Appeals Attorney - MHLD Appeals

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services, the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking a full-time Appeals Attorney for its Mental Health Litigation Division Appeals Unit. The position may be located in any CPCS office depending on the needs of the selected candidate, the Appeals Unit, and the availability of office space. The position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. 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. The cases handled by the Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) include involuntary civil commitments, forced treatment and guardianships. Appeals Unit cases are primarily direct appeals in commitment and guardianship cases, but may also include motions for new trials, interlocutory appeals, and amicus briefs in selected cases. The Appeals Unit also provides consultation to staff and private panel attorneys around the state, and often assists the agency with system-wide issues and challenges. The Appeals Unit currently consists of a Director of Mental Health Appeals, an Oversight Counsel, and two case handling Appeals Attorneys. The Appeals Unit provides support and oversight of MHLD Appeals Panel Attorneys as well as directly representing clients in MHLD appeals. The MHLD is seeking a full-time Appeals Attorney to provide direct representation of mental health clients at the appellate level. Appeals Unit cases are primarily direct appeals in commitment and guardianship cases, but may also include motions for new trials, interlocutory appeals, and amicus briefs in selected cases.

Requirements

Must be committed to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population and must be eligible to practice law in Massachusetts, either as a member of the Massachusetts bar, as a law school graduate under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:03, or as an attorney licensed in another jurisdiction who is covered by Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04
Candidates must have at least one year of experience as an attorney
Appeals Attorney positions require travel
access to reliable transportation throughout the state is necessary
Access to home internet sufficient to work remotely

Nice To Haves

At least three years of appellate experience is preferred
A demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy in the representation of individuals involved in the mental health system
A demonstrated commitment to working with a culturally diverse population of individuals involved in the mental health system
Ability to work in a defense-oriented capacity, both independently and collaboratively
Very strong writing and oral advocacy skills

Responsibilities

Interviewing clients
Conducting legal research
Collecting and reviewing documentary evidence
Preparing appellants' and occasionally appellees' briefs, as well as reply briefs
Handling appeals in the Appellate Division, Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court, including preparation for oral arguments via moot courts
Assisting other attorneys preparing for argument
Providing assistance to trial attorneys on issues related to appeals
Preparing case summaries of new mental health opinions
Assisting in training and development of practice aids for trial and appellate attorneys
Depending on experience level, may on occasion include editing assistance/mentoring of Mental Health Litigation Division staff Trial Attorneys who are representing clients on appeal
Drafting of amicus briefs
Other duties as assigned