Managing Director - Private Counsel Division - Criminal Conflict

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts’s public defender agency, seeks an experienced criminal defense attorney with management experience to serve as Managing Director in the Private Counsel Division. The Managing Director will oversee the creation and operation of three to four Criminal Conflict trial offices serving Hampden, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. The position may be based in Boston or available Conflict Office space, depending on Division needs and the candidate. The Managing Director oversees Attorneys in Charge and supports the Deputy Chief Counsel in ensuring that criminal representation by CPCS staff is effective, client-centered, culturally competent, and consistent with agency practice standards. The role works collaboratively with CPCS legal practice divisions and legal support and operational units. The Managing Director reports directly to the Private Counsel Division’s Deputy Chief Counsel.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to representing indigent persons.
At least eight years of experience practicing criminal defense law, including experience representing indigent criminal clients and significant jury trial, appellate, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least four years of managerial experience.
Commitment to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population.
Eligibility to practice law in Massachusetts, either as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing or as a member of another jurisdiction’s bar eligible for limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04.
Access to reliable transportation for travel to offices, courts, and other locations throughout Massachusetts.
Reliable home internet access sufficient for remote work.
Strong organizational skills, excellent communication skills, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and close attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Supervise Attorneys in Charge, support their management of Criminal Conflict Offices, ensure staff meet performance and supervision standards, complete annual evaluations for direct reports, and ensure timely and comprehensive reviews for assigned staff.
Ensure Attorneys in Charge work with Human Resources to address employee relations and performance matters in accordance with CPCS personnel policies.
Supervise Senior Trial Counsel and work with Attorneys in Charge to establish clear expectations for case assignments, second seating, and mentoring.
Coordinate with the Supervisors of Social Services Advocacy and Investigations to support effective collaboration among Trial Attorneys, Social Services Advocates, and Investigators.
Identify systemic operational issues in Criminal Conflict Offices and develop and recommend guideline or performance-standard changes to the Deputy Chief Counsel.
Develop and implement a plan for collecting and using case-related data, ensure office and attorney caseloads are appropriate, and regularly analyze and report caseload statistics.
Facilitate communication across the assigned region and with the Private Counsel Division Deputy Chief Counsel, and regularly visit assigned offices.
Support Attorneys in Charge in creating positive workplace environments and promoting professional development; consult with Human Resources and oversee regional staff hiring.
Work with Attorneys in Charge, the Training Department, and the Equity & Inclusion Director to support cultural competency, sensitivity to diversity, and client-centered representation.
Investigate and respond to legal conflicts, legal ethics questions, and complaints involving attorney and non-attorney staff.
Work with Facilities and IT to address office-space and technical needs.
Maintain professional relationships and a leadership role with local judiciary, PDD, and the private bar; work with Attorneys in Charge and local bar leadership to foster collaboration among Criminal Conflict offices, PDD staff offices, and bar advocate attorneys.
Work with the Private Counsel Division Deputy Chief Counsel and other CPCS division leaders to develop and carry out CPCS and division policies and strategic plans, including legislative and policy agendas and cross-divisional goals.
Work with the Private Counsel Division Deputy Chief Counsel on budget and spending issues and prepare division budget requests and spending plans.
Perform other duties as assigned.