Internship - PDD Worcester - Spring 2027

Committee for Public Counsel Services • Worcester, MA

6d

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) Worcester PDD Trial Office is seeking students for internship positions for Spring 2027. CPCS fights for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for individual rights and promoting just public policy. CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. The agency handles cases in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry matters, as well as appeals and post-conviction proceedings. The agency values diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to ensure its staff represents a broad range of human differences and experiences, and to provide a respectful work climate that supports success and promotes the dignity and well-being of all staff members. Interns will work closely with lawyers, social workers, and investigators, providing legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in District and Superior Courts. This internship offers opportunities in legal research and writing, arraignment and bail advocacy, second seating trials, and pretrial investigations, including visiting crime scenes and interviewing witnesses.

Requirements

• Law students who have successfully completed or are enrolled in an evidence or trial practice class
• Written approval by their Dean
• May represent clients under the supervision of a staff public defender in court per SJC Rule 3:03

Nice To Haves

• Law Students who have taken classes in evidence, criminal law, constitutional law, critical legal theory, and/or trial advocacy
• SJC Rule 3.03 certification

Responsibilities

• Client interviews
• Arraignment and bail arguments
• Legal research
• Drafting pretrial motions, affidavits and legal memoranda
• Pretrial investigation, including visiting the locations of alleged crimes and interviewing witnesses
• Pretrial Motion arguments
• Keep confidential all information involving client representation, and the work performed on behalf of clients

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed