Donate to Support Immigration Defense!
Click Here to DonateProtecting Noncitizens' Legal Rights
The Defender Association believes everyone deserves justice — no matter their immigration status. In response to increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement, we launched our Immigration Law Practice (ILP) to ensure noncitizens have the expert legal advocacy they need to protect their rights, futures, and families.
Working alongside our trial teams, social workers, and mitigation specialists, the ILP identifies immigration risks early and helps shape defense strategies that reduce harm, prevent unnecessary detention or deportation, and keep families together.
Donate to Support Immigration Defense!
Your gift to Immigrant Defense funds direct legal representation for people in Philadelphia who cannot afford an attorney. You help our defenders stand beside clients in court, explain their rights, and fight to keep families together. ⚖️
Every contribution strengthens fair, high-quality defense for immigrant communities. Together, we can reduce the harm of the criminal and immigration systems and uphold the promise of justice for all. 🌍
Click Here to DonateMore Info about the Immigration Law Practice and our services:
Defender Launches Immigration Law Practice
The Immigration Law Practice will expand the Defender's ability to protect noncitizens facing immigration consequences.
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Immigrant Rights & Resources
Rights and resources for our immigrant clients, their families and communities.
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Testimony: In Support of Equal Access to Justice for Immigrants
Chris Setz-Kelly testified before City Council in support of a bill establishing protections for noncitizen survivors of crime
Read More
Join us for this important panel this Thursday!
Guy Lang, Philly Defender’s Director of Youth Outreach and Community Partnerships, will be speaking on this emergency panel discussion in response to the recent “teen takeovers” in Philly.
The panel will focus on solutions to provide accountability and alternatives to support our city’s youth.
Emergency Youth Justice Panel Discussion - Defender Association of Philadelphia
phillydefenders.org
Show Up before the Streets Do! Guy Lang, Philly Defender’s Director of Youth Outreach and Community Partnerships, will be speaking on this emergency panel discussion in response to the recent […]0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Now Hiring: Chief of the Child Advocacy Unit!
We’re looking for an experienced and passionate leader to join the Philly Defenders and lead our Child Advocacy Unit, helping ensure children and youth receive high-quality, client-centered representation.
Must have:
⚖️ 7–10 years of litigation experience in dependency, child welfare, or related legal practice
👥 5+ years of management experience
🎓 Juris Doctor degree and active admission (or eligibility for admission) to the Pennsylvania Bar
Apply now at phillydefenders.org. 🔗
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Introducing our Fall 2026 Attorney Class 💙⚖️
A new group of advocates ready to stand up for our clients, serve our communities, and help make our justice system more fair and equitable.
We’re proud to welcome them to the Defender family and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make—inside and outside the courtroom.
#PhillyDefenders #AttorneyLife #PublicDefenders #Philly
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Introducing Junior Defender University 🎓 — a new online resource hub for educators, advocates, schools, and community organizations working to help young people better understand their rights and the criminal justice system.
Built from our Junior Defender Program, JDU provides accessible tools and lessons that adults and organizations can use to bring know-your-rights education directly to young people in their schools and communities.
Knowledge is power and knowing your rights is where it starts.
🔗 Hit the link in bio to learn more about Junior Defender University.#phillyyouth #philly #phillynews
Introducing our Fall 2026 Attorney Class 💙⚖️
A new group of advocates ready to stand up for our clients, serve our communities, and help make our justice system more fair and equitable.
We’re proud to welcome them to the Defender family and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make—inside and outside the courtroom.
#PhillyDefenders #AttorneyLife #PublicDefenders #Philly
Big thanks to State Rep @joanna_mcclinton and all of our community partners for allowing Philly Defenders to be part of this year’s Expungement Clinic at Motivation High School! 💙
Community events like this help connect our neighbors with the legal support and resources they need to move forward. We’re grateful to work alongside partners committed to making legal services more accessible in our communities.
#PhillyDefenders #ExpungementClinic #philly #phillynews #fyp
Chief Defender Keisha Hudson speaks with @publicdefensepodcast about what underfunding public defense really means for the people who depend on us.
When funding falls short, critical client services are put at risk, from adequate staffing and weekend coverage to having the time and resources needed to provide strong, meaningful representation. These aren’t just budget cuts. They directly impact our clients and their ability to receive the defense they deserve.
🎧 Hit the link in bio to watch the full episode.
#philly #fundpublicdefense #fundphillydefenders #phillynews
Building a career that makes a difference? Now that’s chic. ✨
This week, we welcomed 16 new non-attorney staff and 17 students into the world of public defense, learning firsthand how advocacy, social work, and teamwork come together to serve our clients.
Interested in work that creates real impact? Learn more about careers with Philly Defenders at PhillyDefenders.org.
Ending automatic life sentences for felony murder creates a new opportunity for individualized justice, but that opportunity must come with the resources to make it meaningful.
More than 500 people in Philadelphia could be impacted, and providing each eligible client with the representation their case requires will take substantial funding.
As Chief Defender Keisha Hudson explains, resentencing requires more than a court hearing. It requires attorneys, investigators, experts, and the time necessary to fully advocate for every client seeking relief.
Hit the link in bio to read the full story with @phillyinquirer 🔗
#philly #phillynews #fundpublicdefense
Super excited to kick off another year of our Junior Defender Program with our annual backpack drive! 🎒✨
This year, we filled more than 90 backpacks with school supplies to help students start the school year prepared and ready to learn.
A special thank-you to @wagnerms @gompers_cares @mlkings_queens and PLA-North for welcoming us into your schools and allowing us to connect with students, and to all of our community partners who helped make this event possible.
Hit the link in our bio to learn more about the Junior Defender Program and to stay up to date on upcoming community events. 🔗
#JuniorDefenderProgram #BackpackDrive #Philadelphia #CommunityEngagement #YouthAdvocacy BackToSchool PhillyDefenders
Seeking safety should not come at the cost of your freedom.⚖️
Check out this @nbcphiladelphia story about Philly Defender client Nelson Contreras Galvez. Nelson was detained by ICE while seeking asylum in the United States. His story is a powerful reminder that people pursuing protection can still face detention while their cases are pending.
Access to legal representation and due process matters. Everyone deserves a meaningful opportunity to present their case and be heard.
Hit the link in bio to learn more about the work of our Immigration Unit. 🔗#DueProcess #ImmigrationDefense #PhillyDefenders #philly phillynews
