Assistant Chief of Special Litigation

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender! 

The Special Litigation Division (SLD) is an adult trial practice unit within the Defender providing representation in domestic violence and sex cases at the Municipal Court, Felony Waivers, and Majors levels. The goal of SLD is to provide attorneys at all experience levels with comprehensive and intensive training on sex and domestic violence matters so they can consistently provide effective legal representation in what are often complex and challenging cases.  The Assistant Chief will assist the Chief in the day-to-day management and operation of all aspects of the Unit. Organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills are necessary attributes for this position.

What You’ll Do

• Assist the Chief in managing all day-to-day functions and operations of the Unit.  
• Provide in-court and out-of-court supervision of attorneys rotating through the Unit. 
• Meet with attorneys to provide substantive feedback regarding, inter alia, case preparation, trial advocacy, and organizational skills for the purpose of fostering their growth and development as effective trial attorneys.  
• Review attorneys’ Return Work to ensure cases are appropriately and substantively advanced, and that files (physical and electronic) are properly updated/maintained. 
• Participate in weekly meetings with the Chief to review attorneys’ progress and identify areas of their practice where more support or training might be necessary. 
• Meet with administrative staff to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to address staff members’ needs and concerns; provide support in collaboration with the Chief to promote staff members’ professional development.   
• Provide direct support to administrative staff by answering case or client-related questions and address attendant issues in a timely manner. 
• Assist the Chief in developing clear standards to ensure equal distribution of work and the appropriate allocation of resources within the Unit. 
• Attend management meetings and trainings, as needed. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 
• Collaborate with the Chief to develop and lead trainings on a variety of legal topics relevant to the representation of clients accused of domestic violence and sex crimes. 
• Implement training modalities to prepare new attorneys to staff subject-specific courtrooms, including 6G, 903, and 5F. 
• Develop Unit trainings for administrative staff to ensure holistic understanding of the criminal process, including trainings on discovery, client interviewing, and mental health procedures.  
• Create and implement processes that help improve Unit efficiency and enhance staff members’ professional development

What You’ll Need

• Juris Doctor and in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar. 
• 4 years of public defender or criminal defense experience, preferred. 
• Jury trial experience required. 
• Experience trying sex cases to verdict preferred.
• Experience teaching, training, or mentoring preferred.

• Experience managing a team and facilitating goals through collaboration and inclusivity preferred.

• Strong trial advocacy, negotiation, analytical, investigation, and mitigation skills. 
• Working knowledge of legal issues relevant to domestic violence and sex cases. 
• Comprehensive understanding of criminal process from preliminary arraignment through direct appeal. 
• Willingness to provide constructive feedback to staff and to keep the Chief informed of any identifiable issues or concerns related to attorneys’ and staff members’ performance.   
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to solve problems independently and efficiently. 
• Ability to work in a high-volume practice and address the needs of multiple attorneys and staff members at the same time.   
• Commitment to professionalism in the workplace. 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and timely communicate with diverse groups, including clients, family members, internal staff, the FJD, the DAO, and other criminal justice stakeholders.
• Willingness to attend public engagements and speak publicly on behalf of the Unit. 
• Travel to tri-state area prisons, community placements and courtrooms as needed

Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefits
• Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• 403(b) Employer Match
• Free Septa Key card
• Meaningful Work & Growth
• Wellness Benefits

To apply

Please submit an application along with a cover letter detailing experience and interest related to the role. 

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 with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow  us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, 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.