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, regardles
"Our (mostly Black and Brown) clients never get to present or argue a justification defense at a preliminary hearing. And they certainly do not get their cases dismissed based on a judge’s determination that there was a justification defense.
"Instead, our clients—all of whom are poor and almost exclusively Black and Brown people—have their cases held for trial, and they sit in jail for months awaiting their day in court. Going forward, certainly before this forum, Defender Association attorneys will be making the same arguments and demanding the same results."
#criminaljusticereform
Keisha Hudson on Court's Dismissal of Irizarry Shooting Case
phillydefenders.org
Our (mostly Black and Brown) clients never get to present or argue a justification defense at a preliminary hearing.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
ow.ly/apOF50PNAex
#Phillydefenders Chief Keisha Hudson's statement on the passing of JoAnne A. Epps:
"The staff and Board of Directors of the Defender Association of Philadelphia are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Interim Temple University President JoAnne A. Epps.
"JoAnne was a past president and current member of the Defender's Board of Directors. Even after being named Temple's interim president, her commitment to the work of the Defender never wavered. She was a consistent and needed presence at every board meeting and provided invaluable input that has helped us shape our policies, priorities and values.
"This is a devastating loss for the public defender community and our city. Though we, like the entire Temple University family, are emotionally reeling right now, our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family at this extremely difficult time."
# # #
Keisha Hudson on Passing of JoAnne A. Epps – Defender Association
ow.ly
Keisha Hudson on Passing of JoAnne A. Epps Posted on September 19, 2023September 19, 2023 by GJackson@philadefender.org PHILADELPHIA–“The staff and Board of Directors of the Defender Associatio...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
[Click the link in our bio to read the statement from @khudson_phillydefender]
"Our (mostly Black and Brown) clients never get to present or argue a justification defense at a preliminary hearing. And they certainly do not get their cases dismissed based on a judge’s determination that there was a justification defense.
"Instead, our clients—all of whom are poor and almost exclusively Black and Brown people—have their cases held for trial, and they sit in jail for months awaiting their day in court. Going forward, certainly before this forum, Defender Association attorneys will be making the same arguments and demanding the same results."
#criminaljusticereform
@nlada @bpda_justice
Sep 27
![[Click the link in our bio to read the statement from @khudson_phillydefender]
"Our (mostly Black and Brown) clients never get to present or argue a justification defense at a preliminary hearing. And they certainly do not get their cases dismissed based on a judge’s determination that there was a justification defense.
"Instead, our clients—all of whom are poor and almost exclusively Black and Brown people—have their cases held for trial, and they sit in jail for months awaiting their day in court. Going forward, certainly before this forum, Defender Association attorneys will be making the same arguments and demanding the same results."
#criminaljusticereform
@nlada @bpda_justice](https://phillydefenders.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
🕊🕊#Phillydefenders Chief Keisha Hudson`s statement on the passing of JoAnne A. Epps:
"The staff and Board of Directors of the Defender Association of Philadelphia are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Interim @templeuniv President JoAnne A. Epps.
"JoAnne was a past president and current member of the Defender`s Board of Directors. Even after being named Temple`s interim president, her commitment to the work of the Defender never wavered. She was a consistent and needed presence at every board meeting and provided invaluable input that has helped us shape our policies, priorities and values.
"This is a devastating loss for the public defender community and our city. Though we, like the entire Temple University family, are emotionally reeling right now, our thoughts and prayers are with her husband and family at this extremely difficult time." @templelaw
Sep 20
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Come back and visit soon! Repost @five_fifs Spent five days with my @gideonspromise fam in Philadelphia working with @phillydefenders and their incoming class.
The new PDs were super inspiring and the office, in general, was amazing. Definitely a vibe and culture that so many offices should be envious of.
Got a chance to experience Philly a little bit. It was my first time in the city and it definitely has a real energy and character. D’alessandro’s was closed, but I did get to Ishkabibble’s…..Cheeseteak was excellent and the Gremlin drink was #BUSSIN.
Finally, got to catch an Eagle’s game on Thursday night. The rudeness of Philly fans was a bit overstated. As was the loudness…..Overall, I enjoyed it, but I’ll take the overall vibe of a Falcons game.
I will be back. Hopefully when I have fewer work obligations from back home filling up my evenings and nights.
Sep 17
September 14, 2023: Chief Defender Keisha Hudson made the following remarks at a press conference for Councilmember Isaiah Thomas’s “Exonerated Justice” legislation.
Full remarks here: https://phillydefenders.org/exonerated-justice/
Exonerated Justice would provide critical, one-stop access to resources and services they need as they reintegrate into their communities.
#phillydefenders thanks @cmthomasphl and his team for once again thinking holistically about how we can mitigate the damage caused by our justice system and for allowing the Defender Association to share our insights and expertise as we develop solutions. @clsphila @innocencepa #criminaljusticereform
Sep 15
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾• @cmthomasphl Over the past decade, around 40 Philadelphians have been exonerated for crimes they did not commit. Pennsylvania is among only 14 states to not provide financial compensation to exonerated individuals.
Today I introduced the Exonerated Justice legislative package, which will increase access to resources for exonerated Philadelphians upon their release.
The plan provides access to education, employment, housing, compensation and general reentry support services.
Under the law, exonerated Philadelphians are clear of any wrongdoing. However, they know all too well the stigma of life after incarceration. It’s about time we give exonerated Philadelphians a fair shot.
Thank you to @clsphila @phillydefenders @innocencepa for making this possible.
Sep 15
#phillydefenders is thrilled to welcome these dedicated and talented attorneys to our fall 2023 criminal defense and child advocacy class! We can`t wait to work with this group and support them in their careers! We wish them great success in their careers in public service. #publicdefenders #publicservants @nlada @bpda_justice
Sep 13
STATEMENT FROM @KHUDSON_PHILLYDEFENDER ON SHOOTING OF EDDIE IRIZARRY (Click the link i n our bio to view at Phillydefenders.org):
It’s a very sad fact that Eddie Irizarry should be alive today. It’s also true that we, as a city must come together to honestly and forcefully address the issue of shifting police narratives.
“This is an issue we, as public defenders deal with too often in the courtroom. When police officers give misleading accounts of their own actions, it not only undermines the integrity of our justice system, but also creates irrevocable harm to people on trial. If we want to have a serious conversation about public safety, then we need every stakeholder to honestly and transparently perform their duties.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Eddie Irizarry’s family and loved ones, and we join them in calling for answers and accountability from our justice system for this tragedy. @phillyinquirer
#policeaccountability #criminaljusticereform
Sep 1
The Defender Association of Philadelphia joins the thousands of our city’s young people, activists and community members in mourning the sudden passing of @yasprojectphilly co-founder Josh Glenn.
Josh was an incredible leader and advocate. Among his many achievements was the establishment of the nation’s first Youth #ParticipatoryDefense Hub right here in Philadelphia. Any progress we’ve made toward reforming our juvenile justice system would not be possible without his efforts and leadership.
Few individuals—or organizations, for that matter—have positively impacted as many young lives as Josh Glenn. Though our thoughts and our hearts are with his family at this time, this is a loss for the entire city of Philadelphia. #youthjustice #criminaljusticereform #community
Click the link in our bio for information on the Memorial Service and a support fund for Josh`s family.
Aug 23
Our (mostly Black & Brown) clients never get to present a justification defense at a preliminary hearing... Instead, they have their cases held for trial and sit in jail for months, awaiting their day in court. @nlada @bpda_justice
Keisha Hudson on Court's Dismissal of Irizarry Shooting Case
Our (mostly Black and Brown) clients never get to present or argue a justification defense at a preliminary hearing.
ow.ly
Her influence transcended boundaries—from @PhillyDefenders to her impact on @innocencepa where, as @TempleLaw Dean, she provided invaluable support, office space, and resources, critical to launching the organization that has been a beacon of hope for the wrongfully convicted.
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