Law graduate Paralegal

he Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a dedicated Paralegal for our Municipal Court Pre-trial Unit (MCPTU). 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. 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).
Correspond with clients concerning completion of CRN evaluation, providing auto insurance information and scheduling the review of ARD Offer Packets; compliance with treatment programs.
Send Signed ARD Offer Packets to the District Attorney’s Office and monitor the e-filing of offers.
Oversee DV Diversion expungement and early termination of ARD/Expungement process for successful graduates from start to finish; 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.
Assist attorney/law clerk in courtroom, answer client questions, explain ARD offers to clients.
Conduct legal client interviews as needed at local jails or in the office.
Experience working with indigent clients in criminal justice proceedings preferred.
Education : High School Diploma required. Fluency in Spanish a plus.
A desire to provide high quality legal representation to Defender clients
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
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
Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
Retirement : Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
Union Membership : This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 3190
PSLF : We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience. 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.