Description:

Overview:
The Public Defender Division of A Government Entity is seeking Trial Attorneys to provide criminal defense representation in various offices throughout the Commonwealth. The Public Defender Division provides legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients who are charged with criminal offenses in both the District and Superior Courts. Public Defenders begin their work by representing clients who are charged with criminal offenses within the final jurisdiction of the District Court, including misdemeanors and felonies, see G.L. c.218, 26, and some serious sexual offenses, and occasionally handle initial commitment proceedings under G.L. c.123, 12(e), 35.

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.

Position Overview:
The Public Defender Division provides legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients who are charged with criminal offenses in both the District and Superior Courts. Public Defenders begin their work by representing clients who are charged with criminal offenses within the final jurisdiction of the District Court, including misdemeanors and felonies, see G.L. c.218, 26, and some serious sexual offenses, and occasionally handle initial commitment proceedings under G.L. c.123, 12(e), 35. After gaining experience on cases within the final jurisdiction of the District Court, it is expected that Public Defenders will represent clients in the Superior Courts and occasionally represent clients on interlocutory appeals, civil commitments, and certain collateral matters as permitted by a supervisor. It is also expected that Public Defenders, as they gain experience, will act as informal mentors and advisors to other staff attorneys in the office.

New Trial Attorneys in the Public Defender Division begin their A Government Entity career with a nationally recognized, comprehensive, skills-based training course to ensure they are ready to represent their clients to their full capabilities. Continuing legal education programs for new and experienced Trial Attorneys are held periodically to guarantee our Trial Attorneys are up to date on the law and have the skills necessary to provide zealous representation to their clients.

Positions will be filled as our FY25 & FY26 budgets allow. This posting does not guarantee that we will be filling Trial Attorney positions.

These positions have an expected start date in early September 2025.

The expected staffing needs for Public Defender Division offices are greatest in central, western, and southeastern Massachusetts and we will be concentrating our recruitment and hiring for those regions.

Qualifications:
Miminum Entrance Requirements:

A Trial Attorney must be committed to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population and must be eligible to practice law in Massachusetts, either as a member of the Massachusetts bar, as a law school graduate under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:03, or as an attorney licensed in another jurisdiction who is covered by Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04. A recent law school graduate who is ineligible to practice under SJC Rule 3:03 will be hired as a paralegal with the understanding that they will be promoted to trial attorney once admitted to practice in Massachusetts;
Access to an automobile in order to travel to courts, clients, and investigation locations that are not easily accessible by public transportation; and,
Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

To apply, please submit a resume and personal mission statement of no more than two pages detailing your interest in the position, your personal qualities, background, and skills, and what you hope to achieve in your work.

Qualifications/Skills:
Candidates should possess the following attributes for the position of Trial Attorney:

A demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy in the representation of indigent persons in criminal cases;
Strong interpersonal and analytical skills; and,
Ability to work in a community and defense-oriented capacity, both independently and collaboratively.
To apply: please supply a resume and a personal mission statement of no more than two pages detailing your interest in the position, your personal qualities, background, and skills, and what you hope to achieve in this work.

Responsibilities:
Responsibilities

Interviewing clients;
Arraignment and bail advocacy;
Legal research and writing;
Pretrial investigation including visiting crime scenes, locating and interviewing witnesses, collecting and reviewing documentary evidence;
Preparing and arguing pretrial motions, affidavits and legal memoranda;
Dispositional investigations and advocacy;
Jury and bench trials of criminal cases;
Representation of clients in interlocutory proceedings;
Where appropriate, working collaboratively with private attorneys on cases assigned through the Private Counsel Division of A Government Entity; and,
Other duties as assigned