Hybrid Trial Attorney - Mental Health Civil Commitments

Committee for Public Counsel Services; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Committee for Public Counsel Services (MHLD) seeks a full-time Trial Attorney for civil commitment cases, including trials and some appeals, for the Roxbury Commitment Unit. The role involves handling matters arising from facilities like Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and HRI Hospital in the metro-Boston area.

The attorney will protect constitutional rights of indigent clients, travel across the Commonwealth, and participate in a program that includes hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Trial experience in mental health cases is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a community and defense-oriented capacity, both independently and collaboratively.
• Foreign language skills to support interactions with limited English proficient groups are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Visiting with and interviewing clients at the facilities.
• Conducting pre-trial investigation and discovery, including reviewing records and interviewing witnesses.
• Working with forensic clinicians and other professionals.
• Locating and interviewing witnesses and consulting with service providers.
• Conducting legal research and writing.
• Representing clients in pretrial proceedings, hearings, and interlocutory appeals.

Skills

Trial experience in mental health

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Cultural competence

Foreign language skills (desirable)

Education

Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts

Job description

Committee for Public Counsel Services (MHLD) seeks a full-time Trial Attorney for civil commitment cases, including trials and some appeals, for the Roxbury Commitment Unit. The role involves handling matters arising from facilities like Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and HRI Hospital in the metro-Boston area.

The attorney will protect constitutional rights of indigent clients, travel across the Commonwealth, and participate in a program that includes hybrid work arrangements.