Director: Miriam Ruttenberg

The Mental Health Litigation Division is committed to protecting the legal and constitutional rights of citizens facing civil commitment to mental hospitals, guardianship and involuntary treatment including the administration of anti-psychotic medications. We do this through four staffed offices and a panel of private attorneys. All of our attorneys receive training in issues relating to mental health and the statutory and constitutional rights of our clients. We also provide training to attorneys in other divisions in mental health issues.

CPCS CERTIFICATION TRAINING TO REPRESENT PEOPLE FACING CIVIL COMMITMENT AND RELATED FORCED MEDICATION PETITIONS – FALL 2022

The Mental Health Litigation Division (MHLD) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services is seeking qualified attorneys to represent clients in civil commitment and forced medication cases in District and Boston Municipal Courts. In Massachusetts, people experiencing psychiatric distress can be involuntarily detained at psychiatric facilities, committed for up to six months or a year, and treated with anti-psychotic medications against their wishes. These substantial deprivations of liberty entitle people to court-appointed counsel to ensure that all their rights under the law are protected. Civil commitment cases offer frequent and fast-paced litigation experience, client contact, and the satisfaction of providing zealous client-centered advocacy to people who are marginalized because of their mental health challenges.

NEW INCENTIVE! CERTIFICATION PAYMENT: You will be eligible for a “Certification Payment” in the amount of $2,372.50 if you successfully complete the entire course, and within one year of completion you take at least ten (10) civil commitment cases and bill at least 200 hours.

Full announcement and application instructions here

Mental Health CLE programs

See our calendar here

CPCS CLE Submission Form (click to download form)