Who We Are
Incorporated in 1971, PDAP is a statewide community of Public Defenders dedicated to securing a fair justice system and ensuring high quality legal representation for people facing loss of life, freedom or family. Our mission is to provide tools, strategies, mutual support, training, and information to Public Defender offices; to be the voice of public defense; and to promote best practices in the leadership, management, and administration of justice in Pennsylvania.
PDAP operates according to the following core values:
- Empowering Public Defenders to lead by embracing improvement and change while learning from our community
- Showcasing and improving justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion across the criminal legal system
- Promoting client centered, appropriately resourced, holistic defense
- Educating, inspiring, and advocating for PDs through a fun, supportive, and collaborative community
- Developing, maintaining, and improving the infrastructure of public defense
Upcoming Events
October 20-21, 2025
Defending Sex Offenses
- Harrisburg, PA
- All Day
- Registration Closed
Public Defenders by County
Questions? Find Your Solution Here
The Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania (PDAP) is a non-profit corporation whose membership consists of public defenders employed full or part time in Pennsylvania’s 67 county public defender offices of this Commonwealth.
Incorporated in 1971, PDAP is a statewide community of public defenders dedicated to securing a fair justice system and ensuring high quality legal representation for people facing loss of life, freedom or family.
We provide training and support services to Public Defender’s offices across Pennsylvania.
Yes, please contact our Assistant Training Directors (Elizabeth Wood-Bennett or Andrew Capone). Please include as many specifics about what training you are looking for and we will reach out to you to help.
No, PDAP does not provide direct representation. To find contact information for the Public Defender’s office in your county, please see the interactive map above.
The term “Public Defender” refers to anyone who works in a PD office – attorneys, paralegals, Social Workers and social service advocates, mitigators, investigators, administrative and support staff.
Shouts & Murmurs
What's New With PDAP
A Look at the PA Public Defender Retention & Sustainability Report
Public Defender Spotlight
Annie Fisher & Rachel Primo on Representing a Supreme Court Case
What's New With PDAP
Looking Back at PA Public Defender Career Day 2025
Public Defender Spotlight
Julia Burke on the Importance of Statewide Investment in Public Defense
What's New With PDAP
Introducing the Investigator Basics Manual
Public Defender Spotlight
Emily Merski & Brian McNeil on the Importance of Appellate Resources
Stay Connected by Joining Our Listservs
Our mission is to provide tools, strategies, mutual support, training and information to Public Defender Offices in Pennsylvania; to be the voice of public defense in Pennsylvania; and to promote best practices in the leadership, management, and administration of justice in Pennsylvania.
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