Address
Form of workThe Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the Massachusetts public defender agency, is seeking law student interns for the Fall 2023 Semester. Children and Family Law attorneys represent children and parents in cases in which DCF removes children from their homes because of claims of neglect or abuse. Youth Advocacy attorneys represent juveniles in delinquency proceedings. Interns with the Fall River CAFL Office will shadow attorneys in both family regulation and juvenile delinquency cases, assist attorneys in trial preparation, and conduct research.
We fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting our clients in achieving their legal and life goals. We zealously advocate for the rights of individuals and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all.
Our Values
Courage • Accountability • Respect • Excellence
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT
CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation. We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong professional relationships, while striving to accept, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, as we dedicate ourselves to meeting their individual needs. It is our CPCS mission to achieve these goals, and in furtherance thereof, we embrace and endorse diversity, equity and inclusion as our core values as we maintain a steadfast commitment to: (1) Ensure that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience; (2) Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success; and (3) Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. The ability to achieve these goals with any level of certainty is ultimately the responsibility of each member of the CPCS community.
AGENCY OVERVIEW
CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for a person who cannot afford to retain one. The agency provides representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as in appeals and post-conviction and post-judgment proceedings related to those matters.
The clients we represent are diverse across every context imaginable and bring many unique cultural dimensions to the matters we address. This reality creates a critical need for CPCS staff to be culturally competent and able to work well with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency, among other protected characteristics.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We offer law student interns a variety of experiences and assignments, supervised by veteran attorneys, as well as valuable training. Interns will work closely with attorneys and social workers by shadowing attorneys in family regulation and juvenile delinquency cases, assisting with trial preparation, drafting motions, and attending client meetings.
The internship will be a hybrid work environment, court appearances and supervision will be in person but remote work will be allowed for research and writing projects.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
- Ability to travel to courts or client meetings (some outside of Bristol County);
- Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient to attend treatment meetings and other virtual proceedings; and,
- Spanish or Portuguese language proficiency preferred.
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, 1 professional reference, and a 5-10 page writing sample.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Interns will work directly with attorneys, investigators, and social service advocates on the following:
- Client interviews;
- Assisting attorneys in trial preparation;
- Legal research;
- Drafting motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda; and,
- Attending client meetings, settlement conferences, treatment meetings, and foster care reviews.
Interns must agree to keep confidential all information involving client representation, and the work they perform on behalf of our clients.
EEO Statement
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 organizational policies. Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Ted Waterman, at ewaterman@publiccounsel.net
