Unit Coordinator

Make a difference! Become a Defender! 

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a dedicated Unit Coordinator for our Felony Waivers Unit. The Felony Waiver Unit is one of the Defender Adult Trial Practice Units that handles felony trials that go before a judge. The Unit Coordinator performs administrative and paralegal tasks as needed for trial preparation. You will assist the Chief and Assistant Chief in the coordination of the Unit’s workflows and initiate the Unit team’s efforts to solidify pre-trial matters prior to trial.

What You’ll Do: 

• Administration: Coordinate unit workflows with the Chief, implement process improvements, track caseload statistics, and manage schedules. 


• Client Support: Act as the unit's primary point of contact and ensure clients receive timely pre- and post-court correspondence. 


• Case Preparation: Perform administrative and paralegal tasks, prep trial files three weeks in advance, manage file flow, and handle discovery requests. 


• Collaboration: Partner with attorneys, administrative staff, and court personnel to assist in preparing legal representation. 

What You’ll Need

• Experience: Two years at the Defender and/or working with indigent clients in criminal justice proceedings preferred 


• Education: High School Diploma required. Post-secondary school and/or college education


• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication skills. Must be team-oriented, possess strong interpersonal skills, and be able to work effectively with a diverse population. 


• Motivation: A desire to provide high quality legal representation to Defender clients


• Organization Skills: Excellent organizational and time management skills. 


• Practice Management: Ability to work in a high-volume practice and prioritize assignments effectively, alongside a strong commitment to professionalism in the workplace. 


• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of basic administrative/clerical systems and procedures. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to quickly learn multiple internal and external computer systems. 

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances


• Generous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays


• Wellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health


• Family Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leave


• Retirement: Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match


• Commuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key card


• Union Membership: This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 3190


• PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer


• Culture: Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment. 

To apply

Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience. Salary is $50,000.

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.