• Job Description

  Req#: 495251

  The Defender Association of Philadelphia seeks an paralegal to join our Child Advocacy Unit. The Child Advocacy Unit (CAU) represents Philadelphia’s children from birth to twenty-one years old in matters involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, truancy, and incorrigibility as well as in adoption proceedings. We employ a client centered representation model using a multi-disciplinary team-based approach which includes providing clients with zealous advocacy in the courtroom and community partnering. The Paralegal in CAU Unit will support a team of attorneys and social workers who work on such cases with file management, administrative and legal research tasks. The Paralegal will work closely with the Chief to ensure the administrative processes developed for the Unit are effective and efficient. Organization, attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn are necessary attributes for this position.

  What You’ll Do

  • Read through petitions from the court and identify Defender conflicts of interest to accept or reject new cases that come in daily.
  • Create files for newly opened cases.
  • Maintain the accuracy of the CAU Case Management System.
  • Pull necessary data reports as it pertains to the CAUCMS
  • Correspond with the Chief of the unit to facilitate administrative tasks as they arise.
  • Prepare appellate briefs to be filed with the Superior Court.
  • Oversee the long-term effort to aid the CAU in becoming paperless.
  • Maintain and update the internal website as necessary.
  • Create the monthly court calendar.
  • Discharge all newly closed cases in the CAUCMS and manage file storage after discharge.
  • Work with the Chief and external stakeholders to assist with tasks varying from gathering community resources to meeting administrative unit needs.
  • Assist attorneys with various aspects of pretrial and trial preparation as needed.
  • Perform legal research and draft pretrial motions at the trial level with attorney oversight.
  • Respond to external communications from clients and family members as needed.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

  What You’ll Need

  • Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with Paralegal Certification or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Keen sense of organization and attention to detail.
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to problem-solve independently.
  • Ability to interpret and apply the Pennsylvania Crimes Code to individual cases.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and respectfully with clients, family members, internal staff, and external agencies/personnel.
  • Ability to work in a high-volume practice and prioritize assignments effectively.
  • Commitment to professionalism in the workplace.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar computer software.
  • Familiarity with Westlaw and the legal research process.
  • General knowledge of basic administrative and clerical duties.
  • Willingness to learn new organizational and computer systems.
  • Ability to handle sensitive matters and commitment to maintaining client confidentiality
    Willingness to go to court if necessary.
  • Be able to occasionally travel to Courtroom and other community placements

  Benefits & Perks

  • Generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefits
  • Substantial paid time off which include 35 PTO days and all federal holidays
  • Retirement savings plan with an employer match
  • Six weeks of paid paternal leave
  • PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer
  • Meaningful & Impactful Work
  • Ongoing Training and Growth

  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. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s Child Advocacy Unit and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, 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.

• About the company

  The Defender Association of Philadelphia provides free legal representation to 70 percent of the people arrested in Philadelphia

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