Mental Health Litigation Division 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 state or federal constitution or statute.

Core Mission and Values:
CPCS fights for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals. They zealously advocate for individual rights and promote just public policy to protect the rights of all. Their core values are embodied in the acronym CARE:
• Courage
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

They stand with their clients and the community in the fight for Justice, dedicated to providing zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.

Diversity and Inclusion:
CPCS emphasizes that its staff across the Commonwealth is a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives (including age, ethnicity, geographic origin, race, faith, religion, and progressive values). They believe this diversity enables them to best serve their clients.
Their Diversity and Inclusion Mission Statement reinforces their commitment to:
1. Ensuring that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experience.
2. Providing a work climate that is respectful and supports success.
3. Promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members.
They actively encourage individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized, or underrepresented groups to apply for positions, including internships, to foster a talented and diverse workforce. The organization recognizes the critical need for culturally competent attorneys due to the diverse backgrounds of their clients, encompassing various races, ethnicities, genders and/or sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency.

Areas of Representation:
CPCS provides legal representation in a wide array of cases, including:
• Criminal cases
• Delinquency and youthful offender cases
• Child welfare cases
• Guardianship proceedings
• Civil commitment cases
• Sexually dangerous person cases
• Sex offender registry cases
• Appeals and post-conviction/post-judgment proceedings related to the above matters.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:
CPCS is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation. They adhere to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies.

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About the Job: Spring 2026 Mental Health Litigation Division Internship

Overview of the Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD):
The MHLD of CPCS provides legal representation to individuals in various proceedings related to mental health and capacity. This includes:
• Civil Commitment proceedings in District and Superior Courts.
• Guardianships and Substituted Judgment proceedings appointed by the Probate and Family Courts, covering cases like Conservatorship, Elder Abuse, Validation of Health Care Proxies, Nursing Home Admission, and Do Not Resuscitate orders.
Civil commitments are handled by both staff and private attorneys, while most Probate Court cases are managed by private panel attorneys. The MHLD has staff offices in Brockton, Roxbury, Northampton, and Worcester, along with trial support/oversight and training departments. All MHLD attorneys receive specialized training in mental health law and client rights.

Internship Opportunity:
The MHLD is seeking applicants for Spring 2026 internship positions specifically in its Civil Commitment trial office located in Brockton. The focus for these internships is assisting attorneys who represent citizens facing involuntary civil commitment to mental health facilities and involuntary medical treatment for mental illness (including anti-psychotic medications). The MHLD offers interns a variety of experiences and assignments under the supervision of highly experienced attorneys.

Qualifications:
• Demonstrated Commitment: Applicants must show a strong commitment to zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.
• Law Student Status: The office is interested in law students both with and without SJC Rule 3:03 Certification.
• 2L students and Law Coop Students: Those who have completed their 2L year and are or can be 3:03 certified are sought to assist attorneys directly with representation.
• 1L students: Welcome to intern to assist with client calls, reviewing medical records, and legal research.
• Access to Resources:
• Reliable transportation or public transportation to travel to courts and hospitals.
• A personal computer with home internet access sufficient for remote work.

Key Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities for Interns:
Interns in the MHLD commitment offices will gain valuable experience, including:
• Shadowing Attorneys: Observing several attorneys during their internship to understand legal practice.
• Legal Understanding: Developing a working knowledge of G.L. c. 123 (Massachusetts civil commitment law), the requirements for civil commitment, District and Municipal Court commitment proceedings, court-ordered medication proceedings, and the rules of evidence as applied in mental health cases.
• Client Interaction: Visiting clients and conducting interviews to gather relevant information and ascertain their position on pending petitions.
• Expert Collaboration: Working with independent medical experts such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social service experts, and other mental health professionals as requested by staff attorneys.
• Trial Preparation: Assisting attorneys in preparing various legal documents and trial components, including:
• Motions for funds
• Motions for in-person hearings
• Reviewing medical records
• Direct examinations
• Cross-examination of Designated Forensic Psychologists and Psychiatrists
• Closing arguments
• Research and Development:
• Developing research on race and equity issues in civil commitments.
• 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 the following:
1. Resume
2. Personal Mission Statement: A one-page document detailing your interest in the internship, your personal qualities and background, and what draws you to this work.
3. Writing Sample