Unit Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Unit Coordinator

Make a difference! Become a Defender! 

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a dedicated Unit Coordinator for our Municipal Court Unit. The Municipal Court Unit is one of the Defender’s adult trial practice units that handles preliminary hearings, misdemeanors, and some felony trials. The Unit Coordinator performs administrative and paralegal tasks as needed, such as providing all client communication, the preparation of files for legal review, ordering reports, the coordination of internal departments to resolve pre-trial issues, the coordination of the unit’s calendar and work schedules, maintaining and updating client case files and assisting attorney and other staff in other tasks involved in the preparation of the legal representation of clients. The Unit Coordinator will assist the Chiefs in the coordination of the unit’s workflows and process improvements. This role requires a thorough understanding of the overall functioning and processes of the unit.

What You’ll Do: 

• Compose, type and send letters and motions for Unit personnel
• Notify court administration about relisting cases, conflicts of interest and other issues, and monitor cases to ensure such actions were taken
• Redact and send discovery to clients when requested 
• Photocopy legal file for out of unit referrals
• Maintain/share/e-mail as needed monthly/weekly calendar, scheduling, and DCM assignments
• Coordinate and communicate with other units regarding scheduling
• Answer telephones and take messages, answer questions and/or redirect as needed
• Train other administrative staff and student interns regarding file management and flow
• Monitor unit email for client interviews and discovery-print and file from the emails
• Upload and route discovery accordingly 
• E-File MC trial appeals
• Review new arrests including custody check and potential conflicts
• Receive and review unit mail and as necessary respond, file and/or route information 
• Pull, mark, and route files appropriately when cases are refiled
• Create and update handbook for duties of the job
• Write letters and pull court lists as back up when necessary

 

What You’ll Need

• Experience : Two years at the Defender and/or working with indigent clients in criminal justice proceedings preferred 
• Education : High School Diploma required. Post-secondary school and/or college education, paralegal certification preferred. 
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills : Strong communication skills. Must be team-oriented, possess strong interpersonal skills, and be able to work effectively with a diverse population. 
• Motivation:  A desire to provide high quality legal representation to Defender clients
• Organization Skills : Excellent organizational and time management skills. 
• Task Management : Ability to work in a high-volume practice and prioritize assignments effectively, alongside a strong commitment to professionalism in the workplace. 
• Technical Proficiency : Knowledge of basic administrative/clerical systems and procedures. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to quickly learn multiple internal and external computer systems. 

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive Benefits : Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
• Generous Time Off : 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
• Wellness Initiatives : Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
• Family Support : 10 weeks of paid parental leave
• Retirement : Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
• Commuter Benefits : Free Septa All Access Key card
• Union Membership : This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 3190
• PSLF : We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• 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. Salary is $50,000.

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. 

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