File a Complaint
File a Complaint
If you’re not satisfied with your legal representation and want to file a complaint, please follow the steps below. The process differs depending on the Division or unit.
After we’ve received your complaint, a staff member will contact you to discuss your concerns.
Each trial office accepts complaints from clients, court personnel, social workers, and other professionals regarding a CPCS staff attorney. To file a complaint, contact the office’s Attorney in Charge directly.
Use the directory to find this point of contact.
Youth Advocacy: Private Counsel Trial Unit
By Phone:
Call Youth Advocacy Division Trial Panel Director Erica Cushna at (978) 219-5425.
By Email:
Download the complaint form at the link below. Email it to jsareports@publiccounsel.net.
Forms and written complaints can also be mailed to:
ATTN: Erica Cushna
YAD Trial Panel Director
Committee for Public Counsel Services
Criminal Trial Support Unit
33 Congress Street
Suite 351
Salem, MA 01907
Appellate complaints:
Need information.
Mental Health Litigation Division
By Phone:
Call Trial Panel Director Joseph Robinson at (617) 910-5784.
By Email:
Download the complaint form at the link below. Email it to MHLDAttorney@publiccounsel.net.
Forms and written complaints can also be mailed to:
ATTN: Joseph Robinson
Trial Panel Director
Committee for Public Counsel Services
Mental Health Litigation Division
144 Main Street
4th Floor
Brockton, MA 02301
Child and Family Law Trial Panel Support Unit
By Phone:
Call Lisa Augusto, CAFL Trial Panel Director at (617) 910-5960.
By Email:
Download the complaint form at the link below. Email it to CAFLAttorney@publiccounsel.net.
Forms and written complaints can also be mailed to:
CAFL Trial Panel Director
Committee for Public Counsel Services
75 Federal Street
6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Criminal Trial Support Unit (CTSU)
By Phone:
Call Deborah Giardina at (617) 910-5791 and ask to speak to the staff attorney of the day assigned to take complaints. Incarcerated individuals should call (617) 482-6212 and ask to be transferred to Deborah Giardina, who will then contact the caller with a staff attorney.
By Email:
Download the complaint form at the link below. Email it to CTSUAttorney@publiccounsel.net.
Forms and written complaints can also be mailed to:
ATTN: Deborah Giardina
Committee for Public Counsel Services
Criminal Trial Support Unit
75 Federal Street
6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Private Counsel Division: Criminal Appeals & Post-Conviction Unit
For Updates:
Clients having difficulty reaching their attorneys or those seeking an update on the status of their case should please call (617) 482-6212 or email CAUAttorney@publiccounsel.net.
For Serious Issues Concerning Representation or to Request Re-Assignment of Counsel:
Email complaints to CAUAttorney@publiccounsel.net.
Written complaints can also be mailed to:
Attorney Liz Dembitzer
Committee for Public Counsel Services
CPCS Private Counsel Division – Criminal Appeals Unit
75 Federal Street
6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to client and attorney questions on a range of topics on our FAQs page.