The Children’s Justice Attorney Education Fellowship was created to address a pressing reality: Nebraska simply does not have enough qualified attorneys to serve in juvenile court—especially in rural areas. The demands of juvenile court practice require more than a law degree; they require specialized training, multidisciplinary support, and emotional resilience. The CJAE Fellowship was designed to provide all three.
This 8-month fellowship prepares practicing attorneys to take on the complex and meaningful work of representing children, parents, and the state in juvenile court. Whether serving as a Guardian ad Litem, parent’s counsel, youth counsel, or prosecutor, Fellows leave the program with a deeper understanding of the law, stronger professional judgment, and a supportive network that extends well beyond their Fellowship year.
Launching in 2026: CJAE Alumni Course
From Insight to Impact: Understanding How Stories Elevate Advocacy
Launching in 2026, this free 1½-day advanced training is part of NCJC’s continued commitment to strengthening the practice of attorneys already working in Nebraska’s juvenile courts. Designed exclusively for graduates of the Children’s Justice Attorney Education Fellowship, this training builds on foundational CJAE content and offers deeper, practice-shaping exploration of complex issues.
Participants will engage in interactive large-group sessions and presentations covering advanced assessment practices, education rights, domestic violence dynamics, and considerations for juveniles who sexually harm. To reduce barriers to participation, NCJC covers all training costs—including meals and overnight lodging. Nebraska CLE credit will be available.
Training Details
Location & Timing
February 16, 2026 (10:00–5:00 PM) & February 17, 2026 (8:30–11:30 AM)
Kearney, Nebraska
Registration
Registration opens in December and is limited to CJAE alumni.
Cost
Free for CJAE alumni. Lodging and meals included.
CLEs
Nebraska CLE credit will be awarded for full participation.
What Makes CJAE Different?
Not a typical CLE. Not a one-size-fits-all training. The CJAE Fellowship offers a fully immersive experience designed for attorneys committed to improving juvenile court advocacy in their communities.
- Interactive Training Workshops: Fellows participate in four in-person workshops from April to November, each focused on key aspects of child welfare and juvenile justice. Training is active, discussion-driven, and grounded in real practice.
- Individualized Case Consultation: Each Fellow is paired with a multidisciplinary team that includes a seasoned juvenile court attorney and a licensed mental health practitioner. Fellows also have access to additional consultants with expertise in areas such as child development, trauma, and child welfare practice to help navigate complex case dynamics.
- Reflective Practice: Fellows engage in monthly reflective practice sessions facilitated by a trained practitioner. These small-group discussions create space to process challenging work, improve self-awareness, and build long-term sustainability in emotionally intensive legal practice.
- Ongoing Support and Community: The CJAE Fellowship creates lasting professional relationships. Alumni continue to benefit from advanced trainings, peer support, and consultation opportunities—strengthening juvenile court advocacy across Nebraska.
2026 Program Details
Timing
- 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.
Qualifications
- The Children's Justice Attorney Education Fellowship Program is open to those with licensure (or in current pursuit of licensure) to practice law in Nebraska.
- Legal practice in rural Nebraska (excluding Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy Counties).
- Commitment to participate in both in-person workshops and ongoing virtual case consultations and reflective practice.
Events
The majority of fellows’ expert case consultations and reflective practice sessions will be held virtually and scheduled around your availability. Fellows will also attend four in-person workshops, all hosted in Kearney:
- 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
Cost
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.