Managing Director - Private Counsel Division - Criminal Conflict

Committee for Public Counsel Services•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 in available office space at a Criminal Conflict Office, depending on divisional needs and the candidate. The role supports effective, client-centered, culturally competent criminal representation that meets CPCS practice standards. The Managing Director supervises and supports the Attorneys in Charge (AICs) of the offices and works with the Deputy Chief Counsel (DCC), other legal practice divisions, and legal support and operational units. The Managing Director reports directly to the Private Counsel Division’s Deputy Chief Counsel. CPCS provides legal representation to people who cannot afford counsel when appointment is required by the constitution or statute. Its work spans criminal and other proceedings, appeals, and post-conviction or post-judgment matters. CPCS emphasizes zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, excellent representation, and respect for clients’ diverse circumstances. The agency also commits to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and workplace.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to representing indigent persons.
At least eight years of experience practicing criminal defense, 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.
Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts, either as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing or as an attorney admitted in another jurisdiction 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.
Close attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Supervise AICs and help them manage Criminal Conflict Offices so staff meet performance and supervision standards.
Complete annual performance evaluations for direct reports and ensure they complete timely, comprehensive evaluations for assigned staff.
Ensure AICs work with Human Resources on employee relations and performance issues in accordance with CPCS personnel policies.
Supervise Senior Trial Counsel and work with AICs 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 and develop and recommend guideline or performance-standard changes to the DCC.
Develop and implement a plan to collect and use 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 DCC, including regular visits to assigned offices.
Help AICs foster a positive workplace, promote professional development, and, in consultation with HR, oversee regional staff hiring.
Work with AICs, the Training Department, and the Equity & Inclusion Director to support cultural competence, diversity awareness, 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 leadership relationships with the local judiciary, Public Defender Division staff, and private bar; work with AICs and local bar leaders to foster collaboration among Criminal Conflict offices, PDD offices, and bar advocate attorneys.
Work with the PC DCC and other CPCS division leaders to develop and execute agency and divisional policies and strategic plans, including legislative and policy agendas and cross-divisional goals.
Work with the PC DCC on budget and spending matters and prepare Private Counsel budget requests and spending plans.
Perform other duties as assigned.