The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking an experienced attorney to join our Appeals Unit. The appellate team represents defendants in the Pennsylvania appellate courts and, on occasion, in the United States Supreme Court, while serving as a vital legal resource for our trial staff. We are looking for an attorney with litigation experience and excellent analytic, research and writing skills to join the Unit. Successful candidates will have a deep commitment to research, writing and the improvement/development of the law.

What You’ll Do

Assist the Unit with all aspects of legal research and drafting petitions, briefs and other case filings
Will be assigned cases reflecting a variety of issues, including those arising out of SDU and Homicide
Handle all aspects of client representation in the Superior, Commonwealth and Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Maintain and manage a caseload within the Appeals Unit
Will have to occasionally represent clients in trial court settings
Draft, file, and argue all necessary motions and memoranda of law
Interview clients over the telephone, in-person, and at county and state correctional institutions
Maintain a professional and collaborative 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

A member of Pennsylvania Bar in good standing with a minimum of three years’ experience providing direct legal representation involved in the criminal justice system is required
Jury trial experience preferred
Excellent research and writing skills
Ability to adapt to changing needs of the Defender Association and to work collaboratively with all Defender staff
Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed

Benefits & Perks

Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: 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
Paid eight weeks of parental leave
Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
Impactful mission driven work
Wellness Benefits
Free CLE’s

Salary:

Compensation is competitive and scaled based on relevant experience post-bar admission. Includes a premier benefits package

Application:

Please submit an online application with detailed cover letter and writing sample (maximum 20 pages)

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.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Attorney - Appeals Unit