Employment
Shape the future of indigent legal representation in Massachusetts.
The Committee on Public Counsel Services is always looking for talented, dedicated attorneys and professionals committed to championing zealous advocacy and public service to protect the rights of all.
See Yourself at CPCS
While CPCS offers a range of career pathways, our strongest candidates share these core qualities:
A deep belief in justice and human dignity
You’re dedicated to providing community-oriented support and defense that respects our clients’ dignity and rights and under the law.
A commitment to underserved communities
You want to serve individuals historically overlooked in the legal system: people facing criminal charges, experiencing mental health concerns, navigating immigration proceedings, or involved in youth advocacy or family courts.
An interest in public defense
You want to contribute or build a career based on criminal law and advocacy and want hands-on, impactful experience.
A collaborative spirit.
You work well independently but thrive in a team-based environment – partnering with attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and other experts.
Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills
You’re a law student exploring a future career in criminal law, constitutional law, or trial advocacy and want hands-on, impactful experience.
Adaptability.
On a given day, a trial attorney might interview clients, draft motions or affidavits, conduct a disposition, or represent a client in a jury or bench criminal case.
CPCS Internships
Step into a mission driven internship where your work directly advances public defense, helps transforms the justice system and addresses racial equity. At CPCS, interns are embedded in the heart of our organization. You’ll work alongside experienced attorneys or collaborate with the Training Department and the Office of Equity & Inclusion—two teams leading the charge in dismantling systemic racism and building a more just future. Work includes legal research and writing, collecting and presenting data, assisting in developing racial justice trainings. To apply visit our Current Openings page.
Scholarship Program
Each year CPCS offers ten interns a scholarship of $7,000 (2026 rate) for summer interns. Interns will be asked to work 35 hours per week for 10 weeks. To qualify students must be able to work full-time, in-person and must not receive any outside funding. To apply, complete the CPCS Intern Scholarship Application and submit to interns@publiccounsel.net. Submission must in one file, preferably in pdf format.