Overseeing the delivery of criminal defense services to indigent people in Boston-area courts since 2001
Our Mission
Suffolk Lawyers for Justice (SLJ) is committed to ensuring that children and adults accused of crimes in Suffolk County receive high-quality, zealous legal representation, regardless of their financial circumstances.
What We Do
SLJ recruits, trains, supports, and supervises a panel of dedicated private attorneys who provide court-appointed criminal defense representation to indigent clients throughout Suffolk County.
Through comprehensive training, mentorship, continuing legal education, and professional development opportunities, we help ensure that every client receives effective and ethical representation. Attorneys on the SLJ panel are certified through the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) and appointed by the Massachusetts courts to represent indigent defendants.
In addition to supporting our attorneys, SLJ advocates for policies and practices that promote fairness, equity, and justice within the criminal legal system.
Our Program
Founded in 2000, Suffolk Lawyers for Justice is a Boston-based nonprofit organization and 501(c)(3) corporation that administers criminal defense services for indigent individuals in Suffolk County under contract with the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS).
SLJ oversees a panel of more than 400 contracted private attorneys, commonly known as bar advocates, who represent clients in District, Superior, and Juvenile Courts throughout Suffolk County. Working in partnership with CPCS, our staff, Supervising Attorneys, and Board of Directors provide training, oversight, and support to ensure the delivery of high-quality legal representation.
Our panel attorneys handle the majority of court-appointed criminal defense cases in Suffolk County. SLJ coordinates attorney assignments, manages court coverage, and works collaboratively with courts, government agencies, and educational institutions to strengthen indigent defense services across Massachusetts.
For more than two decades, SLJ has remained committed to protecting the constitutional rights of those who cannot afford counsel and to advancing excellence in criminal defense advocacy.
Who We Are
Suffolk Lawyers for Justice is a non-profit organization operating out of Boston, Massachusetts. We are a 501(c)(3) corporation. SLJ oversees a panel of more than four hundred contracted private attorneys, known as “bar advocates”, who provide services to indigent clients in Suffolk County. Our staff and board work closely with Supervising Attorneys from the Committee for Public Counsel Services to train and monitor the performance of our bar advocates.
Administration
Nicole M. Revesz
Executive Director
529 Main Street, Suite P242Charlestown, MA 02129
(617) 348-0088
Melva Martinez
Program Coordinator
Suffolk Lawyers for Justice529 Main Street, Suite P242
Charlestown, MA 02129
(617) 348-0088
Board of Directors
Join Our Panel
Suffolk Lawyers for Justice welcomes qualified attorneys who are interested in providing high-quality criminal defense representation to indigent clients in Suffolk County.
Attorneys accepted to the SLJ panel may be offered a contract to accept court appointments in the District and Juvenile Courts of Suffolk County.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a member in good standing of the Massachusetts Bar
- Be authorized to practice law in accordance with the rules of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
- Meet applicable CPCS certification requirements
Selection Criteria
The selection process is highly competitive. Consistent with CPCS policies, applicants are evaluated on factors including:
- Criminal and juvenile defense experience
- Trial advocacy and motion practice
- Client communication and professionalism
- Pretrial preparation and case investigation
- Legal research and writing skills
- Compliance with CPCS Performance Standards
- Commitment to indigent defense
- Professional development and continuing legal education
Application Process
SLJ accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Interested attorneys may submit an application through the online application portal or request an application from Executive Director Nicole Revesz at directorslj@gmail.com.
Approved applicants may be offered a two-year contract with SLJ.
New Applicants
All applicants should review the CPCS Assigned Counsel Manual prior to applying.
Attorneys who are not currently certified by CPCS must complete the required Zealous Advocacy Training unless they have received a waiver from CPCS. Attorneys who are already certified and actively participating on another county panel generally do not need to reapply for training.
CPCS Certification Requirements
Admission to an SLJ panel does not automatically confer CPCS certification.
Most attorneys seeking certification must complete CPCS's “Zealous Advocacy in the District and Juvenile Courts” training program. This multi-day course is offered several times each year through CPCS. The link to apply for this training is here.
Information regarding upcoming trainings can be found on the CPCS Training Calendar.
Attorneys with substantial criminal defense experience may apply directly to CPCS for a training waiver. Waiver decisions are made solely by CPCS and may require participation in a future training session as a condition of certification.
For Law Students
Suffolk Lawyers for Justice invites Boston-area law students to participate in the Law Student Network & Volunteer Program (LSNVP), a unique opportunity to gain practical experience working alongside experienced criminal defense attorneys.
Students are paired with SLJ panel attorneys and receive hands-on exposure to criminal defense practice. Depending on the needs of the attorney and the stage of the case, students may:
- Observe attorney-client meetings
- Assist with client interviews
- Conduct legal research
- Draft memoranda and motions
- Interview witnesses
- Assist with trial preparation
- Help prepare jury instructions and cross-examinations
Through this experience, students gain a deeper understanding of zealous advocacy and the critical role indigent defense plays in protecting constitutional rights.
Program Commitment
Students accepted into the program are expected to:
- Commit a minimum of six hours per week
- Participate for at least one academic semester or the duration of the summer program
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client matters
- Conduct themselves professionally and responsibly
Students may not simultaneously work, intern, volunteer, or participate in a clinic with a prosecutor’s office or law enforcement agency while participating in the program.
In accordance with CPCS policies and applicable student practice rules, participating law students may not present bail arguments, make oral arguments, or appear as counsel in cases assigned through the Bar Advocate Program unless specifically authorized by CPCS rules and supervising counsel.
Please note that participation is entirely voluntary. No academic credit or financial compensation is provided.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a resume and letter of interest to:
Nicole Revesz, Executive Director
directorslj@gmail.com
At the conclusion of the program, students will be asked to complete a brief evaluation to help improve future programming.
For Attorneys
SLJ welcomes panel attorneys interested in mentoring the next generation of criminal defense advocates through the Law Student Network & Volunteer Program.
Participating students provide valuable support while gaining practical experience in indigent defense. Attorneys who participate should be prepared to provide guidance, supervision, and meaningful learning opportunities.
Attorneys should be aware that:
- Students must be supervised at all times
- Attorneys remain responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable ethical rules
- Time spent by law students may not be billed to CPCS
- Students are bound by confidentiality obligations
- Students may not engage in prohibited court appearances or oral advocacy on assigned counsel cases unless specifically permitted under CPCS rules
Attorneys interested in hosting a law student should contact:
Nicole Revesz, Executive Director
directorslj@gmail.com
Continuing Legal Education
Suffolk Lawyers for Justice requires attorneys on our panel to take eight hours of continuing legal education credits in the field of criminal law annually.
Upcoming training can be found in the CPCS Training Calendar.