Paralegal - MHLD Appeals Unit

Committee for Public Counsel•Brockton, MA

8d•$59,893 - $96,855•Hybrid

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking a full-time Paralegal for its Mental Health Litigation Division Appeals Unit. This newly created position involves working closely with the Director of Mental Health Appeals to make case assignments to private panel attorneys, as well as communicating with clients while they are awaiting assignment of an attorney, drafting pleadings, conducting legal research, and assisting in developing trainings and resource materials. The position will be located in the MHLD Brockton Office and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. CPCS fights for equal justice and human dignity by supporting its clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for the rights of individuals and promoting just public policy to protect the rights of all. CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters. The clients represented are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters addressed. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics. The cases handled by the Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) include involuntary civil commitments, forced treatment and guardianships. Appeals Unit cases are primarily direct appeals in commitment and guardianship cases, but may also include motions for new trials, interlocutory appeals, and amicus briefs in selected cases. The Appeals Unit also provides consultation to staff and private panel attorneys around the state, and often assists the agency with system-wide issues and challenges. The Appeals Unit currently consists of a Director of Mental Health Appeals, an Oversight Counsel, two case handling Appeals Attorneys, and a Paralegal. The Appeals Unit provides support and oversight of MHLD Appeals Panel Attorneys as well as directly representing clients in MHLD appeals. The MHLD Appeals Unit is seeking a full-time Paralegal to work closely with the Director of Mental Health Appeals to make case assignments to private panel attorneys, communicate with clients awaiting assignment of an attorney, draft pleadings, conduct legal research, and assist in developing trainings and resource materials. This is a full-time (35 hours/week) position that will report to the Director of Appeals.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal certificate
Access to reliable transportation in order to travel to locations that are not easily accessible by public transportation
Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely
Commitment to working with a culturally diverse, low-income population
A demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy in the representation of individuals involved in the mental health system
Experience interviewing clients and evaluating relevant information from clients and families
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure
Detailed oriented and able to work on multiple projects (clients) under tight deadlines
Strong organizational skills
Ability to organize and prioritize caseloads, calendars and work assignments
Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships
Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and/or experience in mental health system or criminal law preferred
Proficiency in language(s) other than English preferred

Responsibilities

Acting as primary client liaison to clients awaiting an appellate attorney
Drafting pleadings under attorney supervision
Performing legal research in support of direct appeals and amicus briefs
Interacting with court personnel concerning appeals
Assisting attorneys with preparation of briefs and presentation of oral arguments, including creating tables, record appendices and addenda
Assisting with the development of trainings and resource materials for attorneys
Creating content and updating the MHLD Appeals pages of the CPCS website
Assisting staff and panel appellate attorneys in locating clients
Tracking and logging incoming appeals for assignment
Making appeals assignments to private panel attorneys
Special projects as assigned by the Director of Appeals
Other duties as assigned