Persuasive Practice in Superior Court
2025-06-02 09:00 - 16:30, 2025-06-03 09:00 - 16:30, 2025-06-04 09:00 - 16:30, 2025-06-09 09:00 - 16:30, 2025-06-10 09:00 - 16:30, 2025-06-12 09:00 - 16:30 UTC
June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 12, 2025 (9:30 am to 4:30 pm)
Application Deadline: February 10, 2025
The CPCS Criminal Defense Trainers are accepting applications for Persuasive Practice in Superior Court, a program that focuses on criminal defense practice in the Superior Court. This course is open to all criminal defense attorneys at CPCS and to any Bar Advocates who wish to become certified for the Superior Court Panel. Coaching and training faculty will consist of criminal defense lawyers experienced in Superior Court Practice.
The stakes are much higher for clients who have been indicted, and there are important differences in Superior Court practice and District Court practice. The course will address procedural and substantive topics that every criminal defense lawyer practicing in Superior Court must know. Participants will also work on advanced trial advocacy skills in the context of cases commonly encountered in a Superior Court Practice.
The program will be held in two locations: Boston and Worcester.
Acceptance into the program is based on a number of factors, including geography.
Among other things, we plan to cover the following topics during the course:

Opening Statement, Cross Examination and Closing Argument in complex
Motion practice including the legal grounds and evidentiary basis for discovery of protected information under the Lampron/Dwyer seven step protocol to produce, inspect and use privileged records in court;
Grand jury proceedings, indictments, immunity issues;
Evidentiary and forensic issues involved in trying sexual assault allegations such as first complaint evidence, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) examinations, and DNA evidence, collateral consequences and
Issues in gang allegations;
Tips for creating and maintaining excellent relationships with clients in the high stress setting of a Superior Court case;
Procedural aspects of Superior Court practice, including the procedural life of a case;

Please note: there is homework assigned each night as part of this course.

WORDS MEAN THINGS: Racial Bias in the Language of Family Policing
2025-06-02 14:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
This January, CAFL Training hosted a Racial Justice Drop-In focusing on Race Bias in Language used in the family regulation context. We are following up on this rich discussion with Words Mean Things: Racial Bias in the Language of Family Policing with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Aleesha Young, LPC, PsyD, and Suffolk based family defense practitioner Attorney Laura Openshaw.
In this training, we hope to review and explore how often used language within DCF documents and practice functions to denigrate and belittle parents and how deeply imbedded social stereotypes perpetuate prejudice within family regulation cases. Dr. Young and Attorney Openshaw will provide a framework for identifying and challenging these biases in court practice. Please note that while this segment will focus on race bias, we understand how language can also be weaponized against age, disability, gender, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status and will approach this theme with that understanding.

Virtual MHLD Appellate Certification Training
2025-06-03 09:30 - 13:00, 2025-06-05 09:30 - 13:00, 2025-06-12 09:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Virtual MHLD Appellate Certification Training 9:30am – 1pm
More details TBD
Any questions, contact Karen Talley ktalley@publiccounsel.net

The New Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA): Implications for C&P cases
2025-06-03 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Need a refresher on parentage in C&Ps? Curious about how the new Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA) affects your advocacy? Open to all CAFL practitioners! The new MPA, effective January 1, 2025, updates our state law on establishing and recognizing legal parent-child relationships. The new law includes and protects more families and individuals, including LGBTQ+, families formed through assisted reproduction, and de facto parents. In this training we will briefly review the nuts of bolts of establishing parentage and then take a deeper dive into the changes and additions in the new MPA. We will conclude by discussing how the new MPA, and in particular the creation of a new cause of action for de factor parentage, is implicated in your daily C&P practice and litigation strategies. This training will be offered virtually on June 3, 2025, from 1p-2:30p, 1.5 CAFL CLEs.
Please register in advance: The Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA) Training Registration Page

Working with Social Service Experts on Parole Cases
2025-06-03 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
This training, presented by an attorney and social service expert duo, is open to already certified parole attorneys as well as social service experts who handle or are interested in handling parole cases.
1.5 CLEs for parole.
contact parole@publiccounsel.net for more information

Preparing for Trial - Spring 2025
2025-06-04 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Zoom
Orientation

Enhancing Representation of People with Disabilities and Deaf People: A Three-Part Webinar Series
2025-06-05 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
A Three-Part Virtual Training: May 21, 28 and June 5, 2025
People with disabilities and Deaf people are arrested and incarcerated at vastly higher rates than people without disabilities. Although psychiatric disabilities (mental illnesses) are often included in discussions about mass incarceration and criminal legal reforms, other types of disabilities – such as sensory, cognitive, and physical disabilities – and Deaf communities have been overlooked. The Criminal Defense Trainers are proud to partner with Activating Change and the Disability Law Center of Massachusetts to announce a three-part virtual training on this Important topic.
Part 1: May 21 Kaitlin Kall & Kate Pollack of Activating Change will provide context to the mass incarceration of Deaf people and people with disabilities and unapck some of the barriers faced by these communities in interacting with the criminal legal system.
Part 2: May 28 Kaitlin Kall & Kate Pollack of Activating Change will provide strategies to enhance universal access for clients, including approaches for communicating about and securing accomodations for people who are Deaf or have disabilities.
Part 3: June 5 Justin Woolf & Alison Fondo of the Disability Law Center of Massachusetts will discuss MA specific accomodations and the legal framework for making accomodation requests.
*note each session of this program qualifies for 1.5 CLE on the following CPCS Panels: CAFL(Trial & Appeals); Criminal Defense Adult (Trial & Appeals); YAD (Trial & Appeals); SDP; SORB; Parole; Medical Parole
REGISTER HERE

MHLD Symposium
2025-06-06 08:30 - 17:30 UTC
CPCS MENTAL HEALTH LITIGATION DIVISION
PRESENTS A DAY-LONG SYMPOSIUM
June 6, 2025
8:00am – 5:30pm

A Seat at the Medical Table:
Exploring New & Available Treatment Approaches

We will bring you experts and those with lived experience on cutting edge
psychiatric and medical treatment
Meet your colleagues and make new connections!
CPCS Worcester Training Center: 120 Front Street, 3rd floor
Virtual option also available
Join other members of the Mental Health community – advocates, clinicians, judges and activists – we will discuss innovative approaches to treatment including and beyond the medical model to maximize our clients’ choices and ability to sit at their own medical table and participate in treatment.

The Keynote speaker will be Courtney Bergan, a former MHLD client, now a lawyer, advocate, and Equal Justice Works Fellow at Disability Rights Maryland. Here is her article: A Human Rights Based Approach to Treatment
The Agenda details other panelists including those practicing critical psychiatry, anti-racist psychiatry, metabolic and nutritional psychiatry, harm reduction and activists who will enlighten us on transformative approaches.

Lunch will be provided so we hope you will join us in person.
Don’t wait to reserve your seat, space is limited.
Register today!
MHLD Symposium Tickets
When registering, you will be asked to specify preference for joining in-person or remotely
Any Questions?
Email Beau Kealy bkealy@publiccounsel.net or Laura Sanford lsanford@publiccounsel.net

The Lawyer Well-Being Series - Lawyers and Suicide Prevention
2025-06-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Date & Time: Monday, June 9, 2025 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. ET
Webinar Fee: This a free program.
Online only.
CPCS approved 1.0 credits for the CAFL (Trial and Appeals), and Mental Health panels. YAD Trial and Appeals, CAFL Trial and Appeals, SDP/SORB, MH Trials and Appeals, Criminal Trial and Appeals, and Parole/Medical Parole panels. To receive credits attendees must be logged on during the program for a minimum of 80% of the conference time – certificates will be emailed to all attendees who qualify.
presented by
The Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being, the Social Law Library, and Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

Faculty
Jeffrey Fortgang, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
Dr. Jeffrey Fortgang will review key aspects of what we know about suicide, in general and specifically in lawyers, including:

The extent to which attorneys, in comparison to those in other professions and occupations, are at especially high risk for depression and suicide.
What aspects of the world that lawyers navigate may contribute to depression and to likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions.
What risk factors play a role in predicting an individual’s suicide potential, including those that may be inherent in the legal profession.
Whether and how colleagues, friends, and family can respond when concerned about an individual’s state of mind and safety.

Register Here
Online registration is encouraged. For assistance, questions on group discounts, accommodations requests, special billing, program content, out-of-state CLE credits, and general contact CLE Coordinator, Michael Saporito by email at msaporito@socialaw.com. Registrations accepted in order of receipt. Registration fees are non-refundable. Most Social Law Library CLE events are recorded and recordings are sent to all who are registered. The recording is available by digital download, generally within a week after the program date. CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when the live webinar is attended.

Trauma Training Presentation
2025-06-09 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Worcester Law Library, 184 Main St,, Worcester, MA, 01608
Diane Lanni and Erin McGlynn, trauma coaches at the UMass FaCES Clinic, will be presenting a training on trauma, including invisible suitcase, cognitive triangle, intergenerational trauma and the affiliate response. They will also discuss the FaCES Clinic and the services they provide. Take this opportunity to understand how trauma impacts each of our court involved clients, and how we can assist them. Approved for 2 CAFL CLEs. Join us at the Worcester Law Library, Room 504.
TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT PLEASE EMAIL: wcomeau165@gmail.com

Preparing for Trial - Spring 2025
2025-06-09 13:00 - 16:30, 2025-06-12 13:00 - 16:30, 2025-06-16 13:00 - 16:30 UTC | Zoom

Virtual MHLD Appellate Certification Training
2025-06-10 09:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
SAVE THE DATE: Virtual MHLD Appellate Certification Training 9:30am – 1pm
More details TBD
Any questions, contact Karen Talley ktalley@publiccounsel.net

Webinar: Application of the ICPC to Parents Under Recent Caselaw and the New Proposed Rule
2025-06-12 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Presenters: Abigail Salois & Amy Karp
Do you represent a parent who lives in another state, or a child whose parent lives outside Massachusetts? If so, then you’ve probably heard about the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. Over the years, there has been great controversy about whether the ICPC applies to parents. Two recent Massachusetts cases, Adoption of Knox and Adoption of Xaden, helped to clarify the issue. But more recently, the Juvenile Court has proposed a new rule that threatens to undermine the constitutional protections set out in Knox and Xaden. In this webinar, we will provide an overview of the ICPC and its application to parents, review the leading appellate cases, and discuss the new proposed Juvenile Court Rule 22 and how attorneys can address the rule, if it’s adopted. Approved for 2 CAFL CLEs.

Creating Boundaries to Support Resilience and Hope - CPCS Wellness Committee Spring Wellness Workshop
2025-06-13 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Creating Boundaries to Support Resilience and Hope
The CPCS Wellness Committee along with LCL clinician, Dr. Jeff Fortgang, virtually present an interactive workshop on June 13th from 11am-1pm
Join us to explore the following topics, and more:

Creating hope in a time of uncertainty – boundaries help us to feel a sense of control & agency
Recognizing our own capacity to be resilient with boundaries.
No is a complete sentence! Setting boundaries is necessary to be effective and to sustain ourselves in our work and personal lives.

Here is the link to register in advance for this program:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jRQE3lUtTeuqZCFDZ6ezUQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Contact: CPCS Wellness co-chairs: Beau Kealy bkealy@publiccoounsel.net and Maeve Edwards medwards@publiccounsel.net with questions.

Preparing for Trial - Spring 2025
2025-06-18 13:00 - 16:30 UTC | Zoom
Registration for this training will be posted winter 2025!

Evidence Series - Qualifying Expert
2025-06-18 14:00 - 15:00 UTC
PRESENTER: Olivia Mercadante, CPCS Criminal Defense Training Staff Attorney
You’ve worked so hard to keep out their experts but never put your own expert on the stand? Learn how to qualify your first expert or get a refresher on how to qualify your next one.
1 CLE credit for this webinar for attorneys on each of the following panels: Criminal Defense Trials (Adult), Post-Conviction (Adult); YAD, YAD Appeals, Mental Health (Trials), Mental Health Appeals, Parole, CAFL, SORB/SDP
REGISTER HERE

Medical Parole Certification
2025-06-18 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
This training will provide a walk through of medical parole representation as a companion to the practice’s performance standards. The training is open to only those who have been accepted to take medical parole cases. Interested attorneys can contact the parole unit at parole@publiccounsel.net.

2 CLEs for medical parole

Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
2025-06-18 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
Presents
The Weight of Clients’ Experiences:
Vicarious Trauma in the Legal Profession

Webinar/Panel Discussion
Wednesday, June 18th
4pm-5:30 pm (EST)
via Zoom
Attorneys are frequently exposed to the trauma of others—through client stories, case files, and legal advocacy—which can result in vicarious trauma, the emotional and psychological residue of being exposed to the pain and suffering of others. This important webinar will explore how vicarious trauma impacts legal professionals, offer practical guidance for managing its effects and hear from those with lived experience.

Terminating and Limiting Guardianships
2025-06-20 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
BE THE TERMINATOR – TERMINATING AND LIMITING GUARDIANSHIPS

JUNE 20, 2025 – 2-4 PM
2 CLEs
· Your client has a right to have their guardianship reviewed, limited, and terminated.
· What steps do you need to take to say “Hasta la vista” to a guardianship?
· What forms need to be complete and what obstacles might you encounter?
· What changes are coming with the new office of Office of Adult Guardianship and Conservatorship Oversight
This program will be offered in the meeting room at CPCS offices in Northampton (109 Main Street, Ste 201 – enter on Gothic Street) Please send me an e-mail to let me know you will attend. Contact: Deborah Hill Stevens, Esq. dhsesq84@comcast.net
Click Here for More Information

Talking About SOGI: what every juvenile court practitioner needs to know
2025-06-24 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Understanding how our clients identify is critical to the provision of zealous, client-centered advocacy. But how do we talk to clients about their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)when the world is not a safe place? This interactive webinar will provide strategies to create safe spaces when interacting with clients, ensure clients understand how their SOGI information will be used, identify who should have access to this information, and more. Bring your lunch, your ideas, and your questions! Approved for 1.5 CLE – CAFL & YAD.
Flyer – Talking About SOGI for CAFL YAD – June 24 2025

Lunchtime CLE with Appeals Court Justice Andrew D'Angelo
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Please join us on Thursday, June 26 at noon for a lunchtime CLE session with Andrew D’Angelo, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Justice D’Angelo joined the court in 2022 after serving as a Justice in the District Court since 2006. Prior to taking the bench, Justice D’Angelo worked as an attorney in private practice.

If you have any particular questions you would like to submit ahead of time, please send them to mharper-nixon@publiccounsel.net

REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HqXwDSZtRp2hmJcsvqNcOw

*Note this program qualifies for 1 CLE on the following CPCS Panels: Post-Conviction(Adult); YAD Appeals; MH Appeals; Parole; Medical Parole; CAFL (Trials and Appeals); SORB; SDP
