Attorney in Children & Youth Justice Unit

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender! 

Do you have a passion for working on behalf of youth people?  Our CYJ team is looking for a permanent attorney to join their team. This role’s primary responsibilities are the representation of youth charged with criminal offenses in Family Court. CYJ attorneys handle all misdemeanor and felony charges that originate in Family Court. The Attorney is responsible for vertically representing a large caseload of clients listed in Family Court and must have the ability to handle cases efficiently given the expedited Family Court scheduling. 

What You’ll Do

• Provide direct representation of clients in a vertical representation model, with expedited court listings.
• Keep and maintain own calendar to ensure that vertical representation of clients is sustained.
• Conduct initial and follow-up interviews for all assigned clients.  Be available to represent clients at all levels of representation, including but not limited to line-ups, pre-trial conferences, pre-trial motions, competency hearings, adjudicatory hearings, certification hearings, bench trials, disposition hearings, post-trial motions, and post-dispositional hearings.
• Cover Detention Hearing Lists and/or Review Lists in 3E on an as-needed basis.
• Research, write and file all appropriate pre-trial and post-trial motions.
• Work closely with a team of social service advocates and investigators to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients, including conducting team meetings and case conferences as needed.
• Partner with community resources and organizations as needed to assist in client-centered representation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the law impacting youthful offenders, as well as the scientific and social scientific literature regarding issues pertinent to the representation of youthful offenders.
• Work collaboratively with other staff attorneys in CYJ to advance the clients’ interests.
• Maintain appropriate communication with clients’ families and loved ones as needed. 
• Must be available as a mentor to attorneys throughout the office for guidance, advice, trial theory discussion, etc.

What You’ll Need

• Juris Doctor degree and admission to the PA Bar (active and in good standing)
• Completion of full Defender Association rotation, including Municipal Court, Waivers, CYJ, and Jury Demand (or equivalent experience) is preferred.
• Demonstrated interest, experience, and commitment to the representation of juveniles is preferred.
• Jury Trial experience preferred
• Ability to travel to local courtrooms, community placements, and placement facilities (including outside the city and out-of-state)

Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance
• Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
• Retirement Savings Employer Match
• Six weeks paid parental leave
• Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
• Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
• Meaningful Work 
• Wellness Benefits
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

To apply

Please apply online and include resume and cover letter detailing your interest and experience. 

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. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow  us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, 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.