Appeals Attorney - MHLD Appeals

Overview

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Job Description - Appeals Attorney - MHLD Appeals (260000LV)

Job Description

Appeals Attorney - MHLD Appeals - ( 260000LV )

Description

The cases handled by the Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) include involuntary civil commitments, forced treatment and guardian ships. Appeals Unit cases are primarily direct appeals in commitment and guardianship cases, but may also include motions for new trials, interlocutory appeals, and amicus briefs in selected cases. The Appeals Unit also provides consultation to staff and private panel attorneys around the state, and often assists the agency with system-wide issues and challenges.

The Appeals Unit currently consists of a Director of Mental Health Appeals, an Oversight Counsel, and two case handling Appeals Attorneys. The Appeals Unit provides support and oversight of MHLD Appeals Panel Attorneys as well as directly representing clients in MHLD appeals.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The MHLD is seeking a full-time Appeals Attorney to provide direct representation of mental health clients at the appellate level. Appeals Unit cases are primarily direct appeals in commitment and guardianship cases, but may also include motions for new trials, interlocutory appeals, and amicus briefs in selected cases.

• Interviewing clients;
• Conducting legal research;
• Collecting and reviewing documentary evidence;
• Preparing appellants' and occasionally appellees' briefs, as well as reply briefs;
• Handling appeals in the Appellate Division, Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court, including preparation for oral arguments via moot courts;
• Assisting other attorneys preparing for argument;
• Providing assistance to trial attorneys on issues related to appeals;
• Preparing case summaries of new mental health opinions;
• Assisting in training and development of practice aids for trial and appellate attorneys;
• Depending on experience level, may on occasion include editing assistance/mentoring of Mental Health Litigation Division staff Trial Attorneys who are representing clients on appeal;
• Drafting of amicus briefs; and,
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Must be committed to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population and must be eligible to practice law in Massachusetts, either as a member of the Massachusetts bar, as a law school graduate under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:03, or as an attorney licensed in another jurisdiction who is covered by Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04;

• Candidates must have at least one year of experience as an attorney;
• Appeals Attorney positions require travel; access to reliable transportation throughout the state is necessary; and,
• Access to home internet sufficient to work remotely.

QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Candidates should possess the following attributes:

• At least three years of appellate experience is preferred;
• A demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous advocacy in the representation of individuals involved in the mental health system;
• A demonstrated commitment to working with a culturally diverse population of individuals involved in the mental health system;
• Ability to work in a defense-oriented capacity, both independently and collaboratively; and,
• Very strong writing and oral advocacy skills

To apply, candidates must submit a resume, a statement of interest and two legal writing samples. The statement of interest must include the following:

• Why you are interested in the position;
• Significant trial, motion and appellate experience. Please describe any particularly noteworthy legal arguments that you have advanced on behalf of a client;
• Other relevant experience, including work related to mental health;
• How your experience would benefit our clients if you were offered the position.

Job:
Legal Services

Agency:
Committee for Pub Counsel Srvc

Schedule:

Full-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting:
Jan 27, 2026, 6:50:13 PM

Number of Openings: 1

Salary
: 80,598. Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:
Sandra DeBow-Huang -

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid

Work Schedule:

Yes