Unit Coordinator

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender!

The Municipal Court Unit is one of the Defender’s adult trial practice units that handles preliminary hearings, misdemeanors, and some felony trials. The Unit Coordinator performs administrative and paralegal tasks as needed, such as providing all client communication, the preparation of files for legal review, ordering reports, the coordination of internal departments to resolve pre-trial issues, the coordination of the unit’s calendar and work schedules, maintaining and updating client case files and assisting attorney and other staff in other tasks involved in the preparation of the legal representation of clients. The Unit Coordinator will assist the Chiefs in the coordination of the unit’s workflows and process improvements. The work of this role is of the utmost importance in ultimately bringing about the best representation for our Defender clients.

What You’ll Do:

• Compose, type and send letters and motions for Unit personnel
• Notify court administration about relisting cases, conflicts of interest and other issues, and monitor cases to ensure such actions were taken
• Redact and send discovery to clients when requested
• Photocopy legal file for out of unit referrals
• Maintain/share/e-mail as needed monthly/weekly calendar, scheduling, and DCM assignments
• Coordinate and communicate with other units regarding scheduling
• Answer telephones and take messages, answer questions and/or redirect as needed
• Train other administrative staff and student interns regarding file management and flow
• Monitor unit email for client interviews and discovery-print and file from the emails
• Upload and route discovery accordingly
• E-File MC trial appeals
• Review new arrests including custody check and potential conflicts
• Receive and review unit mail and as necessary respond, file and/or route information
• Pull, mark, and route files appropriately when cases are refiled
• Create and update handbook for duties of the job
• Write letters and pull court lists as back up when necessary

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree with Paralegal Certification or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience
• Two years of Defender experience and/or similar work related experience, preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients
• Must have analytical and interpretive skills
• Ability to prioritize and develop effective task management techniques
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software and computer literacy including the ability to learn multiple internal and external computer systems
• Ability to learn the court system and internal and external procedures, familiarity with the operations of the court system, preferred
• Knowledge of basic administrative/clerical systems and procedures

Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefits
• Substantial paid time off – 35 days off and all federal holidays
• We are a PSLF eligible employer
• Wellness benefits
• Free Septa Key Card
• 403(b) Employer Match
• Meaningful & Impactful Work
• Growth Opportunities

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, 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.