirer for their powerful special report on the alarming rates of juvenile detention and the heartbreaking abuse young people face in the justice system. This is the attention this issue deserves!⚖️✨
Major thanks to our Chief of the Children & Youth Justice Unit, Nicole El, and Public Defender Brendan Lokka for their exceptional advocacy!#youthjustice #philly #phillyyouth #publicdefense #youth #youthdevelopment #youthdetentioncenter
www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/a/highest-juvenile-incarceration-rates-philadelphia-pennsylvan...
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🚨Office Alert: Our office will be CLOSED on Monday, Jan. 20th in observance of Martin Luther King Day.✨
We’ll be back to REGULAR HOURS on Tuesday, Jan. 21st. Hit the link in our bio for further assistance!
Shoutout to @PhillyInquirer for their powerful special report on the alarming rates of juvenile detention and the heartbreaking abuse young people face in the justice system. This is the attention this issue deserves!⚖️✨
Philly locks up kids at one of the highest rates anywhere, despite widespread abuse in juvenile...
Pennsylvania leaders have acknowledged the harms and abuses in juvenile institutions. Yet Philly remains a national leader in using them.
www.inquirer.com
For too long, our youth justice system has fallen short in providing the care, safety, support, education, and rehabilitation that children need. Full statement: @phillyinquirer
#YouthJustice #EndMassIncarceration #PhillyDefenders"
Defender Statement on Juvenile Detention Special Report
We’re grateful to the Inquirer for shining a light on this issue showing the real impact of these systemic failures.
phillydefenders.org
New report from the City of Philadelphia’s Office of the Youth Ombudsman highlights how illegal seclusion is used at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center. Read more below
Philly teens are regularly subjected to illegal lockdowns in detention, city watchdog finds
Minors held in juvenile detention in Philadelphia are routinely locked in their rooms for days on end, in violatio...
www.inquirer.com