Applying to the Program

 

Qualified attorneys may apply to receive contracts to represent indigent defendants in Suffolk County. 

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice, in cooperation  with the Committee for Public Counsel services and  the Massachusetts courts, coordinates the appointment  of clients to attorneys admitted to our panel.

To apply for admission to the SLJ panel of attorneys, please review all information outlined below before contacting us.  

 

 

 

Requirements and Timeline

     

     To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

  • be members in good standing of the Massachusetts bar, 

  • maintain an office within ready accessibility to subway lines near the courts in which they accept appointments,

  • complete certification requirements through the Committee for Public Counsel Services upon acceptance to the program, and 

  • have ability in litigation, criminal law, and procedure.

    SLJ is currently updating our application procedures, including deadlines for submission and review.    Please check back soon for more information.  Applications received in the interim will be held for review until a timeline is established. 

 

Certification Procedures

 

     All attorneys performing bar advocate work must be certified through the Committee for Public Counsel Services.  Most attorneys are required to complete a training entitled “Zealous Advocacy in the District and Juvenile Courts”.  This is a multiple-day course offered several times per year by CPCS and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.  

Please see the CPCS Training Calendar for information on upcoming Zealous Advocacy trainings.   Applicants should note that bar advocate program admissions may not coincide with the CPCS training schedule.  

 

     Attorneys with extensive experience practicing criminal law may apply to CPCS for a waiver of the training requirement.  Previous work as a bar advocate does not guarantee a waiver or exempt reapplicants from the training requirement.    

 

 

New Applicant Instructions

 

     Please download and review the SLJ Application.  All attorneys should review the CPCS Assigned  Counsel Manual before applying.  Attorneys who have not been certified to accept appointments through the Committee for Public  Counsel Services must also complete a CPCS Training Application. Attorneys who are certified bar advocates currently

working with another county's program are not required to submit the training application.  

 

     Please send copies of both applications (if applicable) to SLJ via  mail, fax, or e-mail to the attention of the Applications Committee using the contact information at the bottom  of this page.  In addition, attorneys applying for initial certification must mail a copy of the CPCS application only to:  

            Committee for Public Counsel Services, 

            Deputy Chief Counsel, Private Counsel Division

            44 Bromfield Street, Boston, MA 02108              

            (Attention: Certification Unit)

 

 

 

Renewal Applicants

 

     Attorneys who have been on our panel previously are welcome to reapply for consideration on the regular application cycle.  Please indicate by cover letter whether you have been an active member of any Massachusetts bar advocate program within the past three years.  While past experience in SLJ or another county program is helpful, it does not ensure admission.

 

 

 

Selection Criteria

 

 

     The application process is highly competitive.  Only a small percentage of applicants selected for admission to the program.  All applications are reviewed by a committee of board and staff members, who select candidates based on the following criteria:

  • Criminal or delinquency trial experience

  • Languages spoken

  • Contribution to panel diversity

  • Academic background

  • Possession of related skills

  • Writing skills

  • Demonstrated commitment to indigent defense or other indigent services

 

Suffolk Lawyers for Justice, Inc.         101 Tremont Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02108          Tel. 617-348-0088           Fax. 617-348-0099