Job Title:
MHLD Staff Counsel
Company/Organization:
Committee for Public Counsel Services
Location:
Boston, MA
Position Details
Position Description:
The Staff Counsel assists the Trial Panel Director with overseeing the work and training of the Division’s private panel attorneys so that clients receive competent and non-discriminatory representation. The Staff Counsel also participates in and helps develop the Division’s training programs, certification and recertification and appellate processes. In recognition of the extent of private bar oversight provided to ensure performance standards are met, this position qualifies for compensation equivalent to that of a Supervising Staff Attorney.

Interested candidates should submit a written statement of interest, resume, writing sample, and the names of at least two (2) professional references.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Staff Counsel reports directly to the Trial Panel Director of the Mental Health Litigation Division. The Staff Counsel’s primary responsibility are to assist in the oversight of the trial panel including comp; develop and participate in mental health training for CPCS staff and bar advocates, including certification training; assist in the evaluation of private attorneys seeking certification and recertification in mental health proceedings.

Additionally, the Staff Counsel:

– Provides support and advice to private attorneys in mental health proceedings;
– Provides advice to psychiatric patients confined to facilities
– Assists in monitoring attorney compliance with, and investigate complaints alleging a panel attorney’s failure to comply with CPCS Performance Standards
– Assists with the MHLD mentor program
– Maintain a small case load of trial cases to the extent agreed upon by the staff attorney and the Trial Panel Director
– Assists in the maintenance and updating of the Divisions publications and web page; and
– Performs other duties as required by the Director or the Trial Panel Director.
Minimum Qualifications and Skills:
Applicants must be members in good standing of the Massachusetts bar, or be licensed in another jurisdiction and eligible to practice in Massachusetts under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04. A minimum of four (4) years of mental health litigation experience is required. Preference will be given to attorneys who are currently certified to accept CPCS mental health assignments. Access to reliable transportation in order to travel to courts, mental health facilities, and other locations is required. Foreign language skills are desirable.

Knowledge, skills, and experience normally required for competent performance in the job.

Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts and have a minimum of five (4) years of mental health litigation experience

– Able to maintain a professional and supportive relationship with the private bar
– Possess superior communication skills in order to write and edit persuasive legal documents
– Able to represent clients skillfully in court proceedings
– Able to interact effectively with courts, counsel, clients, witnesses, and other participants in the justice system
– Able to effectively supervise and provide feedback to attorney(s) under supervision
– Appellate experience
– Experience in training and teaching
Application Deadline
09/12/2017
Application Requirements
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Other
Other
Please see posting for application requirements. All applications must be submitted through the following website, applications will not be accepted if they are not submitted here: https://careers-publiccounsel.icims.com/jobs/1553/mhld-staff-counsel/job
Who should be contacted for further information on this opportunity?
Kevin Ruderman
Email
kruderman@publiccounsel.net
Website
https://careers-publiccounsel.icims.com/jobs/1553/mhld-staff-counsel/job