Make a difference! Become a Defender!
Make a tangible difference in the criminal justice system. We are seeking a dedicated, highly organized, and empathetic Paralegal to join our Common Pleas Pretrial Unit (CPPT). This unit handles adult felony cases awaiting pretrial conference and staffs the Common Pleas Criminal Motions Court. The Paralegal initiates and solidifies pre-trial matters to ensure that the files received by attorneys are ready for the Smart room and possibly for trial. This includes reviewing files for complete discovery, analyzing and calculating the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines, understanding the severity and elements of all crimes, and tracing a client’s record both locally and nationally. The Paralegal is responsible for assisting with the preparation and filing of various motions and responses to DA motions and keeping the client and their family informed during this process. In this role, you will be a vital advocate and liaison for our clients, working collaboratively with our attorneys and the rest of the team to ensure our clients receive the best possible legal representation.
What You’ll Do:
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Calculate sentencing guidelines
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Conduct comprehensive legal interviews
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Review and analyze client’s current and previous cases
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Request, receive, and review discovery
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Analyze cases for mandatory, recidivist, or strike sentencing enhancement
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Prepare Rule 600 motions to dismiss for speedy trial
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Identify Defender conflicts of interest and recommend resolutions
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Attend Formal Arraignment Court and other court appearances as a client representative
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Assess files for necessary investigations, referrals, or possible immigration issues that have not previously been flagged
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Prepare omnibus motions
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Order and obtain notes of testimony
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Retrieve the bills of information from the e-filing system
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Prepare cases where client is charged with being a Fugitive of Justice (FOJ), including speaking with clients on the phone if out of custody, or if incarcerated, meeting with the individual in person at the prison to discuss their options regarding the outstanding FOJ
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Follow up with other jurisdictions to confirm an individual is wanted in that jurisdiction as well as confirm when a matter has been resolved in another jurisdiction
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Draft and file various motions and responses including but not limited to 1013 motions, responses to DA refile motions, MC appeals, expungements, and bail reduction motions
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Communicate with clients, clients’ family, attorneys, and staff regarding relevant information pertaining to these motions
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Follow up after bail hearings to ensure clients are out of custody
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Assist attorneys and staff in ensuring internal databases are updated
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Track cases accepted into EAU or other diversion programs, support clients in connecting with required programming, and obtain verification that client is participating in programming.
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Serve as backup to other Paralegal staff
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Perform other related duties as assigned or needed
What You’ll Need:
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Education: Bachelor’s degree is required. B.S.W. or M.S.W., is preferred.
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Experience: 1+ years of experience working directly with clients in criminal justice, social services, or a high-volume, client-facing environment preferred. (Prior experience with the Defender Association or in criminal justice proceedings is a strong plus).
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Demonstrated experience building trusting, supportive relationships with diverse populations, including individuals navigating high-stress or crisis situations.
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Proven ability to read, interpret, and accurately apply complex rules, strict policies, or technical guidelines. (Prior legal experience is not required, but candidates must provide evidence of their interest and ability to learn and apply new procedural frameworks, as they will be required to learn the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines, and court procedures).
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Evidence of successful collaboration and clear, professional communication with a wide variety of stakeholders, including colleagues and external partners
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Track record of managing a high-volume workflow or caseload. Must show evidence of independently tracking details, maintaining accurate records, and consistently meeting time-sensitive deadlines without letting tasks slip.
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Proficiency in standard software (Word, Excel, Google, email) and demonstrated experience successfully learning new internal and external databases and computer systems.
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Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to travel to prisons, various courthouses, state hospitals, community placements and community settings.
Benefits & Perks
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Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
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Generous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
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Wellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
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Family Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leave
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Retirement: Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
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Commuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key card
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Union Membership: This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 3190
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PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
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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. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. The salary is $50,000 with an excellent benefits package.
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 @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.
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.
