The Children's Justice Attorney Education Program equips attorneys with the knowledge, support, and professional community needed to serve children and families in juvenile court. Through specialized training, reflective practice, and ongoing mentorship, participants strengthen both their advocacy skills and long-term capacity for this work.
Choose Your Path
Attorney Education Fellowship
An immersive eight-month professional development program.
Alumni Training
Continued learning designed for Fellowship graduates.
Skills Training
Targeted educational opportunities focused on juvenile court advocacy and child welfare practice.
Interactive Workshops
Participate in four discussion-driven workshops focused on child welfare, juvenile justice, and effective advocacy.
Individualized Consultation
Access guidance from experienced attorneys, mental health professionals, and subject-matter experts.
Reflective Practice
Strengthen professional judgment, self-awareness, and resilience through facilitated discussion.
Ongoing Community
Build lasting professional relationships and stay connected through continued learning and support.
Program Logistics:
Eligibility
- Nebraska Licensure (or current pursuit of licensure)
- Legal practice in rural Nebraska (excluding Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy Counties)
- Commitment to participate in in-person workshops and ongoing virtual case consultations and reflective practice
Timeline
- January: CJAE Fellow application opens.
- March: CJAE Fellows announced.
- April-November: The Children's Justice Attorney Education Fellowship Program launches its first session in April and finishes in November.
2026 Schedule:
- April 22–24, 2026: Courtroom Advocacy Preparation Using a Trauma-Informed Lens
- June 17–19, 2026: Child Welfare Law: Informed and Compassionate Advocacy
- September 21–22, 2026: Understanding the Needs of, and Advocating for, Older Youth
- November 10–11, 2026: Understanding and Navigating Permanency in Child Welfare
Learning Format
- Four in-person workshops in Kearney
- Monthly reflective practice sessions
- Virtual case consultation
- CLE credit available
Cost & Support
The Children's Justice Attorney Education Fellowship Program is free to participants; in fact, we will pay you to complete the program. Attorney participants will receive $5000 for participation in the program in addition to mileage and lodging.
CJAE Alumni Course
Continuing the Journey
CJAE Alumni Course
From Insight to Impact: Understanding How Stories Elevate Advocacy
Designed exclusively for graduates of the Children's Justice Attorney Education Fellowship, this two day advanced training builds on foundational CJAE learning through deeper exploration of complex issues affecting juvenile court advocacy.
- Eligibility: CJAE Fellowship Program alumni only.
- Timeline: February 2027, Registration not currently open.
- Location: TBD
- Cost: Free, including food and lodging; Nebraska CLE credit included.
Three attorney roles. One realistic case. One immersive learning experience.
Designed for attorneys practicing in Nebraska's juvenile courts, this free two day skills training explores the distinct roles of Guardians ad Litem, parents' counsel, and county attorneys through one realistic juvenile court case. Whether you're new to juvenile court practice or a seasoned advocate, participants strengthen advocacy skills and professional judgment through collaborative exercises, strategy discussions, role-specific learning, and courtroom simulations.
Led by NCJC faculty and experienced juvenile court practitioners, the training provides practical tools that can be immediately applied in juvenile court. Guardians ad Litem who successfully complete the training satisfy Nebraska's GAL certification requirement.
- Eligibility: Attorneys and court stakeholders at all stages of practice.
- Timeline:
- Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., followed by a networking dinner.
- Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Arbor Suite, East Campus Union, Lincoln, Nebraska
- Cost: Free, including meals, networking dinner, and lodging. Nebraska CLE credit is included.