Training Schedule
Children and Family Law Division (CAFL)
CAFL CRA ONLY Certification
Fall 2026 CRA only Certification Training
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Zoom
Monday, November 9, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – In person, Worcester
Monday, November 16, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – In person, Worcester
Applications for the Fall 2026 CRA Only Certification Training will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 2, 2026.
CAFL C&P and CRA Certification
Care and Protection certification payment to attorneys after meeting eligibility criteria – $6,216.00 (beginning August 1, 2026)
Fall 2026 Trial Panel Certification Training:
Applications have closed for the Fall 2026 CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training (C&P and CRA).
Next CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training to be held in 2027. Dates to be announced.
Children and Family Law Guardianship Certification
Winter/Spring 2028 Guardianship Panel Certification:
This training is open to attorneys who are not already certified to represent children and parents in care and protection cases in the Juvenile Court. Applicants must have prior experience representing clients in family law cases in the Probate and Family Court.
Next Guardianship Certification Training to be held in 2028. Dates to be announced.
Children and Family Law Appeals Certification
Winter 2027 CAFL Appellate Panel Certification Training
Tuesday, January 5, 2027, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. – Zoom/Orientation
Tuesday, January 19, 2027, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Zoom
Thursday, January 21, 2027, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Zoom
Tuesday, January 26, 2027, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Zoom
Thursday, January 28, 2027, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Zoom
Applications will be accepted until November 23, 2026.
Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD)
Mental Health Accelerated Trial Panel Certification Training Program
Open to experienced trial attorneys only
If you have any questions about the necessary qualifications, please contact Joe Robinson, Trial Panel Director, MHLD: [email protected]
MHLD Accelerated Trial Panel Certification Training – Civil Commitment and/or Guardianship
Next MHLD Accelerated Trial Panel Certification Training to be held in Spring of 2027. Dates to be announced.
Mental Health Commitment Certification
MH Civil Commitment certification payment to eligible attorneys after meeting eligibility criteria – $3,782.50
Fall 2026 Civil Commitment Certification Training:
Applications have closed for the Fall 2026 MHLD Civil Commitment Panel Certification Training.
Next MHLD Civil Commitment Panel Certification Training to be held in 2027. Dates to be announced.
Mental Health Guardianship Certification
MH Guardianship certification payment to attorneys after meeting eligibility criteria – $3,782.50
MHLD Guardianship Certification Training
Next regular training session to be announced.
Mental Health Appeals Certification
Spring 2027 Mental Health Appellate Certification Training
Next training to be held in 2027. Dates to be announced.
Private Counsel Division (P/CD) - Criminal Defense
Criminal Defense Training (Zealous Advocacy in the District Courts)
ZAT certification payment to attorneys after meeting eligibility criteria – $6120.00
Fall 2026 ZAT (Zealous Advocacy in the District Courts) Program
Applications have closed for the Fall 2026 Zealous Advocacy Training (ZAT).
Next Zealous Advocacy (in the District Courts) Training to be held in 2027. Dates to be announced.
Appeals and Post Conviction Certification Training
Certification trainings are held in the fall and spring, annually.
Fall 2026 Post-Conviction Panel Certification Training:
Monday, November 2, 2026— In Person, Worcester
Tuesday, November 17, 2026— In Person, Worcester
Thursday, December 10, 2026— In Person, Worcester
Applications will be accepted until October 13, 2026.
Alternative Commitment and Registration Support Unit
SDP & SORB Certification
Winter 2026 Sexually Dangerous Persons (SDP) Panel Certification
Accepted applicants are required to review video content by December 31, 2026, in the comfort of their own home or office.
Small Group Practice Training to be scheduled in January of 2027 at a mutually convenient date for accepted applicants.
Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2026.
Spring 2027 Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) Panel Certification
Accepted applicants are required to review video content by May 15, 2027, in the comfort of their own home or office.
Friday, June 11, 2027, full day – In-person, Worcester
Applications will be accepted until April 9, 2027.
Youth Advocacy Division (YAD) - Juvenile Defense
Juvenile Defense Training (Zealous Advocacy in the Juvenile Courts)
ZAT certification payment to attorneys after meeting eligibility criteria- $6120.00, or $297.50 if also receiving the district court certification payment.
Fall 2026 ZAT (Zealous Advocacy in the Juvenile Courts) Program
Applications have closed for the Fall 2026 Zealous Advocacy Training (ZAT).
Next Zealous Advocacy (in the District Courts) Training to be held in 2027. Dates to be announced.
YAD Appeals Certification Training
Fall 2026 Juvenile Appeals Panel Certification Training:
- Thursday, November 5, 2026, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. — Virtual
- Thursday, November 12, 2026, 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. — In Person, Worcester
Applications will be accepted until September 23, 2026. Decisions will be emailed on September 30, 2026.
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