MHLD Civil Commitment Certification Training

CPCS Fall 2021 Training to Represent People Facing Civil Commitment and Related Forced Medication Petitions
The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is seeking qualified attorneys to represent clients in civil commitment and forced medication cases in District and Boston Municipal Courts. In Massachusetts, people experiencing psychiatric distress can be involuntarily detained at psychiatric facilities, committed for up to six months or a year, and treated with anti-psychotic medications against their wishes. These substantial deprivations of liberty entitle people to court-appointed counsel to ensure that all their rights under the law are protected. Civil commitment cases offer frequent and fast-paced litigation experience, client contact, and the satisfaction of providing zealous client-centered advocacy to some of the most misjudged and undervalued clients in the Commonwealth.

Admission to the MHLD trial panel is by application only. All attorneys who accept CPCS assignments are required to maintain professional liability insurance. Completed applications must be submitted by Monday, July 26, 2021.

For more information and application click link below (or see attached Word Document):

http://localhost/cpcs/train/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/Final-Announcement-Fall-2021-Commitment-Certification-Training.docx