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.
This budget season, the Defender is requesting additional investments in social workers and attorneys to support our children and youth clients. Read our full testimony here:
Defender FY 2025 Budget Testimony
phillydefenders.org
The Defender Association's FY 2025 Budget Request: Attorney parity, and more resources to support Philly's Children & Youth!0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Check out some photos from our 90th Anniversary Gala on April 4! More highlights on the way!
phillydefenders.org
On April 4, 2024, we're celebrating 90 years of representing Philly youth and adults with a very special event!0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our DEI Coordinator, Christina Tavares, recently spoke to @the_napd advocates about the importance of DEI programs! Learn about her journey and why she’s dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. #DEI #PhillyDefenders #SupportPhillyDefenders #FundDefenders
Apr 26
Happy Bring Your Child to Work Day! We had a fun and educational day planned for the children of the #phillydefenders team. They got a behind-the-scenes look at our work and learned how we make a difference in the community.✨
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#BYCTWD2024 #CommunityEngagement #FamilyFirst #babydefenders
Apr 25
Celebrating Our Admin Team! 🥐
Today we gathered for a special breakfast to thank our amazing administrative staff for all their hard work. 🥞 Let’s keep showing our appreciation every day!
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#AdminAppreciation #BreakfastTogether #administrativeprofessionalsday #supportPhillydefenders
Apr 24
If we want a fair justice system in Philly, we need a proper balance of resources. That’s why we’re fighting for equal starting salaries for #phillydefenders attorneys. 🔗in bio to learn more about the client services we want to fund in our FY25 budget request.💰
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#fundphillydefenders #phillydefenders #philly #phillyattorneys #equality #attorneys #equalpay
Apr 23
On April 16, 2024, #phillydefenders @khudson_phillydefender & Sarah Allen testified before @phlcouncil about our request for a $15 million budget increase, which would mainly be used to hire more attorneys and social workers for our child and youth clients. ===========================
🔗 in bio for full written testimony #fundphillydefenders #thedefenseneverrests
#budgetseason
Apr 17
Monday #photodump: just a few of the amazing moments and people from the #defender90 #gala. What a fantastic and fun way to celebrate 90 years representing Philly! More highlights to come!
Thanks to all of the sponsors, honorees speakers, past and present #Phillydefenders & guests for making it happen! Photos: @christianwitha_c, @upncomingprodllc_ , & @livelensphotos for #wehadagreattime
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Apr 8
This #budgetseason #phillydefenders is seeking more investment in supports and services for our children and youth clients. Check out our full written testimony to @PHLCouncil: https://phillydefenders.org/fy2025-budget/
#fundphillydefenders #thedefenseneverrests
NOW: Chief Defender @K_Nicole_Hudson presenting #phillydefenders budget testimony to @PHLCouncil. Watch here: https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-innovation-and-technology/phlgovtv/ #thedefenseneverrests #FundPhillyDefenders
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