Attorney

About the role

PLS attorneys play a central role in protecting and advancing the civil and human rights of incarcerated people. The position includes individual and class action litigation, individual and systemic advocacy, client counseling, policy work, and collaboration with impacted individuals, communities, and other partners. PLS attorneys are expected to handle complex litigation and advocacy matters with a significant degree of independence, while working collaboratively with colleagues and other partners.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of affirmative litigation involving prison and jail conditions, including individual and class actions seeking injunctive relief and damages.
• Investigate and evaluate potential cases, including fact gathering, review of client records and other documents, legal research and analysis, and assessment of potential legal claims.
• Draft demand letters, complaints, motions, memoranda, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and other legal pleadings and documents.
• Conduct discovery, including document review, depositions, and development of factual and expert evidence.
• Participate in motion practice, settlement negotiations, trials, appeals, and enforcement and compliance monitoring.
• Provide direct legal representation and individual advocacy for incarcerated clients in matters involving prisons, jails, correctional officials, and other state agencies.
• Participate in intake and evaluate requests for legal assistance; identify potential individual and systemic issues; provide legal information and advice when appropriate; and determine appropriate follow-up or referral.
• Maintain regular communication with clients through in-person facility visits, remote meetings, telephone calls, and correspondence, and advise clients regarding their legal rights, options, and the status of their matters.
• Advocate for the rights of incarcerated people on issues including conditions of confinement, medical and mental health care, staff misconduct, disciplinary matters, and other issues affecting their treatment and legal rights.
• Engage in policy and systemic advocacy concerning correctional policies, practices, and conditions.
• Participate in the development of PLS litigation and policy priorities, systemic reform strategies, and case-selection decisions.
• Incorporate racial equity principles into litigation, individual and systemic advocacy, policy work, case selection, and organizational priorities.
• Participate in PLS committees, projects, workgroups, and other organizational initiatives as assigned.
• Collaborate with PLS staff, pro bono attorneys, legal services organizations, community organizations, advocates, and other partners on litigation and advocacy efforts.
• Participate in educational and outreach activities designed to inform incarcerated people and others about legal rights, available resources, and issues affecting people in custody.
• Maintain appropriate case files, records, correspondence, data, and other documentation relating to assigned matters.
• Provide supervision and mentorship to attorneys, interns, or other staff, including regular feedback and formal performance evaluations as required.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, professional development, supervision, and other activities necessary to support the work of PLS.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and admission to the Massachusetts Bar, or eligibility for admission through comity or other applicable process.
• A minimum of four years of litigation experience required, including significant experience in activities such as depositions, witness examination, motion practice, and trial or appellate oral argument.
• A judicial clerkship may count toward one