Training and Supervision

Training and supervision are particularly important components of a staff attorney’s work life in the Public Defender Division.  Written supervision guidelines are utilized to ensure that all attorneys receive careful supervision and guidance as they handle the serious cases which make up the Public Defender Division’s work.  New Public Defender Division attorneys attend a four-week, in-house, training program conducted in September by the CPCS Training Unit.  The new lawyer training program combines an in-depth review of Massachusetts substantive and procedural criminal law with a highly intensive trial skills training component.  A large number of staff Public Defenders Division attorneys, investigators and social workers assist in the training of the new lawyers.  Following the conclusion of the September training, the new lawyers reconvene monthly throughout the balance of their first year for additional one and two-day training modules.

The CPCS Training Unit also provides ongoing training to all staff attorneys throughout the year, including:  semi-annual statewide training conferences; week-long jury skills courses; a quarterly training bulletin summarizing recent appellate decisions; and focused day-long training programs.