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.
We work alongside middle and high school students to develop age-appropriate and culturally responsive teaching materials that will improve our young clients’ understanding of youth justice system and court-ordered obligations.
The goal of the program is to reduce the impact of the school-to-prison pipeline, and instead build a pipeline of young people interested in pursuing careers dedicated to the legal defense of adjudicated youth.
The videos below are one vehicle we use to introduce students to the issues and topics discussed in our Junior Defender sessions:
Watch this video to learn more about the Junior Defender mission and Summer Internship Program.
Junior Defender Summer 2023 from Defender Association on Vimeo.
Hear directly from this year’s Junior Defender program on the value and impact of learning about our justice system and how to advocate for change!
Reflections from our Junior Defender Summer Interns (2023) from Defender Association on Vimeo.
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
