Legal Intern

Job Description

About the 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, when required by the state or federal constitution or a state statute. CPCS offers representation across a broad range of legal areas, including:

• Criminal cases
• Delinquency and youthful offender cases
• Family regulation
• Guardianship
• Mental health cases
• Sexually dangerous person cases
• Sex offender registry cases
• Appeals and post-conviction/post-judgment proceedings related to these matters.

CPCS is deeply committed to equal justice and human dignity, striving to support clients in achieving their legal and life goals through zealous advocacy and the promotion of just public policy.

Our Values:
• Courage
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

Diversity and Inclusion Mission: CPCS is dedicated to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of its clients through zealous advocacy and community-oriented defense. The agency is committed to building strong professional relationships and respecting the diverse circumstances of each client. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values, ensuring:
1. Management and staff represent a broad range of human differences and experience.
2. A respectful work climate that supports success.
3. Promotion of the dignity and well-being of all staff members.
CPCS acknowledges the diverse backgrounds of its clients and emphasizes the critical need for staff to be culturally competent and able to work effectively with individuals of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency.

The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) is a specific division within CPCS, with offices including the Worcester Office. MHLD is dedicated to protecting the legal and constitutional rights of citizens facing:
• Involuntary Civil Commitment to mental health facilities
• Guardianships
• Involuntary medical treatment for mental illness, including the administration of anti-psychotic medications.

MHLD employs staff litigators and works with a panel of private attorneys. Attorneys receive specialized training in mental health issues and clients’ statutory and constitutional rights. The division handles Civil Commitment proceedings in District Courts and provides attorneys for Guardianships and Substituted Judgment proceedings in Probate and Family Courts, which can involve cases like Validation of Health Care Proxies, Nursing Home Admission, and Do Not Resuscitate orders.

About the Job

This is an application for a Spring 2026 Internship Position within the Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) Worcester Office of CPCS.

Position Overview:
The internship offers a variety of experiences and assignments under the supervision of highly experienced attorneys. It is explicitly stated that this internship is unpaid by CPCS, but MHLD staff can work with students to facilitate externship or pro bono credit or assist in obtaining outside funding.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Interested candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to:
• The principle of zealous advocacy.
• Community-oriented defense.
• The protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.

Preferred Qualifications:
• 2L or 3L law students are preferred.
• A valid ID is required for entrance to DMH Hospitals.
• Access to transportation.
• Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient for remote work.
• Law students who have taken classes in Evidence, Criminal and Constitutional Law, Critical Legal Theory, or Trial Advocacy.
• Law students who speak a foreign language or ASL.
• Law students who have experience with or demonstrated interest in working with individuals with mental illness and/or involvement in the criminal court system.

Key Responsibilities of Interns:
Interns will gain practical experience by:
• Shadowing several attorneys throughout their internship.
• Visiting clients and conducting interviews to gather information and ascertain client positions on pending petitions.
• Working with attorneys to prepare cross-examination of Designated Forensic Psychologists and Psychiatrists at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital and other psychiatric facilities.
• Collaborating with independent medical experts, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social service experts, and other mental health professionals, as requested by staff attorneys.
• Reviewing medical records.
• Assisting attorneys in preparing motions (for funds, in-person hearings), direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
• Obtaining a working understanding of G.L. c. 123 and the requirements for civil commitment.
• Developing an understanding of the Worcester District Court commitment proceedings, court-ordered medication proceedings, and the rules of evidence as applied in mental health cases.
• Conducting research on race and equity issues in civil commitments and assisting in developing a litigation guide for such issues.
• Conducting research into support for novel legal issues or arguments.

Application Information:
Interested applicants should submit:
1. Resume
2. Personal Mission Statement (no more than two pages) detailing interest in the internship, personal qualities and background, and what draws the applicant to this work.
3. Writing Sample

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
CPCS is an equal opportunity employer and 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, as required by applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies.