Meredith Zeitzer

Background

About Meredith Zeitzer

Working in public criminal defense presents an array of daily challenges. But nothing is more motivating than overcoming those challenges to change people's lives for the better. Solving systemic and individual problems through communication, collaboration, and creativity is both my passion and specialty. I am an experienced, detail-oriented trial and appellate attorney at the Defender Association of Philadelphia. I have handled hundreds of criminal trials, including almost a dozen jury trials for clients charged with major felony offenses. I have handled criminal appeals in both the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme Courts, and served as amicus counsel in such high-profile matters as ℎ. Most recently, I was elevated to the role of Assistant Unit Chief in which I oversee the daily operation and growth of three pretrial practice units, and manage a talented, dedicated staff of fifty Defender employees. As in any industry, education and training are the keys to continued success. I have led both internal and external trainings for Defender and private attorneys alike on a variety of topics, including Rule of Criminal Procedure 404(b), the substantive and procedural laws governing bail in Pennsylvania, closing arguments, preliminary arraignment practice, and appellate ethics. Similarly, I became an adjunct professor at my alma mater, Temple University - James E. Beasley School of Law, in 2021. Every spring, I teach Criminal Appellate Procedure, an upper-level course that focuses on the fundamentals of the criminal appellate process. The course covers the law governing the appellate process in state and federal court, as well as such practical elements as appellate brief writing and oral argument technique.