Private Panel Support Attorney - Private Counsel Division, Criminal Trial Support Unit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts' public defender agency, is seeking an experienced attorney for a Private Panel Support Attorney role within the Criminal Trial Support Unit of the Private Counsel Division. This unit oversees attorneys representing indigent criminal defense clients in Massachusetts trial courts. The role primarily covers Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire Counties and may be based in any CPCS office. CPCS is dedicated to equal justice and human dignity, zealously advocating for clients' rights and promoting just public policy. The agency values courage, accountability, respect, and excellence, and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and client representation. CPCS provides legal representation mandated by the state or federal constitution or state statute for individuals unable to afford an attorney, across a wide range of case types including criminal, delinquency, family, guardianship, mental health, and sex offender registry matters, as well as appeals and post-conviction proceedings. The agency emphasizes the need for culturally competent staff to serve its diverse clientele.

Requirements

Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing, or as an attorney in another jurisdiction eligible for limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04.
Minimum of five years' experience as a criminal defense practitioner.
Valid driver's license and access to a motor vehicle.
Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated commitment to zealous advocacy and high-quality representation for indigent persons.
At least five years' experience as a Bar Advocate.
Excellent communication skills.
Self-starter and ability to take initiative.
Experience interacting with people of various social, racial, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to effectively interact with members of the criminal trial support unit administrative and legal staff, criminal defendants, and panel attorneys.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Ability to analyze data and present the analysis.

Responsibilities

Ensuring compliance with contracts between CPCS and bar advocate programs, and between CPCS and county Supervising Attorneys, while cooperating with BAP Boards and administrators.
Interviewing, selecting, training, and overseeing county Supervising Attorneys.
Coordinating with BAP Administrators to ensure coverage of duty days and cases, including assisting in finding counsel for unassigned cases and duty days.
Reviewing Performance Assessment Reports from Supervising Attorneys to determine the need for additional support and assessing court and panel functioning.
Reviewing Complaint Investigations and coordinating with the Director on responses.
Reviewing Complex Case Reviews to decide on increasing billing thresholds and recommending actions on billing submissions.
Responding to inquiries regarding the appointment, assignment, and performance of private counsel, coordinating with the Director on responses.
Reviewing applications for Superior Court and Murder List panels, making recommendations to the Director, and facilitating the certification of qualified panel members.
Reviewing appellate decisions alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, consulting with appellate counsel on trial counsel performance, and determining necessary corrections or actions.
Providing regular updates to the Director and Deputy Chief Counsel on data such as the number of attorneys taking cases, clients awaiting counsel, and local court news.
Assisting BAP Administrators and panel members with billing inquiries.
Participating in BAP panel recruitment efforts.
Other duties as required.