Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender!

Through collaboration with criminal justice partners , the Probation, Parole & Alternative Sentencing Unit creates, improves, and expands reentry programs as alternatives to mass incarceration. The Unit’s attorneys represent clients at county and state detainer hearings and at county and state parole or probation violation hearings before judges and before the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. The Probation and Parole Paralegal will work closely with attorneys to assist with post-sentence reviews and probation review conferences, which can affect a client’s supervision status. In this role, the paralegal gathers pertinent mitigation information as well as manages all relevant case information.

What You’ll Do

• Attend and assist attorneys with post-sentence reviews and probation review conferences, including reviewing summaries filed by Adult Probation and Parole Department and drafting and filing responses
• Review and collect all relevant documentation in preparation of post-sentence reviews and probation review conferences
• Contact and interview clients, when applicable, prior to hearings
• Answer calls and questions from clients on supervision, family members, and probation officers regarding eligibility for termination of supervision or eligibility for a hearing
• Identify conflicts if applicable, prepare and file conflict motions with the court
• Gather supporting documentation that would support less restrictive conditions of supervision or termination, and/or speed up eligibility for a review hearing
• Contact any and all legal partners following post-sentence reviews and review conferences to resolve outstanding issues, i.e. outstanding restitution, proof of completion of terms or conditions, etc.
• Communicate with clients through different platforms: letters, phone calls, video conferencing, etc.
• Update client files and input information pertaining to hearings into DCM
• Assist with other department duties as needed

What You’ll Need

• Minimum two years, experience working with clients in criminal justice proceedings, preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients
• Bachelor’s degree or Associates’ degree with Paralegal Certification or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience
• Bilingual in Spanish and English, a plus
• Organized with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with attorneys, clients, office and court personnel, oftentimes under considerable pressure
• Proficient in Google Drive, Microsoft Office Suite or similar software and computer literacy including the ability to learn multiple internal and external computer systems
• Must be able to handle a number of tasks simultaneously
• Must be able to withstand prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• May have to lift up to 15 pounds
• Travel to local courtrooms, community placements, and prisons within the city and state

Benefits & Perks

• Very generous and rich benefits plan with 100% employer paid medical, dental, life insurance and long term disability
• Substantial paid time off (35 days of PTO plus all federal holidays)
• Six weeks of paid parental leave
• 403 (b) retirement savings with Employer Match
• Free Septa All Access Key card
• Meaningful & Impactful Work
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

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.