What are the responsibilities and job description for the Law Clerk position at Defender Association of Philadelphia?
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The Municipal Court Pretrial Unit (MCPT) focuses on reducing mass incarceration by supporting clients before trial through a wide array of rehabilitative initiatives and programs to divert clients from incarceration. A law clerk assigned to the MCPT Unit is a key member of the defense team who provides legal representation to indigent individuals accused of crimes in Philadelphia. Law clerks represent Defender clients in various courtrooms and stages of their cases. Law clerks practice in Preliminary Arraignment Court, Bench Warrant Court, Discovery Court, Common Pleas Arraignment and more. Law clerks conduct comprehensive confidential legal interviews at the local prisons, essential to effective client representation, write motions, file investigation requests, social service referrals and more. Law clerks appear before Bail Commissioners and makes arguments related to pre-trial supervision and detention. They also argue appeals to bail decisions before Municipal Court Judges. Law clerks also conduct confidential pre-arraignment socio-bio interviews to gather mitigation to inform bail decisions.
What You’ll Do:
- Arraignment Preparation: Prepare arraignment court sheets, gathering all relevant client documents, and ensure all information is accurate for proper transfer to client files.
- Case Review & Advocacy: Review clients’ charges and records, advocating for the least restrictive means of pretrial supervision before the Bail Commissioner.
- Client Communication: Communicate with clients’ family members both by phone and in person, providing updates and responding to inquiries.
- Courtroom Rotation: Rotate weekly through various courtrooms, and interact with Judges, Court Staff, Prison Staff, Magistrates and/or Commissioners to gather relevant information for clients' cases.
- Client Interviews: Conduct in-depth confidential initial legal client interviews, gathering relevant information regarding clients’ cases, charges, and personal circumstances. These interviews take place in person at Philadelphia jails, local county jails, local State Correctional Institutions (SCI), the Office and over the phone.
- Investigation Requests & Referrals: File investigation requests based on legal interviews, and assess client needs to make appropriate referrals to social services, mental health, immigration, etc.
- File Management & Discovery: Update client files before hearings by reviewing and requesting discovery, and complete return work post-hearing by marking and updating files before forwarding them onto other units.
- Collaboration: Ability to work with other law clerks and attorneys alike, sharing information, best practices and assistance on case preparation, client interactions, and courtroom procedures to help promote client centered advocacy.
What You’ll Need
- Juris Doctorate required; Admission or pending Admission to Pennsylvania Bar preferred
- Must be able to work with diverse client population;
- Must be able to work well with others;
- Must have good organizational skills;
- Must be able to handle multi task;
- Must be reliable and on time
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must be available for staffing of 24-hour Arraignment Court (Will rotate through three 8-hour shifts: 7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm and 11pm-7am)
- 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 various courtrooms and prisons as needed
To apply
Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience.
Benefits & Perks
- Very generous and rich benefits plan with vision, 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.
