Trial Attorney - PDD Lowell

Committee for Public Counsel Services•Lowell, MA

About The Position

The Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts’s public defender agency, is seeking Trial Attorneys for its Lowell Office. The position provides criminal defense representation to indigent clients in District and Superior Courts in Middlesex County. The role serves a culturally diverse, low-income population and calls for zealous advocacy and commitment to CPCS’s organizational values. Attorneys initially represent clients charged with criminal offenses within the District Court’s final jurisdiction, including misdemeanors, felonies, and some serious sexual offenses. They may also handle initial commitment proceedings. With experience, attorneys are expected to take on Superior Court cases and may represent clients in interlocutory appeals, civil commitments, and certain collateral matters as permitted by a supervisor. Experienced attorneys are also expected to serve as informal mentors and advisors to other staff attorneys. The Lowell Office is near the Lowell Justice Center and public transportation, including commuter rail and bus service. The position requires access to an automobile for travel to courts, clients, and investigation locations that are not easily accessible by public transportation, as well as reliable home internet access sufficient for remote work.

Requirements

Must be committed to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population.
Must be eligible to practice law in Massachusetts, either as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing or as a member of another jurisdiction’s bar eligible for limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04.
Must have access to an automobile to travel to courts, clients, and investigation locations not easily accessible by public transportation.
Must have reliable home internet access sufficient to work remotely.
Demonstrated commitment to zealous advocacy for indigent people in criminal cases.
Demonstrated commitment to CPCS organizational values.
Commitment to continuing legal and organizational training.
Strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
Ability to work in a criminal defense-oriented community, independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience as lead counsel on Superior Court (or equivalent) jury trials and evidentiary motions practice is preferred.
Foreign language skills that support interaction with predominant limited-English-proficient groups in the region are desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Interview clients.
Advocate at arraignments and bail proceedings.
Conduct legal research and writing.
Investigate cases before trial, including visiting crime scenes, locating and interviewing witnesses, and collecting and reviewing documentary evidence.
Prepare and argue pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda.
Conduct dispositional investigations and advocacy.
Handle jury and bench trials in criminal cases.
Litigate cases in District Court and Superior Court.
Represent witnesses before the grand jury or trial court.
Represent clients in interlocutory proceedings.
When appropriate, work collaboratively with private attorneys on cases assigned through the CPCS Private Counsel Division.
As experience develops, serve as an informal mentor and advisor to other staff attorneys.
Perform other duties as assigned.