Paralegal

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:Calculate sentencing guidelinesConduct comprehensive legal interviewsReview and analyze client's current and previous casesRequest, receive, and review discoveryAnalyze cases for mandatory, recidivist, or strike sentencing enhancementPrepare Rule 600 motions to dismiss for speedy trialIdentify Defender conflicts of interest and recommend resolutionsAttend Formal Arraignment Court and other court appearances as a client representativeAssess files for necessary investigations, referrals, or possible immigration issues that have not previously been flaggedPrepare omnibus motionsOrder and obtain notes of testimonyRetrieve the bills of information from the e-filing systemPrepare 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 FOJFollow 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 jurisdictionDraft and file various motions and responses including but not limited to 1013 motions, responses to DA refile motions, MC appeals, expungements, and bail reduction motionsCommunicate with clients, clients' family, attorneys, and staff regarding relevant information pertaining to these motionsFollow up after bail hearings to ensure clients are out of custodyAssist attorneys and staff in ensuring internal databases are updatedTrack cases accepted into EAU or other diversion programs, support clients in connecting with required programming, and obtain verification that client is participating in programming.Serve as backup to other Paralegal staffPerform other related duties as assigned or neededWhat You'll Need:Education: Bachelor's degree is required. B.S.W. or M.S.W., is preferred.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).Demonstrated experience building trusting, supportive relationships with diverse populations, including individuals navigating high-stress or crisis situations.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).Evidence of successful collaboration and clear, professional communication with a wide variety of stakeholders, including colleagues and external partnersTrack 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.Proficiency in standard software (Word, Excel, Google, email) and demonstrated experience successfully learning new internal and external databases and computer systems.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 & PerksComprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long-term disability insurancesGenerous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidaysWellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental healthFamily Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leaveRetirement: Generous retirement savings plan with Employer MatchCommuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key cardUnion Membership: This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 3190PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employerCulture: Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment.To applyPlease 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.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.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.