Defender Association of Philadelphia

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Defender Association of Philadelphia Since 1934, we have believed that poverty shouldn’t prevent access to justice. Everyone, regardless of income, deserves the highest quality legal counsel.

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is a nonprofit law firm which was created in 1934 by a group of lawyers dedicated to the belief that:

Everyone, regardless of income, deserves the highest quality legal representation. The ideal continues today with a staff of Lawyers, Social Workers, Social Service Advocates, Administrative Staff, Mitigation Specialists, Paralegals, and Investigators working closely together to represent adult and juvenile clients in criminal, delinquency, and neglect cases. Firmly rooted in Philadelphia for over 80 years, the Defender Association has been working
to advance the fairness of criminal law and improve justice for all. We employ an integrated defense team approach with social service advocates working alongside attorneys to ensure that our clients:

• Understand the legal process;

• Get the support that they need; and

• Are treated with dignity and respect that they deserve at a critical time

Our staff understands the importance of making sure that judges, juries, and prosecutors have a full picture of who the accused is; not just what’s written on paper. By eliminating the barriers to service, our goal is developing client-focused plans that connect our clients with the resources that they need in their own community.

🚨 WE’RE HIRING! 🚨Are you passionate about empowering young people and making a difference in your community? We’re look...
10/16/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING! 🚨

Are you passionate about empowering young people and making a difference in your community? We’re looking for a Reentry Social Service Advocate to join our team!

In this role, you’ll help justice-involved youth successfully transition back into their communities by providing individualized reentry plans, connecting them with essential resources, and supporting their long-term success.

🔗 Visit www.phillydefenders.org to learn more and apply!

10/16/2026

Wrapping up Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the Latino voices helping strengthen public defense and advocate for immigrant communities across Philadelphia! 💙

As part of our “My Heritage Shapes My Work” series, we’re highlighting Edison Lopez, Unit coordinator of our Community Defense Unit, and the role his heritage plays in shaping his work and commitment to our communities.

We’re proud to recognize the individuals who help advance our mission of protecting rights, supporting families, and ensuring access to compassionate, effective advocacy.

🔗 Hit the link in our bio to learn more about our Immigration Defense Program and available resources.

Behind every case is a person, a family, and a future worth fighting for. 💙Access to quality legal representation can me...
10/14/2026

Behind every case is a person, a family, and a future worth fighting for. 💙

Access to quality legal representation can mean the difference between incarceration and a second chance. When public defense is underfunded, it’s our communities that feel the impact.

In a new op-ed for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, Chief Defender Keisha Hudson highlights what’s at stake for thousands of Pennsylvanians and the importance of protecting access to justice across the Commonwealth.

🔗 Read the full op-ed at the link in our bio.

10/09/2026

Investing in our youth means investing in their future! 💙
We wrapped up Juvenile Justice Week by partnering with Division of Reentry (DOR) for a Juvenile Resource Fair, connecting justice-impacted youth and young adults with resources to help them move forward.

From employment opportunities and education to record clearing, housing assistance, and mentorship, access to the right resources can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. Hit the link in bio to learn more about our resources.

10/09/2026

Community is at the heart of everything we do! 💙

Our latest Shop Talk brought us to North Philly, where residents, advocates, and community partners came together to share knowledge, connect with resources, and have real conversations about the issues impacting our neighborhoods.

From criminal record expungements to legal education, we believe everyone deserves access to information and resources that can help them move forward.

A special thank you to Glocawear, our community partners, and everyone who helped make this event possible.

🔗 Hit the link in our bio to learn more about our Shop Talk series!

It’s Juvenile Justice Week in Pennsylvania, and we’re marking it by joining Division of Reentry (DOR) for a Juvenile Res...
10/06/2026

It’s Juvenile Justice Week in Pennsylvania, and we’re marking it by joining Division of Reentry (DOR) for a Juvenile Resource Fair!

Justice-impacted youth and young adults can connect with Philly Defenders and other organizations to get resources for record clearing, workforce development, employment, education, housing, legal services, mentoring and more — plus FREE Municipal IDs for the first 50 attendees!

📅 Thursday, October 8
⏰ 4–6 PM
📍 Division of Reentry | 1425 Arch St., 1st Floor

Celebrating culture. Defending community. 💛This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re honoring the Latino communities we serve ...
10/02/2026

Celebrating culture. Defending community. 💛

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re honoring the Latino communities we serve and the advocates who stand alongside them, including Lilah Thompson, head of our Immigration Unit and a 2026 Welcoming Award honoree.

We’re proud to see Lilah’s leadership and the critical work of our Immigration Defense team recognized as they continue advocating for immigrants and their families every day.

Congratulations, Lilah! And thank you Office of Immigrant Affairs for this incredible honor and for recognizing those working to support Philadelphia’s immigrant communities.

🏆 Advocacy in action.Congratulations to Paula Sen and Mike Mellon, co-leaders of our Police Accountability Unit, on rece...
09/28/2026

🏆 Advocacy in action.

Congratulations to Paula Sen and Mike Mellon, co-leaders of our Police Accountability Unit, on receiving the NLADA Kutak-Dodds Prize!

Their work goes beyond individual cases. Through advocacy, litigation, and a commitment to protecting constitutional rights, Paula, Mike, and their team continue to challenge misconduct, push for greater accountability, and fight for a more just legal system in Philadelphia.

We’re proud to see their work and dedication recognized nationally. Congratulations, Paula and Mike! 👏🏽💙

Address

1441 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA
19102

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12155683190

Website

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