Mentor Ben Jaye

Ben Jaye is a dedicated and results-driven advocate with extensive experience in litigation, public policy, and community impact. With a mission to empower underserved communities, particularly in the Philadelphia region, Ben combines legal expertise with a passion for fostering teamwork and trust. As the Assistant Chief of Municipal Court Trials at the Defender Association of Philadelphia, Ben manages a dynamic team of attorneys and support staff, ensuring high-quality legal representation for thousands of indigent criminal defendants.

Ben is deeply passionate about mentoring new attorneys and helping them find joy in the practice of law. As a supervisor in the Municipal Court Unit, he serves on a leadership team overseeing attorneys in their first two years of legal practice. Ben takes great pride in guiding young lawyers to appreciate both the art and the science of litigation, emphasizing the importance of skillful advocacy and thoughtful case preparation. Through training sessions, personalized feedback, and hands-on experience in the courtroom, Ben seeks to inspire attorneys to develop a genuine love for the work while building the confidence and expertise needed to excel.

Prior to becoming Assistant Chief, Ben had the pleasure of serving as UAW Bargaining Committee Representative for the Defenders Union, negotiating the first-ever collective bargaining agreement between management and the union. Outside of work, Ben lives in South Philadelphia with his wife and two dogs. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym, cooking and thrift shopping.