DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of its clients by providing zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent representation. In fulfilling its mission, CPCS is committed to fostering diversity at all levels of the agency. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients, to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. In striving always to achieve those goals, CPCS embraces diversity and inclusion as core values and is steadfast in our commitment to: (1) ensuring that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human difference and experience; (2) providing a work climate that is respectful and that supports success; and (3) promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS’s leadership is responsible for ensuring excellence, diversity, and inclusion. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Criminal Appeals Unit, Private Counsel Division, makes approximately 1,500 assignments annually to private counsel to represent indigent clients in direct appeals, new trial motions, screenings for possible new trial motions and motions to withdraw guilty pleas, and various other post-conviction matters. The Unit provides support to, and oversight of, post-conviction panel members. The Unit consists of a Director, two Staff Counsel, an Assignment Coordinator, and an Administrative Assistant. The Unit also includes the separate CPCS Innocence Program.

The Staff Counsel plays a vital role in responding to client correspondence, assisting clients in obtaining counsel, setting up cases for assignment, and communicating with courts and counsel. A significant responsibility of this position is reviewing and responding to correspondence from defendants which often require extensive analysis and communication with prior counsel.

The Staff Counsel works closely with other Unit staff and post-conviction panel members, as well as with other CPCS offices, including the Innocence Program, the Immigration Impact Unit, and the Drug Lab Crisis Litigation Unit.

• must be a member of, or eligible for admission to, the Massachusetts bar;
• have at least seven years litigation experience, five years of which must be in post-conviction practice;
• have strong knowledge of Massachusetts criminal law and appellate procedure; and,
• have strong writing, research, and communication skills.

The position will be posted until filled, however preference will be given to candidates who apply prior to May 24, 2018.

To apply for this position, please go to: https://careers-publiccounsel.icims.com/jobs/1622/staff-counsel—private-counsel-division/job

• Resume
• Cover Letter

kruderman@publiccounsel.net