Law Student 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.

Mission and Values:
CPCS fights for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals. It zealously advocates for individual rights and promotes just public policy. Its core values, embodied in the acronym CARE, are:
• Courage
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

Diversity and Inclusion:
CPCS is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values. Its mission is to protect the fundamental constitutional and human rights of assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. CPCS strives to build strong professional relationships, accepting, listening to, and respecting the diverse circumstances of each client to meet their individual needs. Key commitments include:
• Ensuring management and staff represent a broad range of human differences and experience.
• Providing a respectful work climate that supports success.
• Promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members.
CPCS recognizes that its diverse clientele (across race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, English proficiency, etc.) necessitates culturally competent staff.

Scope of Work:
CPCS provides representation in a wide array of legal matters, including:
• Criminal cases
• Delinquency and youthful offender cases
• Family regulation cases
• Guardianship cases
• Mental health cases
• Sexually dangerous person cases
• Sex offender registry cases
• Appeals and post-conviction/post-judgment proceedings related to these matters.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
CPCS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation, in compliance with federal and state statutes and organizational policies.

Job Description, Detailed

Position Title: Spring 2026 Internship Positions (Lowell PDD office)

Overview:
CPCS is seeking law students for its Spring 2026 internship program at the Lowell Public Defender Division (PDD) office. This internship offers a variety of experiences and assignments under the supervision of veteran attorneys, along with valuable training. Interns will work closely with lawyers, social workers, and investigators to provide legal representation and advocacy to indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in both District and Superior Courts.

Responsibilities:
Interns will work directly with attorneys, investigators, and social service advocates on a broad range of tasks, including:
• Client interviews: Conducting interviews with clients to gather information relevant to their cases.
• Arraignment and bail arguments: Preparing and presenting arguments during arraignment and bail hearings.
• Legal research: Performing comprehensive legal research to support case strategies.
• Drafting legal documents: Preparing pretrial motions, affidavits, and legal memoranda.
• Pretrial investigation: Conducting thorough investigations, which may include visiting alleged crime scenes and locating and interviewing witnesses.
• Pretrial motion arguments: Participating in and presenting arguments during pretrial motion hearings.
• Second seating trials: Assisting lead attorneys during trials, gaining firsthand courtroom experience.

Confidentiality:
Interns are required to agree to keep confidential all information involving client representation and the work they perform on behalf of CPCS clients.

Qualifications/Skills:
Required Qualifications:
• Law students who have successfully completed or are currently enrolled in an evidence or trial practice class.
• Possession of written approval from their Dean, enabling them to represent clients under the supervision of a staff public defender in court, in accordance with SJC Rule 3:03.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Law students who have taken classes in evidence, criminal law, constitutional law, critical legal theory, and/or trial advocacy.
• Current SJC Rule 3:03 certification.

Application Information:
Interested applicants must submit the following documents:
1. Resume
2. Personal Mission Statement: A statement no more than two pages detailing your interest in the internship, your personal qualities and background, and what specifically draws you to this work.
3. Writing Sample