Junior Defender Summer Internship

Looking to make a difference! Become a Junior Defender! 

The Junior Defender Program coordinates with school administrators to reach out to students in neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system. The program provides these students with a foundational understanding of the youth justice system in Philadelphia.

We work alongside middle, high school and college students to develop age-appropriate and culturally responsive teaching materials that will improve our young clients’ understanding of the youth justice system and court-ordered obligations. The goal of the program is to reduce the impact of the school-to-prison pipeline, and instead build a pipeline of young people interested in pursuing careers dedicated to the legal defense of adjudicated youth. This is paid, part time internship which runs from June 16 to August 8, 2025. 

What You’ll Do

•  8-week paid summer internship (part-time) at the Defender Association. 
   
   
• Create proactive ways to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. 

• Shadow an attorney or social worker. 

• Observe court at JJCS and Family Court.

• Develop a project for Court Ordered Obligation. 

• Become a Junior Defender Peer Educator.

What You Need

• A strong interest in community criminal justice reform is essential. Interns must demonstrate initiative, innovation, commitment and collaboration with communities in Philadelphia, especially those communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system
• Be at least 18 years old by June 16, 2025 and a current resident of Philadelphia

• Ability to work and collaborate with all Defender staff

• Ability to commute to the office Monday-Friday 

• Willingness to work in the communities that are served by the Defenders 

Benefits

• Incredible Learning Opportunity for those interested in criminal justice system
• Meaningful Work
• Growth Opportunities

To Apply

Please submit an online application at this link by March 16, 2025. If you have any further questions, please contact Tamira McCurdy at tmccurdy@philadefender.org. 

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 the skills to support that they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Many former Defenders go on in their careers to serve as judges, state and federal officials, and successful private practitioners. Come join our team! Follow us @PhilllyDefenders and @phillyjuniordefenders (Instagram & TikTok). 

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.