Trial Attorney in Children & Youth Justice

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender!

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is looking for an experienced trial attorney to join our Children & Youth Justice Unit (CYJ) . A Trial Attorney in CYJ Unit 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 except for firearm offenses. The Trial 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. The successful candidate must commit to a minimum two-year rotation. Our office represents 70% of the adults and youth charged with crimes in Philadelphia. We employ a client centered and holistic representation model which includes providing clients with zealous advocacy in the courtroom and partnering with our community

What You’ll Do

• Represent clients in a vertical representation model, with expedited court listings while maintaining own calendar

• 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 required, must be Pennsylvania bar member (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 youth is preferred.

• Jury Trial experience preferred
• Must be able to travel to courtrooms, local and statewide prisons/facilities if needed
• Please include a writing sample (<20 pages) with cover letter.

• Benefits & Perks

  • Very generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefits
  • Substantial paid time off (35 days of PTO plus all federal holidays)
  • Six weeks of paid parental leave
  • 403 (b) with Employer Match
  • Free Septa All Access Key card
  • Wellness benefits
  • 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.