Upcoming Certification Trainings
Children and Family Law Division (CAFL)
CAFL CRA ONLY Certification Training
CRA Dates: all zoom
Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 4-5 PM (zoom orientation)
Monday, February 3, 2025, 2-5 PM (zoom)
Thursday February 6, 2025, 2-5 PM (zoom)
Monday February 10, 2025, 2-5 PM (zoom)
CAFL C&P and CRA Certification Training
Spring 2025 CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training Dates
March 12, 2-4 orientation
March 17, all day in person
March 20, p.m. virtual
March 24, all day in person
March 27, p.m. virtual
March 31, all day in person
April 3, p.m. virtual
April 7 , all day in person
April 14, all day in person
April 29, 30, May 1, mock hearings
Note: Applications are due on February 7, 2025, but will be accepted on a rolling basis until the training is filled.
Children and Family Law Appeals Certification
All admitted applicants must attend the four-day CAFL appellate training program scheduled for January 21, 23, 28, and 30, 2025. The training, which will be conducted by Zoom, will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day. There will also be an orientation by Zoom on January 14, 2025 from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD)
Mental Health Commitment Certification Training
To Be Announced
Mental Health Guardianship Certification Training
The class sessions will meet on: February 4, 7, 11, 14, 25 & 28.
- Class 1 (February 4) will meet in-person from 10AM – 3PM at CPCS: 75 Federal St. Boston
- Class 2 (February 7) is a live Zoom session from 1PM – 4PM
- Class 3 (February 11) is a live Zoom session from 1PM – 4PM
- Class 4 (February 14) is a live Zoom session from 1PM – 4PM
- Class 5 (February 25) will meet in-person from 10AM – 3PM at CPCS: 120 Front St. Worcester
- Class 6 (February 28) will meet in-person from 10AM – 3PM at CPCS: 75 Federal St. Boston
In addition, each course participant will be scheduled for an in-person mock trials on one of the following dates: March 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 (morning and afternoon options, to be scheduled once registration is complete). Please hold these dates open pending notification of acceptance.
Mental Health Appeals Certification Training
To Be Announced
Private Counsel Division (P/CD) - Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense Training (Zealous Advocacy Training)
SPRING 2025 (note: no Fall River option in Spring)
Friday, February 14, 2025 – Welcome and Intro to the Course (Zoom)
In-Person Training days (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm)
March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27, 2025
Locations: Boston/Worcester/Holyoke
Appeals and Post Conviction Certification Training
The Private Counsel Division Criminal Appeals Unit accepts panel members on a rolling basis. New panel members are expected to take a new panel member training, offered in November, and a brief writing workshop, offered in the spring, during their first year on the panel.
Alternative Commitment and Registration Support Unit
ACRSU accepts SORB and SDP panel members on a rolling basis. New panel members will be required to complete a new panel member training consisting of an online portion and a skills-based portion offered in person or by zoom. The trainings will be scheduled as needed.
Youth Advocacy Division (YAD) - Juvenile Defense
Juvenile Defense Training (Zealous Advocacy Training)
SPRING 2025 (note: no Fall River option in Spring)
Friday, February 14, 2025 – Welcome and Intro to the Course (Zoom)
In-Person Training days (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm)
March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 and 27, 2025
Locations: Boston/Worcester/Holyoke
YAD Appeals Certification Training
To Be Announced