CAFL Appellate Panel Staff Counsel Rotation

Committee for Public Counsel Services•Boston, MA

11d

About The Position

The Children and Family Law (CAFL) Division Appellate Panel Support Unit (APSU) is accepting applications from staff attorneys interested in a rotation supporting the unit. The rotating staff attorney will handle a small caseload of final and interlocutory appeals under the supervision of the CAFL Director of Appellate Panel and other APSU attorneys. The attorney will participate in APSU work, including advising trial and appellate attorneys, reviewing briefs, conducting oral-argument moot courts, observing and assessing arguments, helping assign appeals, and contributing to trainings and written practice materials. The rotation is expected to last 12 months, with the possibility of extension. It is considered a lateral transfer, and the selected attorney will remain at their current Grade and Step; salary is based on current pay scales. The attorney may be seated in Boston, Worcester, or another office location, depending on APSU needs, the attorney’s needs, and appropriate available space. The role may also include a very small trial caseload. CPCS provides appointed counsel in Massachusetts for people who cannot afford an attorney when representation is constitutionally or statutorily required. Its work includes criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, sex offender registry, appellate, and related post-conviction and post-judgment matters. The APSU supports and oversees approximately 150 private CAFL appellate panel attorneys, who handle approximately 90% of CAFL final and interlocutory appeals. The unit assigns appellate counsel, reviews applications and filings, provides training and case-strategy support, and participates in appellate practice and administrative projects. Candidates must be eligible to practice in Massachusetts as a member of the bar in good standing or qualify for limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04, and must have at least two years of full-time litigation experience representing children and parents in child welfare cases. They must have access to an automobile for travel to locations not easily reached by public transportation and home internet sufficient for remote work, as well as proficiency with Zoom and/or other online platforms. Candidates must also have CPCS employment for two years before becoming eligible for a rotation, and application eligibility must be approved by their Managing Director under the Rotation Process Guidance. Applicants should submit a written statement of interest, resume, and two redacted legal writing samples totaling no more than 20 pages. Samples should be the candidate’s own work product and not based on model motions. The statement should describe trial experience and any appellate, administrative, and training experience, and explain how the candidate’s background would support success in the position.

Requirements

Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing, or eligible to engage in limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04 as an attorney in another jurisdiction.
At least two years of full-time litigation experience representing children and parents in child welfare cases.
Access to an automobile for travel to offices, courts, and other locations not easily accessible by public transportation.
Home internet access sufficient for remote work and proficiency using Zoom and/or other online platforms.
At least two years of employment with CPCS before eligibility for a rotation position.
Application eligibility approved by the candidate’s Managing Director pursuant to the Rotation Process Guidance.
Excellent writing, litigation, and oral presentation skills.
Strong organizational ability and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, independently and collaboratively.
Capacity for close attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
Demonstrated commitment to zealous advocacy for indigent persons in family regulation and child welfare cases.
Submit a written statement of interest, resume, and two redacted legal writing samples totaling no more than 20 pages; samples must be the candidate’s own work product and not based on model motions.

Nice To Haves

Some appellate experience.
Some training experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee and assess the performance of appellate panel members.
Advise trial and appellate panel members about case strategy.
Work with appellate panel mentors to evaluate panel mentees and determine whether they are ready to graduate from the program.
Review briefs and moot-court oral arguments, and evaluate oral arguments.
Review applications for admission to panel certification training.
Deliver virtual and in-person training programs on appellate issues, writing, and child welfare issues for trial and appellate panel members.
Draft practice tips and advisories for trial and appellate panel members.
Assist with appellate panel operational activities, including assigning appeals.
Supervise student workers, including interns, co-op students, and others.
Handle a small number of final and/or interlocutory appellate assignments and potentially maintain a very small trial caseload.
Perform related duties as assigned.