Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Make a difference! Become a Defender! 

he Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a dedicated Paralegal for our Municipal Court Pre-trial Unit (MCPTU). The MCPTU focuses on reducing mass incarceration by supporting clients before trial through a variety of diversion and other programs. This paralegal in MCPTU is primarily assigned to two diversion programs: Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) and Domestic Violence (DV) Diversion. The paralegal handles a wide-ranging set of tasks to assist the program attorneys in case preparation and file management. This paralegal will be cross-trained on diversion programs including Veterans’ Court, The Choice is Yours (TCY), Early Bail Review (EBR), and Treatment Court to serve as backup if needed. This position works closely with the program attorneys to ensure accurate scheduling, track data, manage caseloads, communicate with clients and other tasks to support the program. The program attorneys will direct the day-to-day work of the paralegal. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Maintain all legal files (processing new arrests, active clients, bench warrant files).
• Coordinate the referral of cases to the District Attorney’s Office for ARD and DV Diversion.
• Update the database and DCM (referrals, rejections, approvals, court dates, attach documents).
• Prepare active cases for court appearances, including preparing referral forms for Evaluations (CRN/FIR) and referral forms for treatment programs (anger management, mental health).
• Correspond with clients concerning completion of CRN evaluation, providing auto insurance information and scheduling the review of ARD Offer Packets; compliance with treatment programs.
• Prepare and send ARD Offer Packets to Clients.
• Send Signed ARD Offer Packets to the District Attorney’s Office and monitor the e-filing of offers.
• Assist the Attorney in the Courtroom and Handle Status Hearings.
• Oversee DV Diversion expungement and early termination of ARD/Expungement process for successful graduates from start to finish; including creating all petitions, and filing.
• Answer questions from other attorneys and keep them informed of referral statuses and eligibility.
• Act as a liaison between attorneys, clients, staff, etc.
• Take notes and mark files with all appropriate notations.
• Answer questions from clients and attorneys in courtroom and collect paperwork.
• Assist with the Drexel Research Project on the costs of ARD.
• Courtroom 404/DUI Prep: Prepare files for court, create shared prep sheet, reach out to clients to update their contact information to excuse from court, and schedule legal interviews.
• Courtroom 404/DUI in-court assignment: Assist attorney/law clerk in courtroom, answer client questions, explain ARD offers to clients.
• Cross-train with other MCPTU Paralegals and provide backup as needed.
• Conduct legal client interviews as needed at local jails or in the office.
• Perform other duties as assigned by MCPTU supervisors.

What You’ll Need

• Experience : Experience 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. Fluency in Spanish a plus.
• 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. 
• Travel Requirements : Must be able to travel to local courtrooms on a weekly basis and may have occasional travel to community placements and possible travel to local jails

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 to $52,000.

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.