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.
Check out our complete list of job openings (attorney and non-attorney):
Overview
Start your legal career where you can make the most difference! Every year, the Defender hires a new class of attorneys—advocates who driven to have a positive impact on our clients from day one.
Eligible applicants include:
Individuals already admitted to practice in Pennsylvania
Law students who have completed their 2L or 3LE year and plan to sit for the Pennsylvania Bar Exam before September 2026
If you are still in law school and not yet eligible to apply for a staff attorney position, we encourage you to explore our Summer Internship Program.
Our Process
1. Resume, Cover Letter, and Transcript Review
We begin by collecting resumes, cover letters, and transcripts. Once they have all been reviewed, we’ll move on to the next step.
2. Introductory Interview
Selected applicants will be invited to a brief interview (under 30 minutes) with the Director of Attorney Training and Recruitment or another senior team member. This may be conducted virtually if needed.
3. Written Follow-up Questions
Applicants advancing beyond the first interview will receive a short set of follow-up questions to complete in writing.
4. Panel Interview
Applicants selected for this round will participate in a simulation-style panel interview, held in person at the Defender Association.
The panel will include 2–3 senior attorneys portraying roles such as judge, prosecutor, and client.
This exercise is designed to reflect the courtroom advocacy and client-centered approach required of new attorneys at the Defender.
5. Final Interview
Applicants who excel in the panel interview will be invited to a final interview with members of the Defender executive team and others.
At this stage, we will request personal/professional references and an unofficial transcript.
Yes, this really is the final step!
Due to the volume of applications and the multi-step nature of our process, application review can take time. We appreciate your patience as we give each submission the careful attention it deserves.
Newly hired attorneys will take part in an intensive five-week training program that includes trial advocacy, courtroom observation, and instruction. Following training, new Defenders enter a structured rotation through trial and pre-trial units, starting in Municipal Court and culminating in jury trials in the Court of Common Pleas.
When does the application open?
We typically post the application in late August or early September to hire for the following fall. First-round interviews may take several weeks to begin after applications are submitted.
How many attorneys are hired each year?
While this may vary depending on the budget provided by Philadelphia City Council, we aim to hire at least 15 new attorneys for each Fall class.
Are only Fall Class positions available?
No. In addition to hiring for our Fall Class, we occasionally post openings for a Spring Class, and we regularly seek experienced attorneys to join our team. Visit our [Employment Opportunities Page] for current listings.
I didn’t attend a local law school and I’m not from Philadelphia. Should I apply?
Absolutely. We’re looking for passionate, committed litigators—no matter where you’re from. If you’re ready to fight for our clients in court, we want to hear from you.
Do you hire directly into appeals or policy work?
All new attorneys begin their careers at the Defender by completing the trial/non-trial rotation. Opportunities in appeals or policy are considered after this rotation is complete.
Who can I contact with questions about my application?
Feel free to reach out to: Ben Jaye, Director of Attorney Training and Recruitment at or BJaye@philadefender.org.
In addition to full time job opportunities, the Defender offers a variety of internships for people interested in criminal law, social work and community outreach. If you’re interested in an internship at the Defender, please fill out the form below.
NOTE: This form is for students, NOT currently in law school, seeking an undergraduate or graduate internship at the Defender Association. The form is for inquiry purposes only. It is NOT an official application for an open internship position.
