Law Student - Government in Brockton, MA

Government

Brockton, MA

Law Student - Government in Brockton, MA

Law Student

No

Job Title: Internship - Mental Health Litigation Division - Fall 2025

Job Responsibilities:
- Assist attorneys in representing citizens facing involuntary civil commitment to mental health facilities and involuntary medical treatment for mental illness, including the administration of anti-psychotic medications.
- Shadow several attorneys during the internship period to gain practical insights.
- Develop a working understanding of . c. 123, the requirements for civil commitment, District and Municipal Court commitment proceedings, court-ordered medication proceedings, and the rules of evidence as applied in mental health cases.
- Visit clients and conduct interviews to obtain relevant information and understand the client’s position on their pending petition(s).
- Collaborate with independent medical experts such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social service experts, and other mental health professionals as requested by staff attorneys.
- Work with attorneys to prepare motions for funds, motions for in-person hearings, review medical records, direct examinations, cross-examination of Designated Forensic Psychologists and Psychiatrists, and closing arguments.
- Conduct research on race and equity issues in civil commitments and assist in developing a litigation guide for such issues.
- Conduct research into support for novel issues or arguments.
- Handle intake line calls from patients and clients in mental health facilities and provide information about their legal status, assignment of counsel, or referral.
- Assist the MHLD Training Unit attorneys to create and edit training materials, and develop and maintain Mental Health online training and resource initiatives.

Education and Experience Information:
- The internship is open to law students with and without SJC Rule 3:03 Certification.
- Law students who have completed their 2L year and are or can be 3:03 certified are preferred for positions assisting attorneys with representation in civil commitment cases.
- 1L students are welcome to intern with the commitment defense offices to assist with client calls, reviewing medical records, and legal research.
- For the Trial Support and Oversight Unit, law students who have completed their 1L year are eligible to apply.

Salary Information:
- The internship is unpaid.
- The organization can work with students to support the receipt of externship credit or outside funding.

Other Important Information:
- Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and the protection of fundamental constitutional and human rights.
- Candidates must have access to reliable transportation or public transportation to travel to courts and hospitals and a personal computer with home internet access sufficient to work remotely.
- Interested applicants should submit a resume, a personal mission statement detailing their interest in the internship, personal qualities and background, and what draws them to this work, along with a writing sample.
- Applications received prior to August 20, 2025, will be given preference.
- The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, historically marginalized, or underrepresented groups to apply.
- The organization 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.