Drew Don, Trial Panel Director
** Please note that as of July 1, 2022, the rate of payment for work billed on CAFL cases (excluding Child Requiring Assistance cases) has been increased to $85/hr. The rate of payment for work billed on Child Requiring Assistance cases has been increased to $65/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.
Upcoming Certification Trainings
Training to Represent Children and Parents in Child Requiring Assistance (CRA) Cases
CPCS’s Children and Family Law Division (CAFL) is now accepting applications for its Winter 2025 Child Requiring Assistance Certification Training. Attorneys who successfully complete the training will be certified to represent children and parents in child requiring assistance (CRA) cases. Accepted applicants will attend a four-day training that consists of live Zoom sessions and self-directed learning. The live Zoom sessions will take place from 2:00 -5:00 p.m. on
February 3, 6, and 10, 2025. Participants are also expected to attend an orientation by Zoom on
January 29, 2025 from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Applications are due on December 29, 2024, but will be accepted on a rolling basis until the training is filled. For additional information, please see our
Winter 2025 CRA Training Announcement. To apply, please complete our online
Winter 2025 CRA Certification Training Application.
Training to Represent Children and Parents in Care and Protection/Termination of Parental Rights & CRA Cases
CPCS’s Children and Family Law Division (CAFL) is now accepting applications for its Spring 2025 CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training. Attorneys who successfully complete the training will be certified to represent children and indigent parents in care and protection/termination of parental rights and child requiring assistance (CRA) cases in the Juvenile Court. Accepted applicants are expected to attend a brief orientation on Zoom on
March 12, 2025, followed by a hybrid training presented on dates between
March 17, 2025 and April 14, 2025. The training is a mix of five full day in-person sessions, three half-day live zoom sessions, and substantial self-directed learning. The training concludes with a full day in-person mock temporary custody hearing.
Applications are due on February 7, 2025, but will be accepted on a rolling basis until the training is filled. For additional information, please see our
Spring 2025 CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training Announcement. To apply, please complete our online
Spring 2025 CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training Application.