Staff Counsel - Criminal Appeals Unit

CPCS is seeking an attorney to be a Staff Counsel in the Criminal Appeals Unit, Private Counsel Division. Staff Counsel play a vital role in responding to client correspondence, assisting clients in obtaining counsel, communicating with courts and counsel, and support to, and oversight of, post-conviction panel members.

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 to always achieve those goals, CPCS embraces diversity and inclusion as core values and is steadfast in our commitment to:  ensuring that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experiences; providing a work climate that is respectful and that supports success; and promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members.  The leadership of CPCS is responsible for ensuring excellence, diversity, and inclusion.  Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one.  The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Criminal Appeals Unit, Private Counsel Division, makes approximately 1,500 assignments annually to private counsel to represent indigent clients in direct appeals, new trial motions, screenings for possible new trial motions and motions to withdraw guilty pleas, and various other post-conviction matters.  The Unit provides support to, and oversight of, post-conviction panel members.  The Unit consists of a Director, two Staff Counsel, an Assignment Coordinator, and an Administrative Assistant. 

Staff Counsel play a vital role in responding to client correspondence and assisting clients in obtaining counsel. Staff Counsel also assist the Unit with its role in overseeing the post-conviction panel, including investigating and mediating client complaints and ensuring that panel attorneys are providing representation in conformance with the CPCS performance guidelines.   In addition to CPCS clients, Staff Counsel regularly communicate with client family members, courts, attorneys, other legal agencies and units within CPCS.  A significant responsibility of this position is reviewing and responding to correspondence from defendants which often requires extensive analysis and communication with prior counsel.  

Staff Counsel work closely with other Unit staff and post-conviction panel members, as well as with other CPCS offices, including the Innocence Program, the Immigration Impact Unit, and the Juvenile Appeals Unit. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

-Reviewing, analyzing, and responding to correspondence from defendants;
-Communicating with defendants’ prior and /or current counsel regarding the defendants’ concerns;
-Assisting in providing support to, and oversight of, members of the post-conviction panel, including investigating and mediating client complaints; evaluating attorney work product; and advising attorneys on case strategies and issues;
-Assisting in the assignment of private panel cases;
-Communicating with trial and appellate courts;
-Assisting with Unit trainings;
-Developing resource materials for panel members and pro se defendants;
-Assisting the Director in evaluating applications to the panel and applications for superior court and murder certification; -- - Other duties as assigned.