Spring 2026 Internship – Mental Health Litigation Division

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, as required by state or federal constitution or statute.

Core Mission and Values:
CPCS’s overarching mission is to fight 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. Their values are encapsulated by the acronym C.A.R.E. – Courage, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. They are dedicated to providing zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.

Diversity and Inclusion Mission:
CPCS is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They aim to:
• Ensure that management and staff represent a broad range of human differences and experiences.
• Provide a work climate that is respectful and supports success.
• Promote the dignity and well-being of all staff members.
They recognize that their staff’s diverse backgrounds (age, ethnicity, geographic origin, race, faith, religion, progressive values, etc.) enable them to best serve their diverse client base. They strongly encourage applications from individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized, or underrepresented groups. Cultural competence is deemed critical for their attorneys to effectively work with clients from various backgrounds, including different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation identities, abilities, and limited English proficiency.

Services and Divisions:
CPCS provides legal representation in a wide array of cases, including:
• Criminal, delinquency, and youthful offender cases.
• Child welfare, guardianship, and civil commitment cases.
• Sexually dangerous person and sex offender registry cases.
• Appeals and post-conviction/post-judgment proceedings related to these matters.

The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD), specifically, provides attorneys for:
• Civil Commitment proceedings in District and Superior Courts.
• Representation in Guardianships and Substituted Judgment proceedings appointed by the Probate and Family Courts. This includes cases involving Conservatorship, Elder Abuse, Validation of Health Care Proxies, Nursing Home Admission, and Do Not Resuscitate orders.
MHLD has staff offices in Brockton, Roxbury, Northampton, and Worcester, in addition to trial support, oversight, and training departments. All MHLD attorneys receive specialized training in mental health issues and clients’ statutory and constitutional rights.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
CPCS is an equal opportunity employer, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Job Description: Spring 2026 Internship Positions – Mental Health Litigation Division

Overview:
The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) of CPCS is seeking law students for Spring 2026 internship positions in its Civil Commitment trial office located in Brockton, MA. Both students with and without SJC Rule 3:03 Certification are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities for Interns (Brockton MHLD Commitment Offices):
Interns in these offices will gain a variety of experiences under the supervision of highly experienced attorneys. Specific responsibilities and learning opportunities include:
• Shadowing multiple attorneys during the internship period.
• Developing a strong understanding 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 interactions, including visiting clients and conducting interviews to gather relevant information and ascertain their position on pending petitions.
• Collaboration with experts, working with independent medical experts such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social service experts, and other mental health professionals as requested by staff attorneys.
• Litigation Support, assisting attorneys with various preparatory tasks, including:
• Preparing motions for funds.
• Preparing motions for in-person hearings.
• Reviewing medical records.
• Preparing for direct examinations.
• Preparing for cross-examination of Designated Forensic Psychologists and Psychiatrists.
• Assisting with 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.
• Specific for 1Ls: While all law students are welcome, 1Ls are particularly encouraged to intern with the commitment defense offices to assist with client calls, reviewing medical records, and legal research.

Qualifications:
• Minimum Entrance Requirements:
• Demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.
• Access to reliable transportation (personal or public) to travel to courts and hospitals.
• Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient for remote work.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Law students who have completed their 2L year and are, or can be, SJC Rule 3:03 Certified are preferred for opportunities involving direct assistance with client representation. However, applications are welcome from all law students, including 1Ls.

Application Information:
Interested applicants must submit the following three documents:
1. Resume
2. Personal Mission Statement (one page detailing your interest in the internship, your personal qualities and background, and what draws you to this work)
3. Writing Sample