Internship - Fall 2026 - MHLD Brockton Commitment Unit

Position Overview The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) Brockton Commitment Unit of the Committee for Public Counsel Services seeks law students for Fall 2026 internship positions. The unit protects the rights of individuals facing involuntary or civil commitment to mental hospitals or guardianship. Interns will assist attorneys working primarily with clients at Bridgewater State Hospital, representing their interests in civil commitment proceedings. The internship is unpaid; externship or pro‑bono credit may be available. Description Interns will engage in weekly civil commitment litigation in Brockton District Court and Superior Courts, including: Assessing the burden of proof to show mental illness, risk of harm, and necessity of strict security; Attending hearings for court‑ordered antipsychotic medication, requiring knowledge of medication side effects, interactions, and legal factors; Communicating with clients who may be incompetent or deny mental illness, tailoring explanations of legal and medical issues; Applying rules of evidence, criminal and civil procedure, and mental health law; Conducting research on race and equity in civil commitment and developing a litigation guide; Supporting direct client representation, including reviewing medical records, preparing examinations, and drafting arguments. Minimum Entrance Requirements Law students certified to represent clients per S.J.C. Rule 3:03. 2L or 3L preferred. Valid ID for Bridgewater State Hospital. Completion of 1L LSSC course with project description and writing sample. Accessible transportation. Personal computer with home internet access. Completed classes in Evidence, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Critical Legal Theory, or Trial Advocacy. Fluency in a foreign language or ASL. Experience or interest in working with individuals with mental illness and/or the criminal court system. Preferred Qualifications And Skills Ability to work in‑person at least once a week. Attend Brockton District Court sessions on Wednesdays. Attend Superior Court proceedings as available. Attend meetings with clients at Bridgewater State Hospital, Old Colony Correctional Center, and surrounding private hospitals. Excellent written and persuasive communication skills. Teamwork and independent work capability. Research ability in complex legal areas and ability to summarize findings. Strong desire to work in public interest and with indigent clients in a correctional setting. Responsibilities Shadow attorneys throughout the internship. Visit clients and conduct interviews to gather relevant information. Assist in preparing cross‑examination of forensic psychologists and psychiatrists and direct examination of experts and clients. Review medical records. Assist in preparing motions for funds and in‑person hearings. Assist in preparing closing arguments. Gain working knowledge of G.L. c. 123 and civil commitment requirements. Gain working knowledge of Brockton District Court commitment proceedings, medication proceedings, and evidence rules. Conduct research on race and equity issues in civil commitments and assist in developing a litigation guide. Conduct research into support for novel legal issues or arguments. Assist with direct client representation, including client meetings, medical record review, drafting examinations, and legal research. EEO Statement The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) 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. Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow‑Huang, at View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Committee for Public Counsel Services