ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL | Appeals Division

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General seeks a motivated Assistant Attorney General to join the Appeals Division (Boston or regional office). The Appeals Division defends state convictions, criminal justice officials, and practices in state and federal courts.

Primary duties include handling a large caseload of appellate and civil matters, participating in post-conviction work, habeas corpus actions, and amicus activity, with duties across Superior, Appeals, and Supreme

Qualifications

• Must be a practicing attorney and a member of the Massachusetts bar.
• Experience in appellate practice or other litigation with emphasis on written and oral advocacy.
• Ability to handle a large, varied caseload and complex cases.
• Commitment to the ethical practice of law.

Responsibilities

• Handle a large caseload in state and federal trial and appellate courts.
• Engage in appeals and post-conviction matters in the Superior, Appeals, and SJC.
• Represent state agencies and officials when sued or subpoenaed; participate in amicus activity.
• Contribute to criminal investigations, policy initiatives, and trial teams.

Skills

Bar admission Massachusetts

Appellate litigation

Written and oral advocacy

Civil litigation and discovery

Large caseload management

Ethical practice of law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Massachusetts Bar Admission

Job description

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL

CRIMINAL BUREAU

APPEALS DIVISION (Boston or Regional Office)

The Attorney General’s Office is looking for a highly motivated Assistant Attorney General with a commitment to public service to serve in the Appeals Division of the Criminal Bureau.

The Appeals Division defends Massachusetts convictions, criminal justice officials, and criminal laws and practices in state and federal courts. Specifically, the Division strives to uphold convictions secured by the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) when they are challenged in the Massachusetts Trial Court, Appeals Court, and Supreme Judicial Court. It also responds to all challenges in federal court to convictions obtained by the AGO and the District Attorneys’ Offices, whether through habeas corpus actions, direct appeals, or otherwise. Additionally, the Division represents Massachusetts agencies and officials when they are sued or subpoenaed in relation to criminal justice matters.

Primary Duties:

The Assistant Attorney General handles a large caseload of criminal and civil matters, routinely appearing in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Such matters include: appeals and post-conviction matters in the Superior, Appeals, and Supreme Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth in connection with criminal cases prosecuted at the trial level by Assistant Attorneys General; federal habeas corpus actions in the United States District Court challenging Massachusetts convictions; appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from the grant or denial of habeas corpus relief; the representation of judges, clerks, probation officers, prosecutors, and other officials and agencies when they are sued civilly or subpoenaed to provide documents or testimony based on official actions undertaken during the criminal justice process; and the defense of statutes, rules, practices, and procedures concerning all aspects of the criminal justice system when they are challenged on constitutional or other grounds. Such an individual also contributes to criminal investigations, trial teams, policy initiatives, and amicus activity.

Position Type:

Full-Time/Exempt. Our current hybrid model includes some remote workdays for most positions. On in-office days, employees are required to report to one of our designated office locations, either in Boston or at a regional office.

Salary: $90,125 to $134,513, commensurate with JD year.

The application deadline is October 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM (ET).

Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We will gladly assist applicants in need of an accommodation. For assistance, contact the Human Resources Division at [phone].

Position Requirements:

• Must be practicing attorneys and a member Massachusetts bar. have obtained or be eligible for admission to the bar of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts and Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in appellate practice or other litigation with emphasis on written and oral advocacy, and in civil litigation and discovery practice.
• Ability to handle a large, varied caseload and complex cases
• Commitment to the ethical practice of law.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a connection to the people and communities we serve and an interest in supporting a respectful, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

The Attorney General’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As the representative of the Commonwealth and its residents, the Attorney General’s Office strives to ensure that those working in our office reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. The Office encourages applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply for positions.

Inquiries regarding position & status may be made to: Frederick Goodrich, Paralegal, Appeals Division, [phone]