Child Advocate Trial Attorney (Fall 2026)

Defender Association of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is a non-profit law firm serving clients in the city of Philadelphia. Defender attorneys are part of a dynamic team that includes social workers, paralegals, mitigation specialists, investigators, and administrative professionals who play critical roles serving our clients and communities. 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. Each year, we welcome new attorneys to our CAU. After a six-week-long training session, new attorneys will slowly build their caseload. Based on our progressive representation model and training provided, the Defender Association asks for a three-year commitment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated interest and commitment to children’s issues and juvenile justice.
• Experience or interest in serving racially and socioeconomically oppressed clients and communities.
• Prior legal experience in dependency, adoption, or child welfare (could include clinical law school programs or prior legal internships).
• Ability to deal effectively with children, adolescents, and family members.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a high-volume practice.
• Ability to travel courtroom, juvenile facilities, and community placements.
• Pennsylvania barred attorneys and third-year law students who plan on taking the Pennsylvania Bar immediately after graduation.

Responsibilities

• Represent children from birth to twenty-one years old in matters involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse, neglect, abandonment, truancy, and incorrigibility.
• Represent children in adoption proceedings.
• Provide zealous advocacy in the courtroom.
• Engage in community partnering.
• Work collaboratively in a high-volume practice.
• Travel to courtrooms, juvenile facilities, and community placements.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including affordable options for medical care and employer-paid vision, dental, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance.
• 35 days of paid time off annually, in addition to all federal holidays.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Free SEPTA All-Access Key Card.
• Ongoing professional training and development.
• Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level