The Public Defender Division of CPCS is seeking barred attorneys to provide criminal defense representation in its Worcester and Springfield Offices. 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.
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 barred attorneys to provide criminal defense representation in its Worcester and Springfield Offices. 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 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 FY19 & FY20 budgets allow. This posting does not guarantee that we will be filling Trial Attorney positions.
If you have already applied for the PDD 2019 Trial Attorney position, you do not need to apply to this posting as well. We will use your application for the 2019 Trial Attorney position to review for current openings.
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
- Other duties as assigned
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.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
- A trial attorney must be committed to serving a culturally diverse, low income population and must be eligible to practice
law in Massachusetts, either as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing, as a law school graduate under
Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:03, or as the member of the bar of another jurisdiction eligible to engage in limited
Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04
- Access to an automobile in order to travel to courts, clients, and investigation locations that are not easily accessible by
public transportation
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Candidates should possess the following attributes for the position of Trial Attorney:
- A demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy in the representation of indigent persons in criminal
cases
- Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
- Ability to work in a community and defense-oriented capacity, both independently and collaboratively
To apply: please supply a resume and a personal statement of interest detailing your interest in the position, your personal qualities, background, and skills, and what you hope to achieve in this work.