Trial Attorney - YAD Lowell

Committee for Public Counsel • Lowell, MA

1d

About The Position

The Youth Advocacy Division (YAD) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking to fill a Trial Attorney position in its Lowell Office. YAD Trial Attorneys provide zealous legal representation on delinquency and youthful offender cases using the Positive Youth Development Approach, as well as using all the same criminal defense skills needed to practice in district and superior courts. They also provide post dispositional advocacy and support to DYS committed youth, as well as school-based advocacy. CPCS fights for equal justice and human dignity by supporting its clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for the rights of individuals and promoting just public policy to protect the rights of all.

Requirements

• Committed to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population.
• Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts (member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing, law school graduate under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:03, or member of the bar of another jurisdiction eligible for limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04).
• 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.
• Experience with criminal defense, especially youth defense.
• Experience with a community-oriented defender practice.
• Ability to provide trauma-informed and culturally competent representation.
• Knowledge of adolescent development.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice issues and experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of positive youth development.
• Knowledge of state and local resources for juvenile defendants.
• Understanding of juvenile justice practice and policy issues.
• Experience with educational system advocacy.
• Experience with the child welfare system.
• Experience working with children and youth.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.
• Lawyers with four or more years of experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide zealous legal representation on delinquency and youthful offender cases using the Positive Youth Development Approach.
• Utilize criminal defense skills needed to practice in district and superior courts.
• Provide post-dispositional advocacy and support to DYS committed youth.
• Provide school-based advocacy.
• Work on projects related to improving legal representation and outcomes for court-involved children.
• Play a leadership role in working towards reducing racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile legal system.
• May be assigned cases in other counties as needed.

What This Job Offers

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