MHLD Seeking Regional Coordinators

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR CPCS
MENTAL HEALTH LITIGATION DIVISION
REGIONAL COORDINATORS

May 26, 2015

The Mental Health Litigation Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is accepting applications for “Regional Coordinators” for the twelve month period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Responsibilities include providing advice and technical assistance to assigned counsel in mental health proceedings, reviewing and monitoring the performance of assigned counsel, both informally and through scheduled performance assessments, investigating complaints as to attorney performance, conducting and/or coordinating eight (8) hours of continuing legal education programs for assigned counsel (subject to the approval of the Division), holding regular meetings of panel attorneys, and serving as liaison between assigned counsel or the Division and the local courts. As requested by the Division, Regional Coordinators may be asked to investigate complaints or conduct oversight in another region, if another Regional Coordinator cannot do so, due to a conflict. Regional Coordinators will also assist in the Mental Health Panel recertification process, as requested, including courtroom observation. The Regional Coordinators will be required to participate in regular meetings of Mental Health Litigation Division Regional Coordinators and submit written, narrative, quarterly reports detailing their activities, in addition to billing in the format required by eBill. These are contractual positions and the total hours under each will vary according to location and the number of assigned counsel served.

Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications: membership in the Massachusetts bar; current CPCS Mental Health Litigation certification; extensive trial experience, including a minimum of five years mental health litigation experience; and the ability to maintain good relationships with fellow attorneys and judicial personnel. Due to the changing nature of mental health panel representation, extensive Probate Court guardianship practice on behalf of Respondents and familiarity with Probate Court procedure is preferred.

The following Regional Coordinator Positions are available for FY 2016:

Barnstable and Plymouth Counties – 1 Middlesex – 2
Berkshire and Hampden – 1 Norfolk – 1
Essex – 1 Suffolk – 2
Franklin and Hampshire – 1 Worcester – 1

To apply, please send by email a statement of interest, a current resume, a writing sample, and the names of two references by June 9, 2015 to: Karen Owen Talley, Assistant Director at ktalley@publicounsel.net. Please indicate which position you are applying for.