Private Panel Opportunities
Become a Private Panel Attorney
CPCS contracts with private attorneys in Massachusetts in cases where the law requires the appointment of counsel. Attorneys provide representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare, mental health, sexually dangerous person and sex offender registry cases, as well as related appeals and post-conviction matters.
If you’re interested in applying, follow these steps.
Note: many panels have limited application periods and may not review applications on a rolling basis. Candidates are advised to review panel-specific application windows, admission information, and training schedule here.
Getting Started
Read the certification requirements outlined in the Assigned Counsel Manual, review our Practice Areas, and check our training schedule.
Complete the Panel Certification Application.
If accepted, attend certification trainings.
Private Counsel Practice Areas
Children and Family Law Division
The Children and Family Law (CAFL) Division provides legal representation to children and indigent parents in child welfare matters, including care and protection proceedings, children requiring assistance cases (CRAs), and contested guardianship cases.
Private Counsel Division
The Private Counsel Division of CPCS delivers legal services to indigent clients through assigned private attorneys in criminal defense trial and post-conviction cases as well as commitment and registration cases for persons convicted of sex offenses.
Mental Health Litigation Division
The Mental Health Litigation Division is committed to protecting the legal and constitutional rights of citizens facing civil commitment to mental hospitals, guardianship and involuntary treatment including the administration of anti-psychotic medications. We do this through four staffed offices and a panel of private attorneys.
Youth Advocacy Division
The Youth Advocacy Division is tasked with ensuring that every child in Massachusetts has access to zealous legal representation that incorporates a Youth Development Approach resulting in both legal and life success. Accordingly, YAD will lead, train, support, and oversee a diverse and collaborative juvenile defense bar across the state.
Other Helpful Resources
Contact the Outreach Team
Forensic and Expert Resources
We maintain information on experts already approved as CPCS vendors, new experts who have not yet worked on a CPCS case, and can help you find an expert that meets the forensic litigation needs of your client’s case.
Social Work and Social Services Vendors
We provide strategic, litigation-focused, non-direct services to public and private defense attorneys and their clients under the Indigent Court Cost Act (ICCA).