Overview As a Trial Attorney in the Mental Health Litigation Division, you represent indigent clients in civil commitment and related capacity matters. You will work within the Worcester Commitment Defense Unit to handle trials and a subset of appellate work, collaborating with clinicians and defense teams. Your role focuses on protecting constitutional rights and shaping public policy through zealous advocacy. This is a mission-driven position at a public agency that values diversity, inclusion, and excellence in legal representation. You will contribute to meaningful outcomes by navigating complex mental health and guardianship issues in court.
Responsibilities- Visit and interview clients at facilities
- Conduct pre-trial investigation and discovery, review medical/psychiatric records, interview witnesses
- Collaborate with forensic clinicians and other professionals
- Locate witnesses and coordinate with service providers
- Perform legal research and writing
- Represent clients in pretrial hearings, trials, and interlocutory appeals
Key requirements- Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts or eligible under SJC Rule 3:04
- Must be able to travel across the Commonwealth and have reliable transportation
- Access to home internet for remote work
- Commitment to serving culturally diverse, low-income populations
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Legal research and writing
- Trial experience in mental health cases
- Foreign language skills desirable
