Practice Areas

We provide legal representation in Massachusetts for those unable to afford an attorney in all matters in which the law requires the appointment of counsel. This includes representation in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare, mental health, sexually dangerous person and sex offender registry cases, as well as related appeals and post-conviction matters.
Youth Advocacy Division

The Youth Advocacy Division is tasked with ensuring that every child in Massachusetts has access to zealous legal representation that incorporates a Youth Development Approach resulting in both legal and life success. Accordingly, YAD will lead, train, support, and oversee a diverse and collaborative juvenile defense bar across the state.

Public Defender
Public Defender Division

The mission of the Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is to ensure that criminal defendants are given the fundamental protection of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Massachusetts Constitution.

Lawyer
Private Counsel Division

The Private Counsel Division of CPCS delivers legal services to indigent clients through assigned private attorneys in criminal defense trial and post-conviction cases as well as commitment and registration cases for persons convicted of sex offenses.

Mental Health Picture
Mental Health Litigation Division

The Mental Health Litigation Division is committed to protecting the legal and constitutional rights of citizens facing civil commitment to mental hospitals, guardianship and involuntary treatment including the administration of anti-psychotic medications. We do this through four staffed offices and a panel of private attorneys.

Children and Family Law Division

The Children and Family Law (CAFL) Division provides legal representation to children and indigent parents in child welfare matters, including care and protection proceedings, children requiring assistance cases (CRAs)

Latest News

Explore our news section.
Committee Meeting Agenda – March 20, 2024

The meeting will be REMOTE starting at 4:30 p.m. Registration is required – details below. Approval of minutes of the […]

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MHLD Appellate Certification Training Spring 2024

Application deadline is March 15, 2024. The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is [...]

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Committee Meeting Agenda – February 20, 2024

The meeting will be REMOTE starting at 4:30 p.m. Registration is required – details below. Approval of minutes of the […]

Read more

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Representation is provided by a combination of approximately 500 staff attorneys and 3,000 private attorneys.
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