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

Committee for Public Counsel Services•Boston, MA

2d•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 Private Panel Support Attorney will primarily cover Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire Counties and can be based in any CPCS office. CPCS is committed to fighting for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for individual rights, and promoting just public policy. The agency's core values are Courage, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. CPCS is dedicated to protecting constitutional and human rights through zealous advocacy and excellent legal representation, embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The agency provides legal representation when required by constitution or statute for individuals who cannot afford an attorney, covering a wide range of case types including criminal, delinquency, family regulation, and mental health matters. Given the diverse client base, cultural competence and the ability to work with people from various backgrounds are essential for CPCS staff. The Criminal Trial Support Unit (CTSU) supports and oversees approximately 1,500 private attorneys handling around 120,000 trial-level criminal cases through contracts with county Bar Advocate Programs (BAPs). The CTSU also manages 42 county Supervising Attorneys who provide direct support to these private attorneys.

Requirements

Must be 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.
A minimum of five years’ experience as a criminal defense practitioner.
A valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle.
Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

Nice To Haves

Experience in some or all of the following areas:
A demonstrated commitment to the principle of 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 to present the analysis.

Responsibilities

Ensuring compliance with contracts between CPCS and bar advocate programs, and between CPCS and county Supervising Attorneys, and cooperating with BAP Boards and administrators.
Interviewing, selecting, training, and overseeing county Supervising Attorneys.
Coordinating with BAP Administrators to ensure coverage of all duty days and cases, including assisting in locating counsel for unassigned cases and duty days.
Reviewing Performance Assessment Reports from Supervising Attorneys to determine the need for additional support and communicating with them to assess court and panel functioning.
Reviewing Complaint Investigations and coordinating with the Director on responses.
Reviewing Complex Case Reviews to decide whether to increase billing thresholds and recommend actions on billing submissions.
Responding to inquiries regarding the appointment, assignment, and performance of private counsel, and coordinating with the Director on responses.
Reviewing applications for Superior Court and Murder List panels, making recommendations to the Director, and facilitating the certification process for qualified panel members.
Reviewing appellate decisions alleging ineffective assistance of counsel and other claims, consulting with appellate counsel on trial counsel performance, and determining if corrections or additional actions are needed.
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.