Chief of Appellate Unit

NORTHAMPTON Chief of Appellate Unit This attorney supervises and manages the office's Appellate Unit and also performs all of the legal duties and functions related to the prosecution of post-conviction cases in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court, Superior Court, District Court and Juvenile Court. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Supervise and manage the office's appellate division, which includes, but is not limited to, the following: Review and assign incoming appellate briefs and motions for a new trial; Edit outgoing appellate briefs and postconviction filings; Maintain appellate schedule and ensure appropriate coverage; and Assign co-counsel in priority prosecutions at trial. Handle appellate matters which include, but are not limited to, the following: Master the appellate record, including transcripts and exhibits, for assigned cases; Move to supplement the appellate record when necessary; Research applicable constitutional, statutory, and regulatory law for assigned cases; File and oppose applications for interlocutory appeal under Mass. R. Crim. P. l5(a); File and oppose petitions for extraordinary relief under G.L. c. 211, ? 3; File principal, responsive, and reply briefs as applicable; File applications for direct appellate review and further appellate review as necessary; Confer with Victim Witness Advocates on assigned cases involving victims; Prepare for and deliver oral argument on assigned cases at applicable court; and Handle related motions, such as motions for stay of sentence pending appeal. Handle post-conviction motions, which include, but are not limited to, the following: Draft written responses to motions for a new trial, motions to revise or revoke sentences, and motions filed under Mass. R. Crim. P. 25(b)(2); Appear and present argument at post-conviction hearings in the Superior, District, and Juvenile courts; and Confer with Victim Witness Advocates on assigned cases involving victims. Serve as co-counsel at trial in murder and other priority prosecutions, which includes but is not limited to, the following: Prepare written oppositions to motions to suppress and/or dismiss; Draft and argue motions in limine; Research evidentiary issues and anticipate evidence-based objections; Assist in the selection of jurors and the preparation of witnesses; Argue substantive legal issues, including motions for a required finding of not guilty; Ensure that the trial record is perfected; and Research and draft jury instructions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Eight (8) years of appellate experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the core functions of the position; Strong analytical, organizational, time management, writing and oral advocacy skills; In-depth knowledge of state and federal caselaw, Massachusetts Rules of Appellate and Criminal Procedure, and Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct; Ability to work collaboratively with others; and High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and commitment to public service. For more details and full job description please see website.