CPCS Website

CAFL Trial Panel Certification Training Spring 2024
2024-05-02 09:30 - 17:00, 2024-05-01 09:30 - 17:00, 2024-04-30 09:30 - 17:00, 2024-04-24 09:30 - 17:00, 2024-04-10 09:30 - 17:00, 2024-04-04 13:00 - 16:30, 2024-04-01 09:30 - 17:00, 2024-03-28 13:00 - 16:30 UTC and 1 more date | 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.

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)

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

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!

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

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

Kids Charged in Congregate Care
2024-04-18 14:00 - 15:30 | 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

Skill of the Quarter Series: Outlook
2024-04-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join us on April 16, 2023, 1-2PM for an hour-long journey of learning and discovery as we delve into the realms of Microsoft Outlook with Barbara Mulvey Welsh! All administrative staff members of CPCS are cordially invited and encouraged to attend.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAof-ysqz8oHNYfjpXOqlzIwfJQcJqbtJh4#/registration

Why Race Matters: Exploring the Legal Attack on Identity and Its Impact in Public Defense
2024-04-09 13:00 - 16:00
Speakers:
Stephen Himes Founder, Knowledge Travels LLC
Professor Renée Landers, Professor of Law Suffolk University Law School
Jennifer Levi GLAD, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders
Participants will have an opportunity to explore an in-depth analysis of the SCOTUS cases which impact identity issues. More particularly the cases concerning Affirmative Action, Women’s Rights and the rights of those in the LGBTQ+ community concern the impact of identity on one’s individual liberties. How these rights have evolved over time and where they stand today is of poignant consideration as we celebrate the 100-year Anniversary of Brown vs Bd of Education.
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

CPCS Appellate Brief Writing Workshop
2024-04-09 09:00 - 16:00

Ask the Ethics Expert
2024-04-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
A training and Q&A session with Joseph Berman, General
Counsel for the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers
Ethical challenges abound in our practice, and the mere mention of the BBO can strike terror in the heart of an ordinary fallible attorney. But fear not, we have the BBO’s General Counsel, Joseph Berman, to help us sort through some of the common ethical issues we might face, plus whatever else might be troubling you. Please join us for a conversation on all things ethics, where we will discuss these and other topics:
• how to respond to a negative online posting by a client
• how to respond to a BBO complaint, or a CPCS complaint
• how to avoid trouble when moving to withdraw
• how to avoid trouble on social media
• your rights/responsibilities/options when a client wants to go to the media
• your rights/responsibilities when a client wants to contact the Office of the Child
Advocate or file a Judicial Conduct Commission
• considerations in sharing impounded documents with a client’s criminal defense
attorney, expert, or other collaterals
• considerations in representing an adult client under a disability
• cooperation with appellate counsel when there is claim of ineffective assistance of
counsel
Feel free to email Andrew Hoffman (address below) with other issues you would like to address. There will also be time for questions and answers during the presentation.
This virtual program is free and worth 1 CAFL CLE credit.
RSVP to Andrew Hoffman at hoffmanlaw1@gmail.com

MCLE Clerk's Tips on Interacting with the Court & Moving Your Case Through the Court System
2024-04-03 14:00 - 16:00
In the post-pandemic world, business practices of the past have yielded to new modes of delivering essential services. The Massachusetts Superior Court is no exception. These changes have led to many advantages as well as some pitfalls. What are the benefits of electronic filing as opposed to filing with paper? Will I appear before the court in person or virtually? What is the most effective way of communicating with the court? Join our panel as we provide you with understanding and insight as to what has changed (and what hasn’t) in the digital age and what you can do to successfully steer your case from start to finish.

Agenda & Materials

Understanding and Navigating the Superior Court E-Filing System

Best Practices: Should I E-File or Should I Appear in Court?

Will My Hearing Be Held In-Person or Virtually?

Electronic Notices and Phasing Out Paper

Effective Communication with the Court

“Ask the Experts” Q&A Session and Key Takeaways

Please Note
MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Chair
John E. Powers, III, Esq., Suffolk Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
Faculty
Margaret M. Buckley, Esq., Suffolk Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston
Matthew Day, Esq., Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Woburn
Mary K. Hickey, Esq.,
Carlotta M. Patten, Esq., Essex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Salem
Michael A. Sullivan, Esq., Middlesex Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Woburn

REGISTER HERE

Utilizing the services of the SEAM mentors Training
2024-04-03 13:00 - 14:00
SEAM mentors, Marianne Brown, is presenting a training for the Middlesex Bar on April 3rd to try and get more attorneys utilizing the services of the SEAM mentors. It will be presented on a Bench Bar Zoom supported by Judge Tan.

CLE: 1 CAFL & CAFL Appeals

Monthly CAFL Race Equity Drop-In
2024-04-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
April’s Race Equity Drop-In session will continue the discussion started at our March 20th training, Using Data in Litigating Race Part I: How to Find, Request, and Use Race Data to Advance Your Client’s Position. Join us on April 3rd, from 1-2PM as we lend more time to review and process what we have learned from lecturers Emma Knight, Data Coordinator and Paralegal with the Trial Panel Support Unit, and Cris and Debbie Freitas, partners at Freitas & Freitas, LLP, Lowell. We hope you come with any questions you may still have and feel free to share your experiences with how you may have used data in racial litigation.
Please consider these questions we will use to guide the conversation.

What questions do you still have about how to find data resources?
What ways have you already used data in litigating racial bias in court?
What legal issues have already been challenged using race data?
How would you go about this in the future?

If you have a question about using data to litigate racial issues in one of your cases, you can send it to us in advance (anonymously if you prefer) and we can brainstorm together at the drop-in. You can send us a short case description, along with any other questions in advance to cafltraining@publiccounsel.net.
If you are unable to attend the March 20th training, no worries! Everyone is welcome to attend and join what promises to be a very enriching conversation. Register Here. Approved for 1 CAFL CLE.

MCLE Toxicology for Lawyers: Drug & Alcohol Testing
2024-04-02 14:00 - 17:00
Understanding toxicological testing is becoming a necessary part of many legal practices. The goal of this training is to assist attorneys in learning how to read lab reports, interpret results, contest opposing counsel’s claims, read relevant scientific literature, and ultimately know when and how to consult with an expert. These skills are becoming more and more vital to the success of many cases in adult criminal or juvenile courts, child custody or other care and protection cases, violation of probation hearings, or other legal matters involving drug or alcohol evidence. The program focuses on addressing the testing of urine to monitor for drug and alcohol use, as well as the potential for more specialized testing of other sample types (hair, saliva, sweat, etc), along with the use of testing to claim impairment in other cases. The program includes a section on the legalization of marijuana and how that can affect legal cases.
Gaining this basic familiarity with the language of toxicological testing will allow an attorney to more accurately assess the allegations in their case and gauge the weight of relevant scientific evidence that can be brought into the court—resulting in enhanced research of specific issues and improved drafting of relevant motions and in asking for additional discovery.
Join our experts as we look at the fields of analytical chemistry, toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and statistics, and their roles in both criminal and care and protection cases. Learn how to evaluate the evidence, know when to obtain and use your own experts, and practical litigation tips.
–

Chair
Nathan Tamulis, Esq., Committee for Public Counsel Services, Boston
Faculty
Dr. Laura C. Green, Ph.D, D.A.B.T., Green Toxicology LLC, Brookline
Celeste Wareing, MS, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston

–

REGISTER HERE

ZOOMing Ahead: Mastering Online Client Interactions & Hearings
2024-03-29 14:00 - 16:00
•Review technical essentials: Camera,microphone, lighting, and background -filters, etc.
•Overcome Common Virtual Challenges•Conduct Effective Virtual Court Hearings
•Increase attorney skills through theintroduction of a practical session and Q&A.
2 CPCS MHLU CLE credit hours
Register Here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zooming-ahead-mastering-online-client-interactions-hearings-tickets-809682631547?aff=oddtdtcreator

Zealous Advocacy in the District Courts
2024-03-28 09:30 - 16:30, 2024-03-26 09:30 - 16:30
CPCS Bar Advocate Training Course for District Court Certification. This course is a hybrid of self-directed work and live session meetings. In order to be placed into the training program, an attorney must submit an application to both CPCS and to the County Bar Advocate Program they wish to practice from. Acceptance into a County Bar Advocate Program does not guarantee acceptance into the CPCS Training Program. The dates for this program are as follows:
February 23, 2023 (Welcome and Introduction to the course) 3:30-5:00 pm (Zoom)
February 26-March 1 (Self directed work on your own)
Live Session Meetings (various locations TBD)
March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, 2024
9:30 am to 4:30 pm (with exception of 3/5 which starts at 9:00 am).
Application is below:
CPCS Bar Advocate Training Application updated 9.2023

Bench/Bar Training
2024-03-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Salem Juvenile Court, 56 Federal St,, Salem, MA, 01970
The second Bench/Bar Training on March 27, 2024, at Salem Juvenile Court with the two-Family Resource Centers, in Salem and Lynn and the HealthLaw Advocates.
In-person training at Salem Juvenile Court, 56 Federal St, Salem, MA 01970
NOTE: 2 CLE credit for each webinar for attorneys on each of the following panels: CAFL, and CAFL Appeals.

DCF Records and SORB
2024-03-27 14:00 - 15:00
Zoom Webinar. This program qualifies for 1 CLE on the following CPCS panels: SORB/SDP, YAD Appeals, and CAFL.
Panelists: Pasqua Scibelli, Katharine Klubock, David Manza, and Cristina Iannello
REGISTER HERE

MCLE Protocols for Dealing with Pro Se Litigants in the Probate & Family Court
2024-03-27 12:00 - 13:00
The steep rise of pro se litigants, individuals who seek to represent themselves in court, forces lawyers to recalibrate their litigation approaches to account for the pro se litigant’s general unfamiliarity with court procedure, filings, discovery, and evidentiary rules. A good lawyer makes crucial changes to their strategy, including introductions, service, communications, presentation in court, and finalization of agreements.
Join our expert as we explore key differences between litigating against a represented party versus a pro se litigant, and adjustments the lawyer may need to make to ensure the case progresses smoothly and the client’s expectations are managed.
1 CLE credit for: Mental Health Trials
Register Here

This program is hosted by MCLE. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. customerservice@mcle.org. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.

IMPERILED BODIES Slavery, Colonialism, Citizenship and the Logics of Gender-Based Violence
2024-03-26 17:00 - 19:00
This interdisciplinary John F. Sawyer Seminar, supported by the Mellon Foundation, will explore gender-based violence and the abiding fiction that it is a natural and inevitable facet of the family, state, and nation. It will investigate the logics and mechanisms by which violence is woven into the ordinary and the institutional structures of heteropatriarchy, colonialism, imperialism, racism, and capitalism. In this sense, gender-based violence—whether physical or symbolic—is a constitutive act that defines belonging and exclusion. Intimately embedded in quotidian life, it often takes a singular event to disrupt the “normalcy” of gender-based violence and illuminate the routine harms that pervade our lives. This seminar will examine these ruptures in the logics of violence that “name the pain” (to quote bell hooks) and transform the law, the social imaginary, and material life. We must attend equally to the lived experience—that is, narratives not only about embodied violence, especially against specific gendered, racialized, and disabled subjects, but also acts of resistance through literature, art, and film that defy the forces that create imperiled bodies. Thus, this seminar addresses the affective dimension alongside the political and historical to elucidate the insidious nature of gender-based violence and to envision a future without it.
The seminar will bring together scholars of literature, history, art, and law to explore gender-based violence in the United States, Mexico and Central America, Jamaica and Trinidad, India, South Korea, and Israel/Palestine from the nineteenth century onward. The conjoined histories and afterlives of colonialism, slavery, war, colonial settlements, and more provide a theoretical vertebra for their varied, yet connected global trajectories. Drawing on the rich educational resources of metropolitan Boston, we will also partner with local and national organizations. The nine panel sessions spanning the 2023-2024 academic year and an associated exhibition will foster rich, intellectual collaborations, build on and help germinate new classes and programming in the ensuing years. The seminar coincides with the 75th anniversary of Brandeis University’s founding and the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Heller School for Social Policy and Management. It will amplify the social justice mission and history of the university with its long engagement with gender-based violence—from Pauli Murray (1968-73) to Anita Hill (1998-present).
2 CLE Credits for: MHLD Trials
Learn More & Register Here
This program is hosted by Imperiled Bodies. Any questions or issues regarding this program should be directed there. carmelohman@brandeis.edu. This event is being listed for informational purposes only. CPCS staff cannot assist with, or solve, registration issues.
