Mental Health Litigation Division Intern

Job Description

About the Company

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is a state agency in Massachusetts. Its core mission is to provide legal representation when the state or federal constitution or a state statute requires the appointment of an attorney for individuals who cannot afford to retain one. CPCS is dedicated to fighting 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 provides representation across a wide range of legal areas, including criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as appeals and post-conviction/post-judgment proceedings. The agency emphasizes cultural competence, recognizing the diverse backgrounds of its clients and the critical need for staff to work effectively with people of different races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency.

CPCS Values:
• Courage
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement:
CPCS is committed to protecting clients’ constitutional and human rights through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. The agency prioritizes building strong professional relationships, respecting diverse client circumstances, and meeting individual needs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values, ensuring management and staff represent a broad range of human differences and experiences, fostering a respectful work climate that supports success, and promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members.

The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) is a specific division within CPCS. It is committed 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 provides attorneys for Civil Commitment proceedings in the District Courts and for Guardianships and Substituted Judgment proceedings in the Probate and Family Courts. This includes cases involving the Validation of Health Care Proxies, Nursing Home Admission, and Do Not Resuscitate orders.

About the Job

This is an unpaid Spring 2026 internship position with the Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) Worcester Office. MHLD staff can work with interns to arrange for externship or pro bono credit, or to support outside funding applications. The internship offers a variety of experiences and assignments under the supervision of highly experienced attorneys, focusing on the legal and constitutional rights of individuals involved in the mental health legal system.

Responsibilities:
Interns will gain practical experience in mental health litigation by:
• Shadowing multiple attorneys to observe their work.
• Visiting clients and conducting interviews to gather relevant information and understand their position on pending legal petitions.
• Assisting attorneys in preparing for the cross-examination of Designated Forensic Psychologists and Psychiatrists from Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital and other psychiatric facilities.
• Working with independent medical experts, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social service experts, and other mental health professionals, as requested by staff attorneys.
• Reviewing medical records pertinent to cases.
• Helping attorneys prepare various legal documents, such as motions for funds, motions for in-person hearings, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments.
• Developing an understanding of Massachusetts General Law c. 123, which outlines the requirements for civil commitment.
• Gaining knowledge of 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 within civil commitments and assisting in the development of a litigation guide addressing such issues.
• Performing research to support novel legal issues or arguments that may arise in cases.

Qualifications:

Minimum Entrance Requirements:
• Demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Educational Status: Currently enrolled as a 2L or 3L law student.
• Identification: A valid ID is required for entrance to Department of Mental Health (DMH) Hospitals.
• Transportation: Access to transportation.
• Remote Work Capability: Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient for remote work.
• Coursework: Law students who have taken classes in Evidence, Criminal and Constitutional Law, Critical Legal Theory, or Trial Advocacy.
• Language Skills: Law students who speak a foreign language or American Sign Language (ASL).
• Experience/Interest: Law students who have experience with or a demonstrated interest in working with individuals with mental illness and/or involvement in the criminal court system.

Application Information:
Interested applicants must submit the following:
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