Internship - CAFL Boston - Fall 2026

About the Organization

The Children and Family Law Division (CAFL) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney, as required by the state or federal constitution or state statute. CPCS handles cases in criminal, delinquency, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, and other related matters.

CPCS is committed to protecting fundamental constitutional and human rights through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. The agency values courage, accountability, respect, excellence, and diversity and inclusion, striving to build strong professional relationships while respecting the diverse circumstances of each client.

About the Role

Interns will assist lawyers and work closely with social workers to represent children and parents in cases where the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has removed children from their homes due to claims of neglect or abuse. This unit also represents children and parents in Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) cases.

Responsibilities

• Significant client contact through interviews and home/placement visits.
• Case investigation to assist with trial preparation.
• Service advocacy on behalf of clients.
• Negotiation with opposing counsel.
• Legal research and writing in preparation for motion arguments, custody hearings, termination of parental rights trials, or novel legal issues.
• Reviewing pre-trial discovery and DCF case files.
• Attending and participating in education-related matters, such as suspension hearings and IEP meetings.
• Appearances in Juvenile Court on behalf of Child Requiring Assistance clients, if certified.
• Maintaining confidentiality of all client-related information and work performed.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.
• Access to reliable transportation for travel to courts, clients, and investigation locations not easily accessible by public transportation.
• Access to a personal computer with home internet sufficient for remote work.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, a personal mission statement (no more than two pages) detailing your interest in the internship, your personal qualities and background, and what draws you to this work, and a writing sample.