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.
Thrilled to partner with Nomo Foundation for this amazing Winter Coat Giveaway & Expungement Clinic! 🧥✨
Join us this Saturday at 9 AM for FREE hats, coats, scarves, delicious food, and valuable LEGAL ADVICE to help clear your record. Let’s make a difference together! 💪🏾❄️ #CommunityLove #GivingBack #ExpungementClinic
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Thrilled to partner with @nomo_foundation for this amazing Winter Coat Giveaway & Expungement Clinic! 🧥✨
Join us this Saturday at 9 AM for FREE hats, coats, scarves, delicious food, and valuable LEGAL ADVICE to help clear your record. Let’s make a difference together! 💪🏾❄️ #CommunityLove #GivingBack #ExpungementClinic
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We had an amazing time connecting with our @philabarassociation colleagues at Tuesday’s Criminal Justice Section celebration! ✨
The highlight of the night? Presenting a special honor to our incredible partners at @preventionpointphiladelphia for their unwavering commitment to meeting the critical health needs of so many #PhillyDefenders clients. Your work inspires us every day! #Philly #phillyreform
Dec 20
✨ Super excited to partner with @preventionpointphiladelphia ✨
Each month, we’re teaming up to host Defender Day, offering FREE legal resources and info on expungements, probation terminations and more to those who qualify. 💼⚖️
Ready to learn more? Hit the link in our bio! Let’s make a difference together. 💪🏽 #CommunityJustice #DefenderDay #Expungement #LegalHelp #PhillyCommunity #kensington #Philly #phillynews #phillyphilly
Dec 19
It’s a Philly thing! 💪 😂
Huge thanks to all our public defenders who put in the work every single day.
Special shoutout to our very own
#PhillyDefender Mary Henin from the homicide unit for securing a NOT GUILTY verdict today! ⚖️ ✨
#JusticeServed #ProudMoment #philly #phillyeagles #phillymemes #publicdefense #publicdefenders #eagles #phillymemes #eaglesmemes #philly #phillyreels
Dec 16
Giving back to the community is what we love to do!💙Huge thanks to @nomo_foundation for letting us be part of the Winter Coat Giveaway & Expungement Clinic.
Need help with record clearing or probation termination? We’re here for you—book your appointment today! Link in bio. #CommunityFirst #ExpungementClinic #LegalHelp #GivingBack #nomofoundation #phillyreform #philly
Dec 16
Legal terms got you confused? Don’t worry, we’ve got you!
Today’s breakdown: Indictment🔍✨
Got a legal term you want us to explain next? Drop it in the comments! 👇
#LegalTips #StayInformed #LawSimplified #clientfocused #phillydefendees #Publicdefense #PApublicdefense #legalterms #Philly
Dec 12
Thrilled to partner with @nomo_foundation for this amazing Winter Coat Giveaway & Expungement Clinic! 🧥✨
Join us this Saturday at 9 AM for FREE hats, coats, scarves, delicious food, and valuable LEGAL ADVICE to help clear your record. Let’s make a difference together! 💪🏾❄️ #CommunityLove #GivingBack #ExpungementClinic
Dec 10
This year, we hosted a Resource Expo focused on services for youth and young adults.
Our Partners came through with materials, introductions, and so much knowledge! Big thanks to everyone who showed up to connect and build: @yasprojectphilly @clsphila @idaay_inc & plenty more 🖤
#CommunityConnections #YouthEmpowerment #communityresources #philly #phillyresources
Dec 9
We are beyond proud to share that our Director of Alternative Sentencing, Elisa Downey-Zayas, has been selected for @cityandstatepa “Pennsylvania Impact Awards”!🎉
This prestigious recognition highlights Pennsylvania’s most influential executives, thought leaders, visionaries, and trailblazers—and Elisa exemplifies all of these qualities.
Congratulations, Elisa, on this well-deserved honor! Hit the link in bio to read her full feature🏆👏 #Leadership #Advocacy #ImpactAwards #PennsylvaniaTrailblazers
Dec 6
