Trial Attorney - PDD Holyoke

Committee for Public Counsel Services•Holyoke, 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 to provide criminal defense representation in district and superior courts in Hampden County. The Holyoke Office focuses on Holyoke and Chicopee and also covers other courts in the county, including courts in Palmer and Hampden Superior Court. Attorneys of all experience levels are encouraged to apply. Public Defenders represent indigent clients charged with criminal offenses. Their work generally begins with cases within the District Court’s final jurisdiction, including misdemeanors, felonies, and some serious sexual offenses; they may also occasionally handle initial commitment proceedings. As they gain experience, attorneys are expected to represent clients in Superior Court and may handle interlocutory appeals, civil commitments, and certain collateral matters as permitted by a supervisor. Experienced attorneys may also serve as informal mentors and advisors to other office staff. CPCS works to protect clients’ constitutional and human rights through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. The agency emphasizes cultural competence, respect for clients’ diverse circumstances, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants must be committed to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population and to the organization’s values of courage, accountability, respect, and excellence.

Requirements

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 be committed to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population.
Must have access to an automobile for 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 persons in criminal cases.
Demonstrated commitment to CPCS organizational values.
Commitment to continuing legal and organizational training.
Strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
Ability to work within a criminal-defense-oriented community and successfully both independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

Spanish-speaking ability.
Past experience working with the Latinx community.

Responsibilities

Interview clients.
Advocate at arraignments and bail proceedings.
Conduct legal research and writing.
Conduct pretrial investigations, 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.
Conduct 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.
Where appropriate, collaborate with private attorneys on cases assigned through CPCS’s Private Counsel Division.
Perform other duties as assigned.
As experience is gained, act as an informal mentor and advisor to other staff attorneys.