Supervising Attorney - PDD Quincy

Committee for Public Counsel Services • Quincy, MA

15h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Defender Division of CPCS, the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking two Supervising Attorneys for its Quincy Office. This role requires a minimum of five years of legal experience, including at least three years of criminal defense representation. The attorneys must possess sufficient trial experience in both District and Superior Courts to effectively supervise all Trial Attorney staff. CPCS is dedicated to fighting for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for rights, and promoting just public policy. The agency provides representation in a wide range of cases, including criminal, delinquency, and family matters, for individuals who cannot afford legal counsel. The Quincy office serves Norfolk County, representing clients in various courts and collaborating with investigators, social service advocates, and administrative staff. The Supervising Attorney will work under the direction of the office's Attorney in Charge, assisting in the supervision of Trial Attorneys while managing a reduced caseload of indigent clients charged with criminal offenses.

Requirements

• Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts (member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing or eligible under Supreme Court Rule 3:04).
• Minimum of five years of experience providing criminal defense representation in District and Superior Courts.
• Sufficient trial experience in both District and Superior Courts to supervise all Trial Attorney staff.
• Access to an automobile for travel to courts, clients, and investigation locations not easily accessible by public transportation.
• Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

Nice To Haves

• Significant jury trial experience as lead counsel in criminal cases, including Superior Court cases.
• Commitment to working with a culturally diverse, low-income population.
• Willingness and ability to work positively and collaboratively with both the Attorney in Charge and Supervisees.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy in the representation of indigent persons in criminal cases.
• Ability and commitment to complete annual performance evaluations in a timely and comprehensive manner.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a community and defense-oriented capacity, both independently and collaboratively.
• Foreign language skills, Spanish in particular, are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Trial Attorneys assigned to District and Superior Court cases.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with individual supervisees to review case files.
• Conduct group meetings to review case preparation and performance.
• Provide in-court supervision, including second-seating trials and significant pretrial hearings.
• Prepare annual performance evaluations for supervisees.
• Present in-office training sessions.
• Supervise other staff, such as investigators and student interns, as delegated by the office’s Attorney in Charge.
• Conduct client interviews.
• Handle arraignment and bail advocacy.
• Perform legal research and writing.
• Conduct pretrial investigation, including visiting crime scenes, locating and interviewing witnesses, and collecting/reviewing documentary evidence.
• Prepare and argue pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda.
• Perform dispositional investigations and advocacy.
• Conduct jury and bench trials of criminal cases.
• Represent clients in interlocutory proceedings.

Benefits

• Support for clients in achieving their legal and life goals.
• Zealous advocacy for the rights of individuals.
• Promotion of just public policy.
• Representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases.
• Representation in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Work climate that is respectful and supports success.
• Promotion of the dignity and well-being of all staff members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed