Training Requirements:
Admission onto the CAFL trial panel is by application only and requires satisfactory completion of a multi-day training program combining substantive law and trial skills. Thereafter, attorneys must work with a mentor assigned through the CAFL Mentorship program. Additional support is provided by Resource Attorneys and CAFL Trial Panel Support Unit staff.
Once certified for the trial panel, attorneys must maintain certification through the annual completion of 8 hours approved continuing legal education on a fiscal year basis. The fiscal year begins on July 1 and concludes on June 30. Newly certified trial panel attorneys are expected to satisfy the continuing education requirement in the fiscal year subsequent to the year certification was received.
Continuing legal education requirements may be satisfied by attendance of 8 hours of legal education at CAFL sponsored trainings, through MCLE or in various regions throughout the Commonwealth, or equivalent training programs. To obtain credit for attending such an equivalent program, submit a request for approval together with a comprehensive description of the program, including its length and a syllabus describing contents and faculty, to [email protected]. Attorneys are urged to seek approval prior to attending programs. For a list of CAFL approved programs, see the CPCS Training Calendar.
To received CLE credit for the programs you attend, please complete the online CAFL CLE Affirmation Form before June 30 each fiscal year. You no longer need to submit certificates or other affirmation documents. The signed electronic form is sufficient to affirm attendance. When you submit the form, you will receive an automatic confirmation for your records. For any questions regarding CAFL CLEs, please contact Kaitlyn Severin ([email protected]).
Certification:
Attorneys who are fully certified and whose certifications are in good standing may accept assignments of care and protection cases, CRA cases, termination of parental rights cases, and child custody cases in which there is state intervention.
Performance Requirements:
Attorneys who accept State Intervention/Child Custody and CRA cases must represent their clients at all trial proceedings. Trial counsel is responsible for appellate proceedings until such time as appellate counsel is assigned by CPCS and enters an appearance. By accepting assignments on these cases attorneys agree to abide by the CPCS Performance Standards Governing Representation of Children and Parents in State Intervention and Parental Rights Termination Cases.
Appellate Assignments:
An attorney must be separately certified to receive appellate assignments for these cases. See CAFL Appellate Panel Certification Requirements.