Intern

Job Description

About Company

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney, as required by the state or federal constitution or a state statute. Its overarching mission is to fight for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for individual rights, and promoting just public policy.

CPCS represents clients in a wide array of cases, including criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as related appeals and post-conviction/judgment proceedings. The agency’s client base is incredibly diverse, necessitating a staff that is culturally competent and adept at working with people from various backgrounds, including different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and those with limited English proficiency.

The Youth Advocacy Division (YAD) Worcester Office is a specific division within CPCS.

CPCS operates on core values, encapsulated by the acronym CARE:
• Courage
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement:
CPCS is deeply committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of its clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. It strives to build strong professional relationships, listen to and respect the diverse circumstances of each client, and meet their individual needs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values, ensuring that management and staff represent a broad range of human differences and experience, providing a respectful and supportive work climate, and promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS leadership is responsible for ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion, with the ultimate responsibility lying with every member of the CPCS community.

As an equal opportunity employer, CPCS does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation. They also provide reasonable accommodations.

Job Description, Detailed

Position Title: Intern (Spring 2026 Internship)
Division/Office: Youth Advocacy Division (YAD) Worcester Office of CPCS

Overview:
This internship position is within the Youth Advocacy Division (YAD) Worcester Office, which is dedicated to ensuring that every indigent child in Massachusetts has access to zealous legal representation. The approach incorporates a Positive Youth Development framework. Interns will play a crucial role in assisting lawyers and collaborating closely with social workers in the representation of juveniles.

Key Responsibilities:
Interns will work directly with attorneys, investigators, and social service advocates, gaining a wide range of experience, including but not limited to:
• Conducting client interviews.
• Assisting with arraignment and bail arguments.
• Performing legal research.
• Drafting pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda.
• Engaging in pretrial investigation, which includes visiting alleged crime locations and interviewing witnesses.
• Second seating trials and participating in jury and bench trials in criminal cases.
• Contributing to educational advocacy and providing individualized referrals to community-based resources for clients.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding all client representation information and work performed.

Qualifications (Minimum Entrance Requirements):
• Demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.
• Currently enrolled in Law School to be considered for the position.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel to various locations such as courts, client residences, and investigation sites that may not be easily accessible by public transportation.
• Must have access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient for remote work.

Application Information:
Interested applicants are required to submit the following:
1. Resume
2. Personal Mission Statement: No more than two pages in length, detailing your interest in the internship, personal qualities and background, and what draws you to this particular work.
3. Writing Sample