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Private Panel Support Attorney - Private Counsel Division, Criminal Trial Support Unit

Committee for Public Counsel Services · Boston, MA · 1 wk ago
LegalFull-time

About the Role

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the public defender agency of Massachusetts, is seeking an experienced attorney for a Private Panel Support Attorney position in the Criminal Trial Support Unit of the Private Counsel Division. The Criminal Trial Support Unit oversees attorneys providing representation to indigent criminal defense clients in Massachusetts trial courts. The Private Panel Support Attorney will primarily cover Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire Counties and may be seated in any available CPCS office.

We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation.

Mission and Values

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our clients through zealous advocacy and high-quality representation. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values, ensuring:

  • A workforce representing a broad range of human differences and experiences;
  • A respectful work climate that supports success; and
  • The dignity and well-being of all staff members.

CPCS leadership and staff share responsibility for fostering these values.

Agency Overview

CPCS is the Massachusetts state agency responsible for providing legal representation to indigent individuals in criminal, delinquency, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, and other court proceedings. Our clients are diverse, requiring cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with people of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and limited English proficiency.

Unit Overview

The Criminal Trial Support Unit (CTSU) supports and oversees approximately 1,500 private attorneys handling around 120,000 trial-level criminal cases annually through contracts with County Bar Advocate Programs (BAPs). The unit includes one Director, seven staff attorneys, and three administrative staff, as well as 42 county Supervising Attorneys who provide direct support to panel attorneys.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure compliance with contracts between CPCS and Bar Advocate Programs (BAPs) and between CPCS and county Supervising Attorneys.
  • Work cooperatively with BAP Boards of Directors and administrators.
  • Interview, select, train, and oversee county Supervising Attorneys.
  • Coordinate with BAP Administrators to ensure coverage for all duty days and cases, including locating counsel for unassigned cases.
  • Review Performance Assessment Reports from Supervising Attorneys to determine additional support needs and assess court/panel functioning.
  • Review Complaint Investigations and coordinate responses with the Director.
  • Review Complex Case Reviews to adjust billing thresholds and recommend actions on billing submissions.
  • Respond to inquiries regarding the appointment, assignment, and performance of private counsel.
  • Review applications for Superior Court and Murder List panels, make recommendations, and facilitate certification for qualified panel members.
  • Review appellate decisions alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, consult with appellate counsel, and determine corrective actions.
  • Provide regular updates to the Director and Deputy Chief Counsel on data such as attorney caseloads and client appointment backlogs.
  • Assist BAP Administrators and panel members with billing inquiries.
  • Participate in BAP panel recruitment efforts.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

  • Eligibility to practice law in Massachusetts as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing, or as an attorney in another jurisdiction eligible for limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04.
  • Minimum of five years’ experience as a criminal defense practitioner.
  • Valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle.
  • Access to home internet sufficient for remote work.

Skills

  • Demonstrated commitment to zealous advocacy and high-quality representation for indigent persons.
  • At least five years’ experience as a Bar Advocate (preferred).
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Self-starter with the ability to take initiative.
  • Experience interacting with diverse social, racial, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to analyze data and present findings.

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