Homepage - The Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel Advancing the Interests of the Philadelphia Civil Defense Bar Presidents Message For more than 75 years The Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel PADC has been a highly effective and wellrespected defense advocacy group formed to advance the interests of the defense bar and an integral part of the excellent relationship with the judiciary and the plaintiffs bar. Read More OUR MISSION To protect and advance the interests of civil defendants to provide professional growth opportunities for counsel to disseminate knowledge and information within the defense trial bar to foster cooperation and good fellowship among members of the bar to afford avenues of communication with the judiciary to serve as the voice for civil defendants and their interests in the administration of justice and to encourage compliance with the highest standards of professional conduct. The Association provides for four classes of membership Regular Young Lawyer Privileged and Government. Membership is limited to individuals and cannot be vested in firms or partnerships.