CAFL Appellate Rotation Attorney: Training & Appeals

Committee for Public Counsel Services (Commonwealth of Massachusetts); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) invites applicants for a 12-month rotation in the CAFL Appellate Panel Support Unit (APSU). The rotating staff attorney will handle a small appellate caseload, gain exposure to appellate strategy and trainings, and be mentored by the CAFL Director of Appellate Panel and current staff attorneys.

The rotation may transition to a lateral transfer while remaining in the current grade and step.

Qualifications

• Excellent writing, litigation, and oral presentation skills.
• Strong organizational ability and interpersonal skills.
• Some appellate and training experience preferred.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, both independently and collaboratively.
• Close attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to zealous advocacy for indigent clients in family regulation/child welfare cases.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing and assessing the performance of appellate panel members.
• Advising trial and appellate panel members about case strategy.
• Working with appellate panel mentors to evaluate panel mentees to determine graduation from the program.
• Reviewing briefs, moot‑courting oral arguments, and evaluating oral arguments.
• Reviewing applications for admission to the panel certification training.
• Delivering virtual and in‑person training programs on appellate issues, writing, and child welfare issues for trial and appellate panel members.
• Drafting practice tips/advisories for trial and appellate panel members.
• Assisting with appellate panel operational activities, including appellate assignments.
• Supervising student workers (intern/coop/other).
• Performing related duties as assigned.

Skills

Writing, litigation, oral advocacy

Organizational skills

Appellate experience

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Zealous advocacy

Job description

Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) invites applicants for a 12-month rotation in the CAFL Appellate Panel Support Unit (APSU). The rotating staff attorney will handle a small appellate caseload, gain exposure to appellate strategy and trainings, and be mentored by the CAFL Director of Appellate Panel and current staff attorneys.

The rotation may transition to a lateral transfer while remaining in the current grade and step.