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.
| NEW ATTORNEYS: Start your legal career where you can make the most difference! We’re currently hiring a new class of attorneys—advocates who are driven to have a positive impact on our clients from day one. Learn more and apply here |
Check out our complete list of job openings (attorney and non-attorney):
📣 Philly Defenders is showing up and showing out this June! From legal clinics to community conversations, we’re teaming up with amazing partners all month long to support and empower our city. 💪🏾💼
Swipe through to check out what’s coming up and be sure to follow along as additional events and updates are announced throughout the month.
#PhillyDefenders #CommunityJustice #JusticeInAction #PhillyEvents #KnowYourRights #DefendPhilly
Nov 6
It was such a pleasure hosting students for Social Work Student Day! 💙
If you’re a current undergraduate or graduate student studying social work this one’s for you. We gave students from colleges across Philly a behind-the-scenes look at life as a Defender social worker—shadowing staff, observing court, and seeing how we help clients access vital resources and stability.
Want to make a difference? Visit phillydefender.org to explore social work and other career opportunities with the Defenders.
#PhillyDefenders #SocialWork #SocialWorkCareers #PhillyJobs #CommunityImpact #NowHiring
#Philly
Nov 6
Congratulations to our Chief Defender, Keisha Hudson, for being named one of Philadelphia Magazine’s 150 Most Influential Philadelphians! 🎉
Thanks @phillymag for recognizing leaders who are changing the conversation around justice in our city. It reinforces a powerful truth — justice isn’t just a legal issue, it’s a community issue.
#philly #phillymag #phillynews
Nov 3
Almost 85% of Philly’s youth who enter the system end up on GPS monitors—no matter the charge. That’s not healing; that’s harm through over surveillance.
Our youth deserve real care and support. We’re advocating for more city investment in programs that build stability, opportunity, and growth—not punishment.
Thank you to @ruephilacouncil, @phillips4philly, and everyone who helped bring this issue forward—and to @yeahphilly for always showing up and fighting for Philly’s kids with love and purpose.💙⚖️
#Philly #phillyyouth #phillynews #gpsmonitoring #housearrest #phillyphilly #reform #reformphilly #publicdefense #fundphillydefenders
Nov 1
Thank you to the @phillyinquirer for highlighting our Junior Defender Program — a community-driven effort grounded in education, advocacy, and opportunity. ✨
Real safety comes from investing in young people, not policing them. Since 2019, over 500 Philly students have learned their rights, built leadership skills, and created real change through this program.
Special thanks to Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Victoria’s Kitchen, CNS Film Company, and Education Law Center-PA for helping us bring public defense beyond the courthouse and into classrooms across Philadelphia.💙
🔗Hit the link in our bio to learn more or support this work.
#PhillyDefenders #JuniorDefenderProgram #YouthJustice #InvestInCommunity #PublicDefense #PhillyYouth #philly #youthreform #phillynews
Oct 28
You thought the box was the headline? 👀 The real story is Philly’s youth!
Through our Junior Defender Program, students are learning how to stay safe, know their rights, and take action against the root causes of gun violence in their communities. 💙
Since 2019, the program has reached over 500 young people across the city — connecting them with mentors, attorneys, and real tools to lead change. Because real prevention starts with education, access, and opportunity. ⚖️
#PhillyDefenders #JuniorDefenders #YouthJustice #GunViolencePrevention #PhillyCommunity #PublicDefense #FutureLeaders #philly #phillyyouth #phillynews
Oct 23
When safety nets shake, our community steps up💙
With possible SNAP benefit delays, many Philly families are facing food insecurity and tough choices about how to make ends meet. If that’s you or someone you know — you’re not alone.
Free food distribution centers across the city are offering groceries, produce, and prepared meals.
Visit the link in our bio to find nearby food banks and community programs ready to help.
#PhillyDefenders #SNAPBenefits #PhillyStrong #CommunityCare #FoodAccess #JusticeInAction #MutualAid #PublicDefense #PhillyResources #philly #phillynews #phillyresources #snapbenefits #snap
Oct 21
A year ago, we launched a new approach to fairness and public safety: the Emergency Bail Hearing (EBH) program. Since then, more than 200 people have returned home from jail — helping reduce Philadelphia’s jail population by over 1,000.
This is what happens when we center justice, collaboration, and compassion for our communities. 💙⚖️
Oct 16
