Appeals Attorney – PDD Appeals Unit

Overview

The Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the public defender agency of Massachusetts, is seeking two full‑time Attorneys for its Appeals Unit in Boston. The Division provides legal representation and zealous advocacy to the indigent community and works to fight for equal justice and human dignity.

• Courage
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

In addition, CPCS is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and works to ensure a respectful and supportive work climate.

CPCS is the state agency responsible for appointing counsel to individuals who cannot afford to retain an attorney. It provides representation in criminal, delinquency, family, mental health, sexual offender, appeals, post‑conviction, and other related matters.

The Appeals Unit is centrally located in downtown Boston, close to the John Adams Courthouse, where the Supreme Judicial Court and Massachusetts Appeals Court hear cases. Attorneys work remotely on Mondays and Tuesdays and are expected in the office Wednesday to Friday, with flexibility as needed.

Two Appeals Attorneys will provide criminal defense representation at the appellate level, primarily in direct appeals in criminal cases and occasionally in motions for new trials, interlocutory appeals, and amicus briefs. The role also includes training trial attorneys and assisting with system‑wide issues.

• Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts as a member of the bar in good standing, or an attorney in another jurisdiction who may practice limited Massachusetts work under Rule 3:04.
• At least one year of experience as an attorney in a related field.
• Reliable transportation to travel to courts and client/investigation locations across the Commonwealth.
• Reliable home internet access sufficient for remote work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a defense‑oriented capacity and commitment to serving a culturally diverse low‑income population.
• Very strong writing and oral advocacy skills.

• Interview clients.
• Conduct legal research.
• Collect and review documentary evidence.
• Draft briefs, reply briefs, motions for reconsideration, applications for direct and further appellate review, and motions for new trial.
• Argue before the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court, including preparation via moot arguments, and assist other attorneys with their moot arguments.
• Litigate motions for new trial in district, municipal, and superior courts across the Commonwealth.
• Conduct post‑conviction investigations, including visiting crime scenes and interviewing witnesses as needed.
• Provide formal and informal assistance to trial attorneys on trial‑court level cases.
• Provide training to staff attorneys in the Public Defender Division and Private Counsel Division.
• Depending on experience, edit and mentor other Appeals Unit Attorneys and, on occasion, trial attorneys representing clients on appeal.
• Draft or assist in drafting amicus briefs.
• Assist the agency with special projects involving systemic legal issues with broad impact.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions on Appeals Unit cases with other unit members.
• Stay current on new opinions on criminal law and procedure issued by the Supreme Judicial Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and the United States Supreme Court.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and policies.

Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow‑Huang.

Committee for Public Counsel