Lisa Augusto, CAFL Trial Panel Director

** Please note that as of July 1, 2025, the rate of payment for work billed on CAFL cases (excluding Child Requiring Assistance cases) has been increased to $95/hr. The rate of payment for work billed on Child Requiring Assistance cases has been increased to $75/hour.

In addition to the staff attorneys who work in the CAFL Trial Offices, CAFL also certifies qualified private attorneys to become members of the Trial Panel. Presently, there are over 700 private attorneys statewide who are certified to accept CAFL cases.

Admission to the CAFL trial panel is by application only and requires satisfactory completion of a training program combining substantive law and trial skills.  See CAFL Trial Panel Certification Requirements.

For more information on training opportunities, see CAFL Training.

For a comprehensive list of litigation resources, billing requirements and other resources, see Professional Resources.

For additional information, contact the CAFL Trial Panel Support Unit.

 

 

RESOURCE ATTORNEY POSITION POSTING

CPCS is accepting applications for Resource Attorney Positions with the Children and Family Law (CAFL) Division in the following regions: Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex South, Essex and Middlesex North, Middlesex South, Franklin and Hampshire, Hampden, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester Counties.

The Resource Attorney position is an excellent opportunity for experienced, dedicated and zealous advocates to share their knowledge with CAFL practitioners for the benefit of indigent clients.

Resource Attorneys provide legal and technical assistance to all trial panel members in their designated region or court. They are responsible for coordinating and presenting relevant legal education trainings in collaboration with the CAFL Training Unit. Resource Attorneys serve as liaisons between the court and the CAFL Trial Panel Support Office. Resource Attorneys are required to be available to members of the private bar.

The Resource Attorney works collaboratively with an assigned trial panel support staff attorney on local practice issues, legal education, and advice. They submit quarterly reports and bills.

Resource Attorneys do not oversee the local mentoring program nor are they responsible for mentoring new CAFL trial panel members.

Applicants must be CAFL certified and have a minimum of five years of experience representing children and parents in state intervention proceedings. Applicants with experience representing parties in status offenses, guardianships of minors, and other Probate and Family Court matters are preferred. Applicants must have significant litigation experience and be actively accepting case assignments on behalf of both parents and children in CAFL cases in their preferred county.

To apply, please email a statement of interest including the region(s) in which you are interested, a detailed description of three contested Termination of Parental Rights Trials, a current resume, and a legal writing sample by May 15, 2026, to Alice Turner at [email protected].