The Defender believes in empowering people, organizations and communities to play an active role in our justice system.
Community Lawyering is an essential part of the community outreach and advocacy practiced by the Defender Association The most significant part of community lawyering is meeting our clients where they are. Our clients can be found on street corners, back blocks, barber shops, bars, “bandos” (abandoned houses), and most places in our communities not frequently visited by attorneys or legal professionals.
The Defender has developed several programs that connect the Defender with the community. Click the links below to learn more about our efforts to partner with community organizations and improve outcomes for justice-involved people.
Participatory defense hubs utilize trained community volunteers to provide insight, perspective, and support to those being charged and their families as they navigate the justice system.
Shop Talk is a community outreach initiative used to bring Defender Association of Philadelphia, Children & Youth Justice Unit programming to the community through collaboration with a coalition and network of barbershops in the city of Philadelphia.
The Junior Defender Program coordinates with school administrators to reach out to students in neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. The program provides these students with a foundational understanding of the youth justice system in Philadelphia.
With our community partners, we have developed a blueprint for a pre-trial system that protects due process, and prioritizes community-based supports over cash bail to create a fair, cost-effective system that improves the safety of our communities.
For questions or additional information about community partnerships, contact Kavita Goyal
Since 1934, we have believed that poverty shouldn’t prevent access to justice. Everyone, regardless of income, deserves the highest quality legal counsel.
Thank you, @philabarassociation, for recognizing us as this year’s #BarStars! 💫
We’re honored to be institutional members and appreciate all the resources and support you’ve provided Philly Defenders over the years. Here’s to making a difference together! #PhillyLaw #CommunityDefense #philly #phillybarassociation
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Thank you, @philabarassociation, for recognizing us as this year’s #BarStars! 💫
We’re honored to be institutional members and appreciate all the resources and support you’ve provided Philly Defenders over the years. Here’s to making a difference together! #PhillyLaw #CommunityDefense #philly #phillybarassociation
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you, @philabarassociation, for recognizing us as this year’s #BarStars! 💫
We’re honored to be institutional members and appreciate all the resources and support you’ve provided Philly Defenders over the years. Here’s to making a difference together! #PhillyLaw #CommunityDefense #philly #phillybarassociation
Nov 14
📢 ICYMI: We’re incredibly proud of our public defense attorney, Andrew Pappas, for his powerful interview with @nbcphiladelphia on the release of 100 individuals from Philly jails.
This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of our team, committed to justice and second chances. Let’s keep pushing for positive change in our community! #PublicDefense #JusticeForAll #Philly
Nov 13
Incarcerated individuals deserve protection and respect—today and every day. ✨
Our Director of Prison Advocacy, Tom Innes, took a powerful stand at City Council, advocating for a new Prison Oversight Board to support the health and safety of incarcerated people and staff facing tough conditions. Link in bio for full testimony. ⚖️
#PrisonReform #PhillyCouncil #CommunitySafetyUnit #phillyphilly #phillynews #phillyreform #phillyreels #philly #meekmill #phillydefenders #mentalhealthphilly
Nov 7
🎉 Big News for Philly’s Justice & Safety! 🎉
Proud to announce that 100 people have been released from pretrial incarceration! Thanks to the work of #phillydefenders incredible team of attorneys in collaboration with our justice system partners, we’re reducing the jail population on State Road and making our community safer.
This milestone shows what’s possible when we come together to push for a fairer, more just system. Here’s to all the hard work—and to even more progress ahead! 💪🏽✨
🔗 in bio for details
#PhillyDefenders #100Released #SaferPhilly
Nov 4
#PhillyDefenders out & about! ✨
Last week, we had an amazing conversation with @lasalleuniv BSW students, sharing insights and inspiration. Meanwhile, our dedicated peer advocates were holding it down at @the_napd racial justice conference. Proud to be connecting
and advocating!
#CommunityEngagement #JusticeForAll #PhillyPride
Nov 4
While the safety concerns in Kensington are real, more community surveillance isn’t the answer. 💡
Shoutout to #PhillyDefender Paula Sen of our Police Accountability Unit for spotlighting the PPD’s history of problematic surveillance in this community. Read the full article at @kensingtonvoice . Link in bio 🔗#CommunitySafety #PhillyReform #PublicSafety #SupportPhilly #PhillyNews #Kensington #philly #phillynews #phillyphilly #phillyreform
Nov 1
