Schedule:
May 6, 4:00-5 :00 PM- Orientation
May 8, 15 and 22, 2024, 2:00 -5:00 PM
The Children and Family Law Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is seeking qualified attorneys to represent indigent parents, children and guardians in private guardianship of minor cases in the Probate and Family Court. Admission to the private guardianship panel is by application only and requires completion of the Probate Court guardianship certification training. All attorneys who accept CPCS assignments are required to maintain malpractice insurance.
This training is only for attorneys who are not already certified to represent children and parents in CAFL cases in the Juvenile Court. Attorneys must have prior experience representing clients in family law cases in the Probate and Family Court.
Application Submission:
Admission to the CAFL guardianship panel is by application only. All attorneys who accept CPCS assignments are required to maintain professional liability insurance. Applications are due on April 21, 2024; however, seating is limited and applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis only until the training is filled.
Training Requirements:
The training will be a mix of virtual live sessions and self-directed work. The training begins with an orientation on Zoom on May 6, 4:00-5:00 pm. Live Zoom sessions will take place on May 8, 15 and 22 from 2:00-5:00 pm. Attendees will be required to watch recorded lectures and complete assignments before each of the sessions. Total self-directed work should take about 7 hours. A $250 registration fee will cover the cost of provided materials, including the 2 volume MCLE Practitioners Guide to State Intervention in the Family. If you have questions about the training, application process or guardianship panel, please email caflattorney@publiccounsel.net.
Certification to represent parents, children and guardians is based on successful completion of the training. Attorneys who have successfully completed the course training requirements are provisionally certified and assigned a mentor. During the period of the attorney’s provisional certification, the attorney must work cooperatively with the mentor as required by the CAFL Mentor Program requirements. Once certified, attorneys must maintain certification on the guardianship trial panel through the annual completion of 4 hours of approved Continuing Legal Education on a fiscal year basis.
Deadline is April 21, 2024.
Application Form link: Here
If you have any questions, please email CAFLattorney@publiccounsel.net.