CPCS Website

Kids Charged in Congregate Care
2024-04-18 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | Zoom
Presenters: Carly Pedersen & Melanie Roberts
NOTE: 1 .5 CLE credit for each webinar for attorneys on each of the following panels: YAD Trial & YAD Appeals.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvdeGhqj4iHNUGLx0Hy0y757fHSgAcpNO7

Mastering the Art of Cross-Examination: Strategies for Success
2024-04-22 14:00 - 16:00
•Refresh and Review of techniques in preparing for Cross-Examination.
•Explore effective techniques involving the execution of Cross-Examination.
•Engage in an Interactive Workshop
2 CLE Credits MH & MH Appeals
Register Here:
Mastering the Art of Cross-Examination: Strategies for Success Tickets, Mon, Apr 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite

Why Race Matters: How Identity Impacts Work in the Courtroom
2024-04-23 13:00 - 16:00
Speaker:
Carmen Brooks, Capital Fellow, Federal Death Penalty Capital Resource Counsel Project
Part 2 of the series focusses on how identity impacts the work of public defenders in the office, the Courtroom, between colleagues and clients, and the manner in which litigation itself occurs. One may argue that the identity of those involved in interactions has a direct bearing on the interaction itself and should be one of the factors considered in communication and strategies. Participants will explore how Identity impacts Litigation, colleagues and litigants, including the identity of the Defender, the Jury, the Judge, the harmed and the Defended.
3 CLE Credits Approved for the following panels: CAFL Trials & Appeals, YAD Trials & Appeals, MH Trials & Appeals, Criminal Trials & Appeals, SDP/SORB
Remote Attendance Only
Registration Link: CPCS Why Race Matters: 2024 Speaker Series

CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training Spring 2024
2024-04-24 09:30 - 17:00, 2024-04-30 09:30 - 17:00, 2024-05-01 09:30 - 17:00, 2024-05-02 09:30 - 17:00 | Zoom
The sessions include live plenary presentations, large group discussions, and small group discussions and exercises. Before each session, participants are required to complete about 6-8 hours of self-directed, independent work, including: watching videos, reading materials, and completing written assignments. Massachusetts families living in poverty and involved with DCF need lawyers who are well prepared and ready to provide excellent, zealous representation. We look forward to working with a group of lawyers who want to do the important and complex work these cases and these families require.

Culture and Sexual Aggression: The Case of Court-Involved Latinos
2024-04-25 14:00 - 15:00
1 CLE for Adult Criminal Trials, YAD, Parole, YAD Appeals, Adult Criminal Appeals, SORB/SDP, and CAFL
Presenter: Dr. Alejandro Leguízamo, PhD, is a professor at Roger Williams University. He has specialized in multicultural issues in sex offender assessments. He is on the Board of Directors and is the Education and Training Chair for the Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse.
REGISTER HERE!

Cross Examination Training
2024-04-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
There’s nothing more satisfying than a good cross-examination. Come learn how to use DCF’s witness to make your client’s case. This session will provide participants with practical skills to implement during the cross-examination of a DCF case worker. Through an interactive BINGO game and live demonstrations, learn techniques to turn the worker’s testimony to your advantage. The session will provide information on the need for formal discovery, the importance of preparation, techniques for controlling the witness, and cheat sheets to use in court.
Presenters:
Eleanor Wilkinson and Victoria Bleier
Note: 1.5 CLE credit for each webinar for attorneys on each of the following panels: CAFL, CAFL Appeals.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsc-6orTMoGdL1vIsfUGICFf4w0W4CG-wg

Family Law Evidence Evidentiary Issues in Cases Concerning Substance Use Disorders
2024-04-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Hosted by Social Law Library
This program addresses the ever-growing number of cases in the Probate and Family Court which deal with a party experiencing a substance use disorder. A substance use disorder is a condition where party is unable to control their use of an illegal or legal substance, resulting in some level of impairment. There are evidentiary issues concerning a party’s therapeutic records, medical and hospital records, drug and alcohol screens, treatment and/or rehabilitation records, Soberlink or scram, as well as the more standard probation interviews with a child, DCF records, and GAL reports. The following topics will be covered:

What does the court expect for motions/motions in limine/motions to compel?
What records are admissible, conditionally admissible, not admissible?
When does a court do an in-camera review?
How to deal with hearsay in official records and reports?

This Program is Online Only
NOTE: 1 CLE credit for each webinar for attorneys on each of the following panels: MHLD, CAFL Appeals, CAFL and Mental Health Appeals
Register here: Family Law Evidence – Evidentiary Issues in Cases Concerning Substance Use Disorders (socialaw.com)

CPCS Appellate Brief Writing Workshop
2024-05-06 09:00 - 16:00

Probate Court Guardianship and Private Adoption Training non-CAFL attorneys
2024-05-06 16:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-08 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-05-15 14:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
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.

Forensic Psych 101: What Lawyers Need to Know
2024-05-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Hosted by Social Law Library

Shafi Lodhi, MD, Forensic Neuropsychiatrist, Forensic Psychiatric Associates, LP
Christine Naber, PhD, Forensic Neuropsychologist, Forensic Psychiatric Associates, LP
This program has been approved by CPCS for 2.0 credit hours for the CAFL & CAFL Appeals panels.
As legal professionals, you understand the critical intersection between law and mental health. In navigating complex cases involving individuals with mental disorders or behavioral abnormalities, a nuanced understanding of forensic psychiatry and psychology is indispensable. This session aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these disciplines, exploring their roles in the legal system, methodologies for assessment and evaluation, and the pivotal role they play in informing legal decisions. Whether you’re delving into criminal cases, civil litigation, or matters of competency, our exploration will equip you with essential insights to enhance your practice and ensure that justice is served.
This program is free – registration is required.
Register here: Forensic Psych 101 – What Lawyers Need to Know (socialaw.com)

Wellness Committee Virtual Workshop: Spring into Wellness
2024-05-07 14:00 - 16:30
All staff and private counsel:
Come join us on May 7th on Zoom from 2-4:30pm
2 ½ CLE Credits:
CAFL (Trial & Appeals), Criminal (Trial & Appeals),
MHLD (Trial & Appeals), SDP/SORB and YAD Appeals

We will begin in the large group with a roundtable discussion about understanding trauma, how to mitigate, and learn about tools of self-care led by members of our staff: Kristin Dame, Sarah Derby, Maeve Edwards and Theresa Coney
Next, we are pleased to be joined by Tracey Meyers from Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) and Maggie Peterson-Pinkham, Director, Trial Court Office of Workplace Rights & Compliance (OWRC), who will talk about available resources as well as provide guidance for issues of trauma arising in our work
We will then break out into small groups with Wellness Committee members as well as clinical staff as faculty to share experiences and talk about support

After the training, you will be able to:

Recognize how we are impacted by secondary trauma resulting from our clients being subjected to inherently oppressive and unjust systems
Identify ways to minimize the impact of secondary trauma, moral injury and prevent compassion fatigue and burnout;
Discover tools of self-care that can be used to nurture “whole person care” which considers all areas of health for us
Explore resources available to mitigate trauma and maintain wellness while doing our work

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtf-igqzouHNSofc90cReSolsm-ImYGoeD
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Cultural Humility Series: Building Communities of Hope
2024-05-07 14:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Join us as we hear from Hasan Davis, who proudly shares his journey from “Hasan Davis, Juvenile Delinquent” to “Hasan Davis, Juris Doctor.” He promises to inspire all of us to see ourselves as pivotal change agents (“hope dealers”) for youth and provide us with the tools we need to engage, encourage, and empower the youth in our communities.
NOTE: 2 CLE credit for each webinar for attorneys on each of the following panels: CAFL, CAFL Appeals, YAD, YAD Appeals, Criminal Appeals, SDP/SORB, MH Appeals, Criminal Trial, and Parole/Medical Parole
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsduisqjkuHNAlTRkN0qctH1586mwsnD_V

2nd Annual Social Service Conference: Day 1
2024-05-08 09:00 - 15:00
Day 1: May 8 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Day 2: May 15 @ 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
This training conference is sponsored by the Holistic Defense Training Committee, and as such is cross-divisional and open to all,
not just our fabulous social workers, SSAs and SSEs. Though some sections are more clinical, there are a number of presentations that are relevant to all – attorneys, investigators, and admins. We have some really top-notch presenters this year!
There are CLEs available for attorneys and CEUs will be available for social workers and LMHCs.
This conference is meant for both staff SSAs/Social Workers and expert vendor social services professionals who work as part of indigent
legal defense teams, including children and family law, juvenile justice and youthful offenders, mental health commitments and adult guardianships,
and adult criminal cases.
Register Here
CLE Breakdown: full day attendance = full credit; half day or partial attendance = partial credit pro-rated by attendance

May 8 SW Conference

YAD Appeals
4.5

CAFL (Trial and Appeals)
4.5

Criminal Appeals
4.5

YAD Trial
4.5

SDP/SORB
4

Mental Health
4.5

MH Appeals
4.5

Criminal Trial
4.5

Parole/Medical Parole
4.5

May 15 SW Conference

YAD Appeals
5.5

CAFL (Trial and Appeals)
5.5

Criminal Appeals
2 each for the first 2 sessions (total of 4)

YAD Trial
5.5

SDP/SORB
2 (only Dr. Kinscherff presentation on Adolescent Brain Development)

Mental Health
5.5

MH Appeals
5.5

Criminal Trial
2 each for the first 2 sessions (total of 4)

Parole/Medical Parole
2 each for the first 2 sessions (total of 4)

Quincy Family Resource Center Training
2024-05-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
This program will review the services and supports that the Quincy Family Resource Center provides, how to access those services/supports, what criteria if any need to be met by service recipients (court involvement, health insurance, income criteria, etc.), and how we as attorneys can support our clients and their families.
Presented by:
Melissa Harrison, Program Director
Katie Conley, Program Coordinator
Candice Kunigenas, Clinical Coordinator
Organizer: Todd Williams, CAFL Resource Attorney, Norfolk County, tdwilliamslaw@gmail.com
Jennie Cote, CAFL Resource Attorney, Plymouth County
jenniebcote@comcast.net
Note: 1 CLE credit for each webinar for attorneys on each of the following panels: CAFL.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkcOGorjkoGNIqEAIbeHSE-3wKfWQ71sVt#/registration

An Oral Argument Master Class with Mark Fleming
2024-05-09 13:00 - 14:30
May 9, 1-2:30 p.m.
An Oral Argument Master Class
with Mark Fleming, co-chair of WilmerHale’s Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Practice
75 Federal Street, 5th floor and simulcast via Zoom
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
You can select either in-person or virtual (Zoom) attendance when registering. Please note that the in-person tickets are limited to 35. If attending by Zoom, a link will be sent to you 2-3 days before the program.
1.5 CLE credit for attorneys on each of the following panels: Adult Criminal Defense Trials, Adult Post-Conviction, CAFL (Trial and Appeals), YAD, YAD Appeals, Mental Health Litigation, MHLD Appeals, SORB and SDP Panels

Drawing on his extensive knowledge of oral argument, including eight arguments before the US Supreme Court, Mark Fleming will offer best practices for effective and persuasive oral argument.
Mark’s bio is:
Mark Fleming is co-chair of WilmerHale’s Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Practice. He has appeared in more than 275 appellate cases and personally presented oral argument in 62 of them, including eight oral arguments before the Supreme Court of the United States. He has also argued before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Appeals Court, and in several federal appellate courts. His appellate experience covers numerous subject areas, ranging from patent law, criminal law, securities law and complex business disputes to real estate, antitrust, and tax. He also maintains an active pro bono practice, particularly in matters involving criminal law and immigration law, where he has argued and won several high-profile Supreme Court cases. In 2023, Governor Maura Healey appointed Mark to be vice-chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission, which reviews all applications for judicial office in Massachusetts. Mark previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable David H. Souter of the Supreme Court, the Honorable Michael Boudin of the First Circuit, and the Honorable John C. Major of the Supreme Court of Canada. Mr. Fleming also served as an associate legal officer in the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Mark is a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
You can select either in-person or virtual (Zoom) attendance when registering. Please note that the in-person tickets are limited to 35.
1.5 CLE credit for attorneys on each of the following panels: Adult Criminal Defense Trials, Adult Post-Conviction, CAFL (Trial and Appeals), YAD, YAD Appeals, Mental Health Litigation, MHLD Appeals, SORB and SDP Panels

FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and Advocating for your Client
2024-05-09 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
JOIN US FOR THIS CPCS Webinar:
Presenters: Dr. Erin Kitchener and Attorney Laura Mannion
1 CLE credit for attorneys on each of the following panels:
SORB and SDP Panels, Adult Criminal Defense Trials, Post Conviction, Mental Health Litigation, MHLD Appeals, CAFL, CAFL Appeals, Parole, YAD, YAD Appeals
REGISTER HERE

LCL Embracing Neurodiversity in the Legal Practice: Thriving as a Neurodivergent Lawyer [Panel Discussion]
2024-05-09 16:00 - 17:15
Co-sponsored by:
Boston Bar Association Committee for Attorneys with Disabilities
Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) Attorneys with Disabilities and their Allies Section
The legal profession is known for its demanding nature, requiring meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to think quickly on your feet. While these qualities aid in success, at times they can also pose challenges for neurodivergent individuals, who may think, learn, and process information differently. In addition to challenges, neurodiversity also presents advantages that neurotypical individuals might lack. Neurodiversity refers to the spectrum of human brain function and some examples include ADHD, autism spectrum, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.
Join us for an illuminating panel discussion on embracing neurodiversity in the legal profession. Our panel of neurodivergent lawyers will delve into their unique experiences navigating the legal landscape.
We aim to foster a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and its intricacies and explore strategies to break down barriers, emphasize strengths, and be successful as a neurodivergent lawyer. Also, learn practical tips for having conversations about neurodiversity within your workplace and explore concerns around self-disclosure.
1.5 CLE Credits for: MHLD Trials
More Information & Registration Here
This program is hosted by LCL. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. rachel@lclma.org. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.

Realizing Your True Potential: An Evening with The Performance Whisperer, George Mumford, and Local Attorneys
2024-05-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
Realizing Your True Potential: An Evening with The Performance Whisperer, George Mumford, and Local Attorneys
MAY 9, 2024
4:00-6:00 PM
Via Zoom
(Hosted by the SJC Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being, the Institute for Well-Being in Law, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts)
Register Here

Why Race Matters: Facing Your Identity
2024-05-13 13:00 - 15:00
May 13, 2024 1:00-3:00 PM
Attend In Person or Remote
In person event will be held at: MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108
Speaker:
Cheri Beasley, Former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice
The Dred Scott decision said, “They Have no rights that we must value.” Throughout the history of our country the value placed on the individual rights of individuals with specific identities has shifted. Today, we are in the midst of another shift. How do we, as public defenders, charged with championing the rights of the indigent and often, the people from marginalized communities, ensure that the individuality of our clients and ourselves are celebrated in our work. Our speaker will inspire us to be bold in our advocacy and dedicated to our core values.
2 CLE Credits Approved for the following panels: CAFL Trials & Appeals, YAD Trials & Appeals, MH Trials & Appeals, Criminal Trials & Appeals, SDP/SORB
Remote & In Person Attendance
Registration Link: CPCS Why Race Matters: 2024 Speaker Series

Anti-Social Personality Disorder (ASPD) Diagnosis
2024-05-14 13:00 - 14:00
1 CLE for Adult Criminal Defense Trials, YAD, Parole, YAD Appeals, Adult Post Conviction, SORB/SDP, MHLD and MH Appeals, and CAFL
*Dr. Nelligan, Psy.D, is the founder of Forensic Assessment Consultation and Training Services (FACT), LLC. She was appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections as a Qualified Examiner for the Commonwealth. She is the President of MATSA (Massachusetts Association for the Treatment and Prevention of Sexual Abuse).

REGISTER HERE!

Understanding & Litigating the Harms of Child Removal Training (Part 1)
2024-05-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Understanding & Litigating the Harms of Child Removal
Because There’s No Place Like Home
The involuntary separation of children from their parents is devastating for the whole family, inevitably causing distinct and long-term harms to the children and to their parents. This two-part training will offer a deeper dive into these harms and explore what we can do to improve outcomes for our clients.
Part 1: May 14, 2024, 2:00-4:00pm
Thousands of children are separated from their families every year in the name of “child welfare.” In this session, Professor Shanta Trivedi (author of “The Harm of Child Removal” and the forthcoming article “‘Am I Still a Parent?’ The Devastating Effects of Family Policing on Parents”) will examine the harms that children and parents experience in the family regulation system, and discuss strategies to help practitioners identify, prevent and/or mitigate these harms. You can learn more about Professor Trivedi here. Register here.
Part 2: May 23, 2024, 2:00-4:00pm
Custody decisions aren’t just about the parents and their conduct; the court also must consider the harm to the child from removal, family separation, and placement in the foster system. Our judges don’t always agree, though. In this session we will discuss the relevant legal requirements in Massachusetts, share practice tips, and introduce resources the working group has developed to help attorneys litigate the harms of removal. Register here.

This program is presented by The CAFL Harms of Removal Working Group. Each session is approved for 2 CAFL CLEs. Attendance at both sessions is encouraged but is not required.

NOTE: 4 CLE credit for each webinar for attorneys on each of the following panels: CAFL, CAFL Appeals

2nd Annual Social Service Conference: Day 2
2024-05-15 09:30 - 17:00

Making Sense of Employment Research: “Thriving at Work While Living with Mental Illness" w/ Guest Speaker, Dr. Uma Chandrika Millner
2024-05-16 12:00 - 13:00
The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation is pleased to present “Making Sense of Employment Research”, a webinar series designed to discuss a recent published research study, in a clear and relevant way, even for those who know little or nothing about research.
This interactive webinar will highlight the conditions necessary for thriving at work among individuals living in challenging mental health situations. We will emphasize fairness as the foundation to thriving and the importance of (re)storying multiple perspectives, centering decent work as a basic human right, and identifying the psychological, social, and structural systems necessary for thriving. We will highlight the specific needs of Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color (BIPOC) and Transgender individuals with lived experience.
Dr. Uma Chandrika Millner (she/her) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Applied Therapies at Lesley University and part-time faculty at Boston College. Prior to Lesley, she worked as a Research Scientist at Boston University. Her overall professional approach is grounded in anti-colonial frameworks and intersectionality. Dr. Millner’s research focuses on work and wellness for marginalized and minoritized communities including individuals with psychiatric disabilities and Asian Americans. Dr. Millner has conducted numerous research projects involving qualitative and quantitative methodologies focused on community integration of adults with psychiatric disabilities. This event is supported by funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant 90RTEM0004). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this project do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
Register Here
This program is hosted by Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. (psyrehab@bu.edu). This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.

Children on the Stand – Principles and Best Practices
2024-05-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
NOTE: 2 CLE credit for each webinar for attorneys on each of the following panels: YAD Trial & YAD Appeals; Criminal Defense (Trial and Appeals), CAFL (Trial and Appeals), and SDP/SORB.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItduigpz4qGdxGnzKR-p1ELhMoPCPcEKw7

Preserving the Record
2024-05-17 13:00 - 15:00
Preserving issues for appeal, pre-trial, during trial, and post-trial. Preserving strategic issues for appeal will also be discussed. Presenters: Tamara Barney, Debra Dow, Devorah Vester, Michelle Moucharite, and Karen Talley. Time: May 17, 2024 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Two hours of CLE credits.
Meeting ID
844 8682 7522
Register Here
