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 provides 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 our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation.  We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs.  It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equity and inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community.   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, family regulation, 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.   The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.   POSITION OVERVIEW   The Public Defender Division provides 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.   New Trial Attorneys in the Public Defender Division 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.   Positions will be filled as our FY24 & FY25 budgets allow.  This posting does not guarantee that we will be filling Trial Attorney positions.   These positions have an expected start date in late August/early September 2024.   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.

The Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the public defender agency of Massachusetts, is seeking applicants for a full-time Social Services Advocate position in our Lowell Office.  As an integral part of the defense team, Social Service Advocates work closely with attorneys, investigators, and other key defense players to obtain the best possible legal and life outcomes for our clients.    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 our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation.  We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs.  It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equity and inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community.   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, family regulation, 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.   The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.   OFFICE OVERVIEW   Lowell is the fifth most populous city in Massachusetts. The city is part of the Greater Lowell area also known as the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts.  Incorporated in 1826 to serve as a mill town, it became known as the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution because of its textile mills and factories.  During the Cambodian genocide (1975–1979), the city took in an influx of refugees, leading to a Cambodia Town and America's second largest Cambodian-American population. Lowell’s population currently includes a large population from China, the Dominican Republic and Brazil.   Lowell is located 30 minutes north of Boston. The Gallagher Transportation Terminal services the MBTA Commuter Rail lines from Boston as well bus lines and is located across from the new Lowell Justice Center and minutes away from the Church Street office.     POSITION OVERVIEW   The Social Services Advocate works as part of a multidisciplinary legal defense team to provide zealous advocacy to adult criminal defendants in order to achieve the best possible legal and life outcomes. As part of the defense team, the SSA will take direction on a case from the lead attorney and work collaboratively with investigators, support staff, retained experts, law students and other interns. As part of working with the attorney on the pending legal case, the SSA also helps to identify the social and clinical issues that preceded arrest and those that may result from court involvement. The SSA must adhere to the rules of confidentiality under the attorney-client relationship. SSAs work under the supervision of the Social Services Advocate Director, with administrative direction provided by the Attorney in Charge.   As an integral member of the team, the SSA’s role includes bio-psychosocial interviewing and assessment, social history investigation, forensic case management, advocacy for clients within court, carceral, mental health, and social service systems, fostering family interactions and intervention, treatment and sentencing planning, report writing, testifying, and making direct connections between clients and programs.  Social services intervention occurs at all stages of the court process, from the initial arraignment through resolution and post-conviction.

The Children and Family Law Division (CAFL) is seeking attorneys to represent children and parents in family regulation cases for immediate openings in its Western Massachusetts offices. CAFL provides legal representation to children and indigent parents in family regulation matters, including care and protection (C&P) proceedings, children requiring assistance (CRA) cases, actions to terminate parental rights, guardianship-of-a-minor cases, and any other child custody proceeding where the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is a party or where the court is considering granting custody to DCF.   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 our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation.  We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs.  It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equity and inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community.   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, family regulation, 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.   The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.   OFFICE OVERVIEWS   We are seeking attorneys to work in our three Western Massachusetts offices: Springfield, Pittsfield, and Northampton.  All of our offices are robust defender teams that include attorneys, paralegals, social workers, and administrative support staff. Team members work diligently to help and support CAFL clients to achieve their legal and life goals.  Our offices have a strong culture of teamwork and strongly believe in community engagement and partnership to assist clients as they navigate the family regulation system.   Springfield   The CAFL Springfield Trial Office provides public defense in family regulation matters in Hampden County.  Springfield, the third largest city in Massachusetts, is located in Western Massachusetts along the Connecticut River. It is centrally located: Northampton is 25 minutes away, Hartford is 27 minutes away, Worcester is 55 minutes away, Boston is 90 minutes away, and New York City is 2 ½ hours away. Springfield is best known for being the birthplace of basketball and the home of Theodor Geisel, better known as “Dr. Seuss.”   Pittsfield   The CAFL Berkshire Trial Office provides public defense in family regulation matters and is in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.  Situated within the heart of the Berkshires in Massachusetts, Pittsfield offers a laidback city atmosphere inspired by its local roots. The Berkshires are a special place, filled with artists, artisans, and purveyors who thrive on originality. Deep, historic roots can be traced to this region, and yet it’s laced with a refreshingly modern vibe in its dining, culture, and design.  All of this is within the backdrop of the Berkshires, the mountains of western Massachusetts with outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, viewing spectacular Fall foliage, and renowned annual festivals including the Boston Symphony Orchestra.   Northampton   The CAFL Northampton Trial Office provides public defense in family regulation matters in Franking and Hampshire Counties.  The city of Northampton provides a sophisticated rural lifestyle combined with the cultural, artistic, academic, and culinary amenities of a big city.  It offers more restaurants, eclectic shops, galleries, theaters, and performance venues than most urban centers ten times its size.   You will also find two rivers, mountain views, landscaped parks, and meadow walks.  It provides a unique and charming combination of natural and cultural activities that should not be missed.    POSITION OVERVIEW   CAFL’s legal advocacy plays a critical role in cases that affect families. For a parent involved in a C&P case, having a skilled CAFL lawyer may mean the difference between the family’s reunification and the termination of parental rights – the “death penalty of family law.”  For a teenager who is the subject of a truancy CRA case, CAFL’s advocacy may secure the special education services that enable the client to succeed in school and avoid being placed in a foster home. For siblings looking for stability after the court has freed them for adoption, a CAFL attorney will fight to ensure that they are provided a permanent home – one that allows them to stay together.   New Trial Attorneys in the CAFL 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 ensure that our Trial Attorneys are up to date on the law and have the skills necessary to provide zealous representation to their clients.   The CAFL offices in Western Massachusetts serve clients in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties with offices in Springfield, Northampton, and Pittsfield.

JOIN THE FIGHT!   GROW YOUR LEGAL PRACTICE AND HELP CHILDREN AND PARENTS IN NEED!  APPLY FOR OUR CAFL TRAINING AND BECOME CERTIFIED TO HELP THESE FAMILIES!   We need zealous, effective attorneys who want to protect the rights of parents and children in state intervention cases and Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) cases.   ATTORNEYS ACCEPTED INTO THIS TRAINING WILL RECEIVE A “CERTIFICATION PAYMENT” OF $5,032 upon the following: 1) successful completion of the CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training; and 2) within twelve months of completing the training the attorney (a) receives appointments on 12 care and protection cases, and (b) submits 600 hours of billing on care and protection cases.   READ BELOW AND APPLY FOR CAFL TRIAL PANEL TRAINING BY JULY 26!   We are looking to increase the number of attorneys handling state intervention cases (typically referred to as “care and protection” or “termination of parental rights” cases) in the Massachusetts Juvenile Court.

The Private Counsel Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is seeking private attorneys who wish to be self-employed to become contractors with their local Bar Advcoate Programs.  This is not a job posting for a position within CPCS.   Overview   The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing legal services to indigent persons in criminal matters where the laws of the Commonwealth or the state or federal constitution mandate that counsel be provided.  As part of its mission to provide holistic, client-centered representation, CPCS contracts with local Bar Advocate Programs, located in each county of the Commonwealth, to provide legal services to adult criminal defendants and juvenile offenders.  This posting is specifically for private attorneys who wish to be self-employed and not for those attorneys who wish to be employed by the Committee for Public Counsel Services.    Qualifications   - Must be licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts   How to Apply    CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BAR ADVOCATE PROGRAM TO APPLY:   Barnstable County Bar Advocates, Inc. 2 Harold Street Harwich Port, MA  02646 508-432-8866 (same for fax) barnstableba@publiccounsel.net Kim Sarowsky, Administrator   Bristol County Bar Advocates, Inc. 448 County Street, 1st Floor New Bedford, MA  02740-5012 508-999-1322; 508-999-0477 (FAX) bristolba@publiccounsel.net Kelly Walsh Barley, Program Administrator       Franklin County Bar Assoc. Advocates, Inc. 20 Federal Street, Suite 4 Greenfield, MA  01301-3302 413-774-2994 same for FAX franklinba@publiccounsel.net Jennifer Lively, Executive Director   Hampshire County Bar Advocates, Inc. 15 Gothic Street, Suite 10 Northampton, MA  01060-3084 413-586-5038; 413-586-7388 (FAX) hampshireadvocates@gmail.com Rebecca J. Ryan, Administrator   Middlesex Defense Attorneys, Inc. 200 Trade Center, Room 605 Woburn, MA  01801 781-939-0441; 781-939-0442 (FAX) jstone@mdalaw.org  Karen Brann, Program Administrator   Berkshire County Bar Advocates, Inc. 85 East Street Pittsfield, MA  01201-5313 413-442-7444; 413-442-7791 (FAX) berkshireba@publiccounsel.net Brenda K. Fiero, Administrator   Essex County Bar Assoc. Advocates, Inc. 100 Cummings Center, Suite 312 J Beverly, MA  01915 978-744-7092; 978-741-7415 (FAX) ecbaa@ecbaa.net  Deborah J. Pollock, Administrator       Hampden County Lawyers for Justice, Inc. 20 Maple Street, 2nd Floor Springfield, MA  01103 413-732-7110; 413-732-6545 (FAX) hampdenba@hclji.org Sarah Pegus, Administrator   Island Bar Advocates, Inc. P.O. Box 1270 282 Upper Main Street Edgartown, MA  02539 508-627-3322; 508-627-7848 (FAX) rdm@edgartownlaw.com   Norfolk County Bar Advocates, Inc. 1359 Hancock Street, Suite 4 Quincy, MA  02169 617-472-6006; 617-472-6004 (FAX) norfolkba@publiccounsel.net Barbara Fonseca, Executive Director   Pilgrim Advocates, Inc. 144 Main Street, 4th Floor Brockton, MA  02301 508-583-6966; 508-583-6967 (FAX) pilgrimadv@publiccounsel.net Jean M. Lee, Executive Director   Bar Advocates of Worcester County, Inc. 370 Main Street, Suite 975 Worcester, MA  01608-2413 508-753-9069; 508-754-6909 (FAX) worcesterba@publiccounsel.net Christina Murphy, Administrator Suffolk Lawyers for Justice, Inc. 529 Main Street, Suite P242 Charlestown, MA  02129 617-348-0088; 857-576-5603 (FAX) director@sljinc.org or  www.sljinc.org Nicole M. Revesz, Executive Director     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.

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing legal services to indigent persons in civil and criminal matters where the laws of the Commonwealth or the state or federal constitution mandate that counsel be provided. This includes representation in adult criminal, juvenile delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare/state intervention, mental health, guardianships, civil commitments, sexually dangerous person and sex offender registry cases, as well as related appeals and post-conviction matters.   As part of its mission to provide holistic, client-centered representation, CPCS is looking to add to its Social Services Expert list.  In many cases our attorneys hire Social Services Experts to work as part of their client’s legal team.  Social Services Experts can provide essential professional expertise that can improve the client’s chances of successful litigation. The work produced by the Social Services Experts is considered the work product of the attorney and legal team. Please note that CPCS hires staff social workers who are employees of CPCS.  This posting is specifically for private Social Services Experts who wish to be retained as independent contractors.    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.