Trial Attorney - MHLD Worcester

Committee for Public Counsel • Worcester, MA

2d • $80,598 - $146,988 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is seeking an experienced, full-time Trial Attorney for its Worcester Commitment Defense Unit. This role will focus on civil commitment cases, competency to make informed medical decisions, and substituted judgment determinations. The attorney will handle trials and a limited number of appellate cases. The office is responsible for civil commitments filed by Worcester Recovery Center & Hospital, St. Vincent Hospital, UMASS Psychiatric Treatment and Recovery Center, UMASS 8-East Unit, and the Hospital for Behavioral Medicine. The MHLD is dedicated to protecting the legal and constitutional rights of indigent individuals facing involuntary commitment, guardianship petitions, and involuntary treatment orders. Attorneys receive specialized training on mental health issues and client rights. Responsibilities include representing clients in various court proceedings and potentially in appeals. Attorneys will appear primarily in District Court sessions conducted at facilities or in Superior Court divisions within the county, but may be required to represent clients in other courts. The position involves working with forensic psychiatric, psychological, and other clinicians, conducting investigations, and collaborating with service providers.

Requirements

• Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts, either as a member of the Massachusetts bar or as an attorney licensed in another jurisdiction who is covered by Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04
• Access to reliable transportation throughout the Commonwealth
• Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely

Nice To Haves

• Foreign language skills to support interaction with limited English proficient groups in the region
• Trial experience in mental health cases
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
• Ability to work in a community and defense-oriented capacity, both independently and collaboratively

Responsibilities

• Visiting with and interviewing clients at the facilities
• Conducting pre-trial investigation and discovery, including obtaining and reviewing facility and other medical and psychiatric records, and interviewing facility staff and other potential witnesses
• Working extensively with forensic psychiatric, psychological and other clinicians
• Locating and interviewing witnesses and consulting with service providers
• Conducting legal research and writing
• Representing clients in pretrial proceedings, hearings, trials, and interlocutory appeals

What This Job Offers

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