Managing Director - Private Counsel Division - Criminal Conflict

Committee for Public Counsel•Boston, MA

5d•$125,543 - $184,365

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 role may be based in Boston or in available Conflict Office space, depending on Division needs and the candidate. It includes supervising and supporting the Attorneys in Charge (AICs), and assisting the Deputy Chief Counsel (DCC) in ensuring that CPCS staff representation is effective, client-centered, culturally competent, and consistent with agency practice standards. The Managing Director reports directly to the Private Counsel Division’s Deputy Chief Counsel. CPCS provides attorneys to people who cannot afford representation when required by the constitution or state law. Its work spans criminal and other legal matters. The agency emphasizes zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, cultural competence, diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for clients and staff.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to representing indigent persons.
At least eight years of experience practicing criminal defense law, including representation of 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 the state.
Reliable home internet access sufficient for remote work.
Strong organizational skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Close attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Supervise Attorneys in Charge and assist them in managing Criminal Conflict Offices so staff meet performance and supervision standards; complete annual evaluations of direct reports and ensure timely, comprehensive reviews for assigned staff; and ensure AICs work with HR on employee relations and performance matters consistent with CPCS policies.
Supervise Senior Trial Counsel and collaborate with AICs to establish clear expectations for case assignments, second seating, and mentoring.
Work with the Supervisors of Social Services Advocacy and Investigations to support effective collaboration among trial attorneys, social services advocates, and investigators.
Identify systemic issues in office operations and develop and recommend guideline or performance-standard changes to the Deputy Chief Counsel.
Develop and implement a plan to collect and use case-related data to promote high-quality representation; ensure appropriate office and attorney caseloads; and analyze and regularly report caseload statistics.
Facilitate communication across the assigned region and with the Private Counsel Division Deputy Chief Counsel, and regularly visit assigned offices.
Help AICs maintain a positive workplace and promote professional development; in consultation with HR, oversee hiring in the assigned region.
Work with AICs, the Training Department, and the Equity & Inclusion Director to support staff cultural competence, sensitivity to diversity issues, and client-centered representation.
Investigate and respond to legal conflicts, legal ethics questions, and complaints concerning 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 the local judiciary, Public Defender Division staff, and private bar; work with AICs and local bar leadership to foster collaboration among Criminal Conflict Offices, PDD offices, and bar advocate attorneys.
Work with the Private Counsel Division Deputy Chief Counsel and other CPCS division leaders to develop and execute agency 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.