Assistant Defender-Spring class 2026

Assistant Defender – Trial Attorney

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender! 

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is a non-profit law firm serving the clients in the city of Philadelphia. Defender attorneys are part of a dynamic team that includes social workers, paralegals, mitigation specialists, investigators, and administrative professionals who play critical roles serving our clients and communities. Our office represents 70% of people charged with crimes in Philadelphia. We are comprised of various practice units wherein we provide representation beginning at the preliminary arraignment through the appellate process. We employ a client centered representation model which includes providing clients with zealous advocacy in the courtroom and partnering with our community.

The Defender Association is currently seeking barred attorneys to join our office as part of a “spring class,” to start in March/April, 2026. While some criminal defense experience is preferred, it is not required. Attorneys selected for our spring class will participate in a comprehensive in-house training program and then begin their practice in preliminary hearings and progress to misdemeanor trials, felony waiver trials, juvenile adjudicatory hearings, special litigation unit, and jury trials. Additionally, based on office needs, spring class attorneys may also rotate through other units within the office, including but not limited to; municipal court pre-trial, common pleas court pre-trial, alternative sentencing, mental health. With each rotation, our office provides additional comprehensive training specific to the new area of practice, as well as support and mentorship. Based on our progressive representation model and training provided, the Defender Association asks for a three-year commitment.   This opportunity is also available to anyone who graduated from law school and is taking the February 2026 bar exam.  

What You’ll Do

• Handle all aspects of client representation in the Philadelphia Criminal Courts, including but not limited to preliminary hearings, motions, pre-trial listings, status listings, waiver trials, adjudicatory hearings, jury trials, and violations of probation hearings

• Interview clients in-person at the office and at county and state correctional institutions. Prison interviewing assignments will be a routine and regular part of the trial attorney’s weekly schedule.

• Maintain and manage a criminal caseload within the assigned trial unit. This may include specially-assigned, complex cases of all types, including cases where clients are charged with violent and sexual offenses

• Draft, file, and argue all necessary motions and memoranda of law

• Engage in holistic representation practices that assist the client in collateral matters that may impact the direct legal representation of the client

• Maintain a professional team-oriented work atmosphere with other attorneys, social workers, investigators and administrative staff within the unit, and all other units at the Defender Association

What You’ll Need

• Juris Doctor degree, required
• One to three years of criminal trial experience, preferred 
• A demonstrated interest in and commitment to the representation of individuals within the criminal justice system
• Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Travel to various courtrooms and local and state prisons, 

To Apply

Please apply with cover letter detailing your relevant experience and a writing sample (no more than 20 pages)

Benefits & Perks

• Very generous and rich benefits plan with 100% employer paid option for medical, employer paid vision, dental, life insurance and long term disability
• Substantial paid time off (35 days of PTO plus all federal holidays)
• Six weeks of paid parental leave
• 403 (b) retirement savings with Employer Match
• Free Septa All Access Key card
• Meaningful & Impactful Work 
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

Who is the Defender Association? 

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn. 

The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.