Legislative Policy Counsel - Office of the General Counsel

Legislative Policy Counsel - Office of the General Counsel

Join the Committee for Public Counsel Services, a public defender agency in Massachusetts, as a Legislative Policy Counsel. The role works with the General Counsel to represent and advocate for the Agency before the Legislature and the Executive Branch.

Overview

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is the state agency that provides attorney representation for individuals who cannot afford to retain counsel. CPCS represents clients across criminal, family, guardianship, mental health, sexual offense, and post‑conviction cases, among others.

Our Values

Accountability, Respect, Excellence.

Diversity & Inclusion Mission Statement

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our clients through zealous advocacy, community‑oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation. CPCS embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values and maintains a respectful and equitable work climate.

Position Overview

The Office of the General Counsel provides legal counsel to the Agency and advocates before the Legislature and Executive Branch. The Legislative Policy Counsel assists the General Counsel’s team in promoting laws and regulations that align with positive life outcomes for CPCS clients. Responsibilities include building relationships, researching and tracking legislation, presenting testimony, generating policy memorandums, and drafting legislation.

Qualifications

• Eligible to practice law in Massachusetts or eligible for limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3 : 04.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in state government or related field with experience working with the Massachusetts state legislature.
• Access to a personal computer with home internet access sufficient to work remotely.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and media relations.
• Strong leadership skills and qualities.
• Significant public sector experience, including public policy and budget advocacy.
• Understand and embrace zealous advocacy for indigent persons.
• Strong communication, analytical, interpersonal, negotiation, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to work with courts, state administrators and agencies, and legislators.
• Experience working with organizations providing legal services to indigent persons.
• Ability to speak publicly and write speeches and presentations for others.

Responsibilities

Position Status

This position will remain open until filled.

EEO Statement

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies. Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow-Huang, at sdebow@publiccounsel.net.

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