CPCS Website

MHLD Racial Bias & Cultural Competency Working Group Meeting
2026-01-09 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
MHLD Racial Bias & Cultural Competency Working Group Meeting

January 9, 2026

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Register in advance for this meeting here.

Regional Wellness Chat – Boston (Federal Street)
2026-01-11 13:00 - 14:00
Please RSVP by emailing bkealy@publiccounsel.net

1 CLE Approved for: CAFL, YAD Trials & Appeals, Criminal Trials, MH Trials & Appeals

Appellate Panel Certification Training | Orientation
2026-01-13 16:00 - 17:00
Appellate Panel Certification Training Orientation
Registration Fee: $250.00
More information to follow.

Special Project Brainstorm Session
2026-01-21 13:00 - 14:00
Lunch Hour Special Project Brainstorm Sessions (on Zoom)
Rule 30 motions for former clients of Atty Richard Doyle
Get updates on the latest litigation and decisions regarding the conflict of interest claims of former clients of Atty Doyle, who posted to social media hateful comments, which were racist, anti-Muslim, anti-immigrants, anti-trans and homophobic. Learn how you might be able to vacate a conviction, especially for clients burdened by immigration or other collateral consequences or sentencing enhancements.
Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88319491557?pwd=[REDACTED]

ELIGIBLE FOR 1 HOUR CLE CREDIT FOR TRIAL AND APPELLATE PANELS *
*Please be aware attorneys may earn a maximum of 4 CLE credits for
“Brainstorming Sessions”

Parental Capacity for Lawyers
2026-01-22 13:30 - 16:30
Parental Capacity for Lawyers
What is “parental capacity”? How is it evaluated? What is your role?
Licensed psychologist Dr. Ronald Molin (you might know him from last year’s But Why? Communicating & Collaborating With Kids About Being in Care training) will walk us through the uses and limits of parental capacity evaluations in state intervention cases, appropriate evaluation questions, the evaluation process, and best evaluation practices. We’ll also cover what to do after the evaluation is complete, with tips for reading reports critically and challenging adverse findings.
January 22, 2026, 1:30-4:30pm, on Zoom
This webinar is approved for 3 CAFL CLEs

JANUARY MHLD RED (Race, Equity and Diversity) Talk
2026-01-23 12:00 - 13:00
January 23, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Virtual Event
Drop-in Lunch & Learn to build on other recent race trainings and support you in your MHLD practice!
THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES FOR 1 CLE ON THE MHLD TRIAL & APPEALS PANEL
Bring your lunch and come join your colleagues on MHLD staff and panel to talk informally and brainstorm about raising race in our cases. Do you believe that your client’s mental health treatment, admission to a facility or petition for commitment/guardianship is being impacted by racial bias?
This is also a chance to case crunch your cases with your colleagues over lunch!
Come join us!
Please use the link below to register in advance.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/TN5IXM39QL6q8Jj7bfaxhA

Appellate Panel Certification Training
2026-01-27 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-29 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-03 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-05 09:00 - 13:00
Appellate Panel Certification Training
Registration Fee: $250.00
More information to follow.

Crim-Imm Update: What criminal defense attorneys need to know about changes to immigration law
2026-01-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Eileen Morrison from CPCS’s Immigration Impact Unit will provide criminal defense attorneys with practical information and updates regarding relevant changes to immigration law, policy, and practice under the current Administration. The training will focus on how changes to immigration law impact noncitizen criminal defendants in Massachusetts and, more broadly, will offer take-aways relevant to all clients.

*This program qualifies for 1 CLE on the following CPCS Panels: Criminal Defense Trials (Adult); Post-Conviction (Adult); CAFL; YAD Appeals; MH Appeals; SORB/SDP;

REGISTER HERE:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_VTHuSb2SCaTGojYwcJEtQ

after registering, you will receive a confirmation from Zoom with join link.

Are You In or are you Out or are you Under the Bus?
2026-01-28 13:00 - 16:00
ARE YOU IN OR ARE YOU OUT OR ARE YOU UNDER THE BUS?
A Training held Virtually
Join Deborah Hill-Stevens (RC for Berkshire/Hampden Counties) and John O. Mitchell (RC for Bristol County)
January 28, 2026, from 1 PM to 4 PM
(2 CLEs)
The first two hours are the training with John and Deborah where they will discuss when representation of our clients begins and ends. They will also discuss how to properly withdraw from a case, how to handle being terminated by a client and how to handle the sometimes confusing position of being appointed stand-by counsel.
At this training:

You will gain an understanding of the intersection between the Rules of Professional Conduct and the requirements of CPCS Assigned Counsel Manual’s Performance Standards when you are:

Seeking to withdraw from a case,
Are being fired by your client,
And/or when you have been asked by the court to act as standby counsel

We will be discussing several hypotheticals, and actions you can take when faced with the termination of your representation.
Prior to the training, feel free to submit any examples of these situations you have encountered.

During the third hour, John will hold a meeting for Bristol County members of the mental health panel. We will address several important issues specific to Bristol County. (1 credit for Bristol County attorneys)
Register in advance for this meeting here.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

POSTPONED - CPCS MHLD 2026 Commitment Bring Back
2026-01-30 09:30 - 12:30
CPCS MHLD 2026 Commitment Bring Back
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO FEBRUARY 20th, 2026 – 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Attorneys gather to share insights and experiences in Civil Commitment cases, and hone trial skills to build community.

We are delighted to announce the return of the CPCS MHLD Civil Commitment Bring Back event. This exclusive occasion will provide an opportunity for collaborative discussion about the challenges, triumphs, and experiences encountered in our commitment cases as well as substantive learning and concrete trial skills development.
This unique gathering is open to all attorneys, but attorneys who have successfully completed the Civil Commitment Certification within the last five years will be given priority for attendance.
Please register at the link here. Your registration will also help our team choose what topics to cover inside of this training.
Location: CPCS 75 Federal St Office, 5th Floor, Conference Room A/B
This event counts for three (3) CLEs for MHLD Trial attorneys.

Mental Health Awareness Training presented by Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
2026-01-30 14:00 - 15:00
Mental Health Awareness Training presented by Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.
Friday, January 30, 2026
2:00 PM 3:00 PM
WE INVITE ALL CPCS STAFF TO ATTEND THE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING SESSION PRESENTED BY LCL’S CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS, DR. TRACEY MEYERS AND DR. SHAWN HEALY.
Employees will learn firsthand how to recognize some of the most common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and burnout among themselves and their colleagues. In addition, LCL will cover topics such as substance misuse, cognitive decline, and life stressors. Resources will be provided to support employees through these challenges.
Register here.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact HR.

Get Schooled with EdLaw
2026-02-02 08:00 - 17:00
Please join the EdLaw Project on Monday, February 2, 2026, for the next session of Get Schooled with EdLaw: “My Client is in DCF Custody – What do I Need to Know About Education Law?” Come learn how being in DCF custody impacts your client’s education, along with advocacy tips to help your client navigate school stability, special education and school discipline issues while in custody. Register for this and upcoming sessions here.

POSTPONED Due to Weather: Beyond the Verdict: A Trial Attorney’s Guide to Post-Conviction Review
2026-02-02 09:00 - 17:00 | Worcester Training Center, 120 Front Street, Worcester, MA, 01608, United States
RESCHEDULED to June 25, 2026
POSTPONED Due to Weather
Description: Join us on February 2, 2026, at the CPCS Worcester Training Center, 120 Front Street, Worcester, MA 01608, for a full-day training program designed specifically for trial attorneys to better understand the interplay of trial and post-conviction advocacy. This program will demystify ineffective assistance of counsel claims by providing a clear, practical understanding of Rule 30 motions, the post-conviction process and the role of post-conviction counsel. Through plenary sessions, targeted breakouts, and practice-oriented panels, the training will clarify how post-conviction litigation unfolds, outline reasonable expectations for trial counsel, and offer concrete tools for documentation, investigation, and discovery. Participants will gain actionable insights to support informed decision-making at the trial stage, strengthen litigation practices, and better anticipate how trial work intersects with post-conviction review.
CLE credit will be available. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged.

MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
2026-02-03 10:00 - 15:00
MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
Date: 2/3/2025
In-Person – Federal St.
10 AM – 3 PM
Details TBD

MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
2026-02-06 13:00 - 16:00
MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
Date: 2/6/2025
Remote Through Zoom
Details TBD

MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
2026-02-10 13:00 - 16:00
MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
Date: 2/10/2025
Remote Through Zoom
1 PM – 4 PM
Details TBD

MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
2026-02-13 13:00 - 16:00
MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
Date: 2/13/2025
Remote Through Zoom
1 PM – 4 PM
Details TBD

Active Listening Training: The Lost Art of Listening “Speak Less. Understand More”
2026-02-17 13:00 - 16:00
Active Listening Training: The Lost Art of Listening “Speak Less. Understand More.”
February 17th from 1:00 PM –4:00 PM on Zoom.
Join Regional Coordinators Hipolito Baez (Hampshire/Franklin Counties, Valerie Rust (Suffolk County) and Susan OLeary (Plymouth/Barnstable Counties) for a virtual training about how to be an active listener.
This training is worth 3.0 CLEs for Mental Health Litigation and MHLD Appeals
After the training you will be able to:
· Demonstrate active listening techniques—including paraphrasing, reflecting, reflecting feelings and asking follow up questions to improve understanding and reduce miscommunication;
· Identify common barriers to active listening (such as assumptions, distractions and emotional triggers) and apply strategies to overcome these barriers; and
· Practice and apply active listening in various scenarios, showing improved empathy, rapport-building and effective response skills.
Please register in advance here.

CPCS MHLD 2026 Commitment Bring Back
2026-02-20 09:30 - 12:30
CPCS MHLD 2026 Commitment Bring Back

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM JANUARY 30th, 20226

Attorneys gather to share insights and experiences in Civil Commitment cases, and hone trial skills to build community.

We are delighted to announce the return of the CPCS MHLD Civil Commitment Bring Back event. This exclusive occasion will provide an opportunity for collaborative discussion about the challenges, triumphs, and experiences encountered in our commitment cases as well as substantive learning and concrete trial skills development.
This unique gathering is open to all attorneys, but attorneys who have successfully completed the Civil Commitment Certification within the last five years will be given priority for attendance.
Please register at the link here. Your registration will also help our team choose what topics to cover inside of this training.
Location: CPCS 75 Federal St Office, 5th Floor, Conference Room A/B
This event counts for three (3) CLEs for MHLD Trial attorneys.

MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
2026-02-24 10:00 - 15:00
MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
Date: 2/24/2025
10 AM – 3 PM
Worcester Office
In-Person
Details TBD

Fair Hearings: Administrative Challenges to DCF Decisions
2026-02-24 13:00 - 14:00
Fair Hearings: Administrative Challenges to DCF Decisions

February 24, 2026
1:00-2:00pm
1 CAFL CLE
Presented by Megan Deeley, CAFL Litigation Support Attorney (mdeeley@publiccounsel.net)
Learn how to challenge clinical and administrative decisions by DCF with this overview of the fundamentals of Fair Hearings, including how to appeal adverse hearing decisions to superior court. Fair hearings are an important tool for any CAFL trial or pre-petition attorney that can lead to real, tangible results for parent, children, and young adult clients.
Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Jb32qApxTu69gPUVyTIMvg

Racial Justice Mentors Case Crunch
2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:00
The next Racial Justice Mentors Case Crunch will be February 26, 1:00-2:00pm.
Do you have a case where you are encountering Cultural Bias? Come talk about how to challenge these biases in and out of court.
Please send questions to the facilitators ahead of time if possible. Facilitator: Noor Kazmi noorkazmilaw@gmail.com. Approved for 1 CAFL CLE. Register Here

Common Objections and Where to Make Them
2026-02-26 16:30 - 17:30
What: “Common Objections and Where to Make Them”
When: Feb 26, 2026 04:30 PM
Description: Judge Susan McNeil of the Haverhill District will provide a refresher on common objections during commitment hearings and her views on when to make them. She will answer questions that are put in the chat during the meeting from participants. Judge McNeil was a litigator for many years prior to her becoming a judge. She has heard numerous commitment cases. Objectives: After attending this training and hearing a view from the bench, participants will be able to:

Identify how to be vigilant in preserving the record with the use of objections

Describe effective objections to make during commitment hearings.

Please register in advance at this link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2mEKogHVRQak-rTC7JcBUg

MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
2026-02-27 10:00 - 15:00
MHLD – Guardianship Certification Course
Date: 2/27/2025
10 AM – 3 PM
In-Person – Federal St.
Details TBD

Get Schooled with EdLaw
2026-03-02 15:00 - 17:00
Meeting Registration – Zoom

March Madness
2026-03-04 13:00 - 14:00
Session 1: The Basics in Finding, Retaining, and Drafting an Expert Witness Disclosure (Wednesday March 4, 2026, from 1-2pm)
Upcoming Sessions:
Session 2: Qualifying the Expert Witness (Tuesday March 10, 2026, from 1-2pm)
Session 3: Eliciting the Expert Opinion (Wednesday March 18, 2026, from 1-2pm)
Session 4: Challenging Experts and Techniques for Dealing with Difficult Experts on Cross Exam (Tuesday March 24, 2026, from 1-2pm)

YAD - Search, Seizure, & Statements in School
2026-03-04 13:30 - 15:00
Search, Seizure, & Statements in School
March 4, 2026
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Register Here
Remote Training Through Zoom
