CPCS Website

FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and Advocating for your Client
2024-05-09 15:00 - 16:00 UTC | 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

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

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

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

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)

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

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.

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)

CPCS Appellate Brief Writing Workshop
2024-05-06 09:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-09 09:00 - 16:00

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 | 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

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.
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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

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REGISTER HERE
