Jobs at Committee for Public Counsel Services

Provides frontline technical support to agency staff by phone, email, remote access, and in person. Troubleshoots desktops, peripherals, software, printers, networks, VPNs, servers, hardware, and mobile devices; installs and upgrades technology; images and repairs computers; removes viruses; and supports approximately 20 field offices. The role also identifies technology improvements and leads or supports special IT projects. Travel throughout Massachusetts may comprise up to 40% of working hours.

Unpaid law student internship supporting public defenders in adult felony and misdemeanor cases. Responsibilities include legal research, drafting motions and memoranda, reviewing evidence, interviewing clients and witnesses, observing court proceedings, and assisting with arraignment, bail, and pretrial motion advocacy when certified under SJC Rule 3:03. Interns receive intensive training and work under attorney supervision while maintaining client confidentiality.

Spring 2027 legal interns will support attorneys, investigators, and social workers representing children and parents in family regulation and Child Requiring Assistance cases. Responsibilities include client interviews and home visits, case investigation, service advocacy, negotiation, legal research and writing, discovery and case-file review, education-related advocacy, and possible Juvenile Court appearances if certified. Interns must maintain client confidentiality and demonstrate commitment to zealous advocacy and constitutional rights.

Supports statewide attorney recruitment and outreach through social media content, video storytelling, recruitment materials, advertisements, event materials, and marketing campaigns. The intern collaborates with communications staff to promote CPCS opportunities and showcase the impact of its legal work. This primarily remote, unpaid internship requires at least 20 hours per week and may involve travel to office locations.

Private panel contract attorneys provide constitutionally required legal representation to individuals who cannot afford counsel across practice areas and courts throughout Massachusetts. Applicants must apply through the official CPCS Private Panel Certification Application Portal and review certification requirements, training programs, and application guidance. The ICMS posting is informational only and does not constitute an application.

Law student interns support post-conviction litigation by investigating cases, reviewing court files and discovery, researching constitutional and criminal law issues, drafting legal memoranda, developing litigation strategies, responding to client inquiries, and assisting attorneys with evidentiary hearings and appellate matters. Interns also receive training in the Massachusetts criminal court system and appellate practice and may observe court proceedings.

Provides oversight and support for private criminal defense attorneys representing indigent clients across Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire Counties. Responsibilities include ensuring contract compliance, supervising and recruiting attorneys, reviewing complaints and performance reports, assessing complex-case billing, coordinating case coverage, responding to stakeholders, reviewing panel applications and appellate decisions, and analyzing and reporting county-level data.

Law student interns support public defenders in criminal cases through client representation under supervision, legal research, motion and memorandum drafting, case investigation, client interviews, trial preparation, and court observation. Interns receive training in client advocacy and Massachusetts criminal practice and work primarily onsite at the Malden office and local courts. Part-time and full-time Spring 2027 internships are available; the position is unpaid.

Leads the statewide criminal private counsel trial panel, ensuring quality, compliance, attorney certification, and effective assignment procedures. Supervises 10 staff members, supports bar advocate programs, oversees budgets and contracts, investigates compliance concerns, reviews eligible counsel billing, manages murder hotline staffing, and collaborates across agency divisions. The Director also provides training, develops staff, supports diversity and inclusion, and responds to courts, clients, justice-system stakeholders, and other public counsel partners.