Overview
This role involves Trial Attorney positions in the Transition Age Youth (TAY) office, a statewide advocacy unit dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes for youth and young adults (ages 14–22) navigating the Massachusetts family regulation system.
While the TAY office is being set up, these positions will be fully remote until office space is procured. The final office location is expected to be in Framingham, but may be in another MetroWest or Greater Boston area location. Depending on available space and operational needs, positions may be sited in FJA Offices in Springfield or Worcester. Hybrid work schedules are available for these roles.
Responsibilities
Trial Attorneys provide direct representation and support to transition age youth (and their siblings, as appropriate) in CAFL cases, including:
- Care and Protection (C&P)
- Child Requiring Assistance (CRA)
- Permanency for Young Adult (PYA)
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing direct trial-level representation in all aspects of CAFL cases, including visiting and interviewing clients, investigation and discovery, consulting with experts, negotiation, motion practice, biannual foster care reviews, evidentiary hearings, administrative and interlocutory appeals, and post-judgment representation
- Developing and delivering training and resources on the representation of transition age youth
- Advising and consulting with FJA staff and CAFL private panel attorneys on cases involving transition age youth
- Conducting legal research and writing
- Staying current on practice issues and emerging laws and policies affecting transition age youth
- Working on projects to improve legal representation and outcomes for transition age youth
- Maintaining strong working relationships with CAFL practitioners, assigned Juvenile Courts, and community agencies
- Collaborating with stakeholders on issues related to representation of transition age youth
- Assisting with the development of annual work plans for TAY training programs and projects
- Performing other duties as assigned
Trial Attorneys report to the Attorney in Charge of the Transition Age Youth office.
Requirements
- Commitment to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population
- Eligibility to practice law in Massachusetts, either as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing, or as the member of the bar of another jurisdiction eligible to engage in limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04
- Access to reliable transportation to travel to courts, clients, and other locations throughout the state
- Access to home internet sufficient to work remotely
Preferred Qualifications
- Three or more years of experience representing parents, youth, or young adults in C&P, CRA, and/or PYA cases (candidates with fewer years of experience who demonstrate strong knowledge, initiative, and the ability to manage an active caseload will be considered)
- Experience with the juvenile court system and/or DCF
- Experience working with young people of diverse backgrounds
- Demonstrated commitment to zealous advocacy and improving representation and outcomes for transition age youth throughout Massachusetts
- Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
- Excellent litigation, writing, and oral presentation skills
- Foreign language skills (desirable)
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a community and defense-oriented capacity
Attorneys from all counties are encouraged to apply.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the provided description.
Location
- Fully remote until office space is procured
- Expected final office location: Framingham (may be another MetroWest or Greater Boston area location)
- Possible office site locations: FJA Offices in Springfield or Worcester (depending on available space and needs)
- Hybrid work schedules are eligible for these positions
Application
Submit a statement of interest, resume, and legal writing sample.
Equal Opportunity
This employer 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.