Attorney - Appeals Unit

Defender Association of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

11h

About The Position

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking an experienced attorney to join our Appeals Unit. The appellate team represents defendants in the Pennsylvania appellate courts and, on occasion, in the United States Supreme Court, while serving as a vital legal resource for our trial staff. We are looking for an attorney with litigation experience and excellent analytic, research and writing skills
to join the Unit. Successful candidates will have a deep commitment to research, writing and the improvement/development of the law.

Requirements

• A member of Pennsylvania Bar in good standing with a minimum of three years’ experience providing direct legal representation involved in the criminal justice system is required
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Ability to adapt to changing needs of the Defender Association and to work collaboratively with all Defender staff
• Travel to local, state, and federal courtrooms and prisons, as needed

Nice To Haves

• Jury trial experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Assist the Unit with all aspects of legal research and drafting petitions, briefs and other case filings
• Will be assigned cases reflecting a variety of issues, including those arising out of SDU and Homicide
• Handle all aspects of client representation in the Superior, Commonwealth and Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
• Maintain and manage a caseload within the Appeals Unit
• Will have to occasionally represent clients in trial court settings
• Draft, file, and argue all necessary motions and memoranda of law
• Interview clients over the telephone, in-person, and at county and state correctional institutions
• Maintain a professional and collaborative team-oriented work atmosphere with other attorneys, social workers, investigators and administrative staff within the unit, and all other units at the Defender Association.

Benefits

• Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance
• Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
• Retirement Savings Employer Match
• Paid eight weeks of parental leave
• Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
• Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
• Impactful mission driven work
• Wellness Benefits
• Free CLE’s

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed