Trial Attorney – Public Defender Division (statewide offices)

The Public Defender Division of CPCS is seeking Trial Attorneys to provide criminal defense representation in various offices throughout the Commonwealth.  The Public Defender Division offices provide legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients who are charged with criminal offenses in both the District and Superior Courts.  Public Defenders begin their work by representing clients who are charged with criminal offenses within the final jurisdiction of the District Court, including misdemeanors and felonies, see G.L. c.218, § 26, and some serious sexual offenses, and occasionally handle initial commitment proceedings under G.L. c.123, §§ 12(e), 35.

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all.

Our Values

Courage   •   Accountability   •   Respect   •  Excellence
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of its clients by providing zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent representation.  In fulfilling its mission, CPCS is committed to fostering diversity at all levels of the agency.  We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients, to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs.  In striving always to achieve those goals, CPCS embraces diversity and inclusion as core values and is steadfast in our commitment to:  (1) ensuring that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human difference and experience; (2) providing a work climate that is respectful and that supports success; and (3) promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS's leadership is responsible for ensuring excellence, diversity, and inclusion. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (“CPCS”) is Massachusetts’ public defender agency providing legal representation for those unable to afford an attorney.  The Public Defender Division’s mission is to ensure that criminal defendants are given the fundamental protection of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Massachusetts Constitution. We believe that every defendant should not only receive zealous advocacy but respect and dignity as they deal with the potential loss of their liberty.

New Trial Attorneys in the Public Defender Division Offices begin their CPCS career with a nationally recognized, comprehensive, skills-based training course to ensure they are ready to represent their clients to their full capabilities.  Continuing legal education programs for new and experienced Trial Attorneys are held periodically to guarantee our Trial Attorneys are up to date on the law and have the skills necessary to provide zealous representation to their clients.

The Public Defender Division of CPCS is seeking Trial Attorneys to provide criminal defense representation in various offices throughout the Commonwealth.  The Public Defender Division offices provide legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients who are charged with criminal offenses in both the District and Superior Courts.   Public Defenders begin their work by representing clients who are charged with criminal offenses within the final jurisdiction of the District Court, including misdemeanors and felonies, see G.L. c.218, § 26, and some serious sexual offenses, and occasionally handle initial commitment proceedings under G.L. c.123, §§ 12(e), 35. After gaining experience on cases within the final jurisdiction of the District Court, it is expected that Public Defenders will represent clients in the Superior Courts consistent with our unification guidelines and occasionally represent clients on interlocutory appeals, civil commitments, and certain collateral matters as permitted by a supervisor.  It is also expected that Public Defenders, as they gain experience, will act as informal mentors and advisors to other staff attorneys in the office.

Positions will be filled as our FY21 & FY22 budgets allow.  This posting does not guarantee that we will be filling Trial Attorney positions.

The expected staffing needs for Public Defender Division offices are greatest in central, western, and southeastern Massachusetts and we will be concentrating our recruitment and hiring for those regions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

-Client interviews
-Arraignment and bail advocacy
-Legal research and writing
-Pretrial investigation including visiting crime scenes, locating and interviewing witnesses, collecting and reviewing documentary evidence
-Preparing and arguing pretrial motions, affidavits and legal memoranda; 
-Dispositional investigations and advocacy
-Jury and bench trials of criminal cases
-Representation of clients in interlocutory proceedings

Where appropriate, work collaboratively with private attorneys on cases assigned through the Private Counsel Division of CPCS

EEO Statement

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies.  Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Director of Human Resources Management, Lisa Bacon, at [email protected]