Trial Skills Training for Juvenile Dependency Court Appointed Counsel

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS
JUDICIAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
REGARDING:
TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT
APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP# CFCC-2026-02-AC
PROPOSALS DUE:
March 23, 2026, NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. PACIFIC TIME
1 rev December 2025

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1.1 The Judicial Council of California (Council), chaired by the Chief Justice of
California, is the chief policy making agency of the California judicial system.
The California Constitution directs the Council to improve the administration of
justice by surveying judicial business, recommending improvements to the courts,
and making recommendations annually to the Governor and the Legislature. The
Council also adopts rules for court administration, practice, and procedure, and
performs other functions prescribed by law. The Judicial Council's Center for
Families, Children and the Courts (CFCC) supports programs in court settings
that improve practice and services for children, youth, parents, families and other
court users.
1.2 Children in California who are parties to dependency proceedings are appointed
legal counsel by the court, and parents who are parties are frequently appointed
legal counsel by the court. Court-appointed dependency counsel is a state funded
cost and administered through the Judicial Council of California. Counsel is
provided by numerous firms and local practitioners in the state. There are
approximately 1,000 dependency attorneys practicing in California. The Center
for Families, Children & the Courts provides training and technical assistance for
court appointed dependency counsel, the courts and other justice system partners
to improve skills that will lead to better outcomes for children and families.
1.3 This request seeks proposals for an entity to enter into a contract with the Judicial
Council to develop and deliver a two-day twelve-hour total trial skills curriculum
in San Francisco for 50 dependency attorneys who represent children and parents
(Year 1). At the Council's discretion, this contract may be extended for two
additional one-year terms (Year 2 and Year 3). During each of these terms, the
recipient of the contract would provide two training courses similar to the training
provided in Year 1, with the following caveat. One of the trainings in the second
optional year may be at the conference known as "Beyond the Bench", which is
described in more detail in 2.3, below. The training locations shall be chosen by
the Council and are intended to be accessible to attorneys across California. The
outcome sought is improved representation of children and parents in California.
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES
2.1 Introduction
The Judicial Council of California seeks the services of an entity with expertise in
trial skills training to provide training for court appointed dependency attorneys to
improve their confidence, effectiveness and advocacy when representing children.
The successful candidate will have been trained through the National Institute of
2 rev December 2025

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
Trial Advocacy and provide these trainings in a similar format. The training must
be conducted in a format that is highly interactive and participatory with
opportunities for attendees to practice and receive individual feedback from the
instructor(s). The funding available for this project is $50,000 for Year 1, $80,000
for Year 2 and $80,000 for Year 3, if option years 2 and 3 are executed. The
funding shall include all expenses associated with faculty travel and deliverables.
Funding is not to be used for attendee travel, or other benefits beyond providing
the training to attendees at no cost. The work for Year 1 is expected to begin on
April 15, 2026, and the first training shall be completed by June 30, 2026.
2.2 General Scope of Services Requirements
2.2.1 The training curriculum must contain two parts: 1) be focused and suitable
for attorneys recently admitted to the state bar; and 2) be focused and
suitable for attorneys who have already had some training or on the job
experience in trial skills. The Contractor shall not charge attendees to
attend a training.
2.2.2 The training content must cover advanced trial skills, including but not
limited to: Welfare and Institutions Code 355 hearsay exception and
limits thereof, general testimonial evidentiary objections, how to introduce
writings into evidence, qualifying witnesses as experts, and identifying
issues and knowing appropriate timelines for writs and appeals. These
skills shall be presented as means to adhere to reunification timelines and
establishing adequate records for an appeal.
2.2.3 The Proposer's training method and content should be designed to
improve the following skills: case analysis, direct examination, cross
examination, examination of experts and other witnesses, arguments, use
of exhibits and advanced knowledge of and securing strong records for
appeals process.
2.2.4 The Proposer's training method and content must include facilitation of
optional post-training mentoring for more experienced attorneys to serve
as mentors to less experienced attorneys attending the training.
2.2.5 The training program must include a significant amount of participatory
activity and include a method for practice and individual feedback from
the instructor(s).
2.2.6 The training program must include different methods for discussion that
would include audio/visual vignettes, as well as case studies, other written
materials, handouts and job-aids.
2.2.7 The training program must have an evaluative component.
3 rev December 2025

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
2.2.8 Contractor will provide faculty including subcontracting with faculty
when necessary. Faculty will be experienced professionals in their area of
training.
2.2.9 Contractor will secure and pay for all training venues, logistical costs such
as audiovisual equipment and wireless services, and catering costs for
participants.
2.2.10 Contractor will secure and pay for catering. Catering must include lunch
for participants.
2.2.11 Contractor will provide adequate marketing to ensure registration between
a minimum of 20 and up to 50 participants at each training and a mix of
disciplines represented by the participants.
2.2.12 Judicial Council will assist in marketing by disseminating training
information to attorneys statewide.
2.2.13 Contractor will provide registration software, registration services and
other logistical support to participants.
2.2.14 Contractor will provide all written and printed materials required at
training, including handouts/job-aids for each topic under 2.2.2, subject to
Council approval.
2.2.15 Contractor will provide on-site coordination services including
coordination with the venue staff, the faculty, caterers and participants.
2.2.16 Contractor will provide and or assist the Judicial Council in providing
continuing education units for attorneys and other professional credits.
2.2.17 Contractor will administer course evaluations and give the evaluations to
the Judicial Council.
2.3 Tasks and Deliverables.
The Judicial Council anticipates the following major tasks and specific deliverables in
connection with the scope of services described in this Request for Proposal (RFP).
Without changing the Deliverables, the Proposer should correct, validate and expand on
the tasks, as deemed necessary or desirable by the Proposer.
2.3.1 Task 1 - Curriculum Development and Program Presentation (Year 1)
2.3.1.1 Review information about California court appointed attorneys for
children and parents.
4 rev December 2025

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
2.3.1.2 Deliverable 1: Meet with and obtain input from CFCC
dependency attorneys on needs, gaps, objectives and outcomes for
this project. Due Date: April 24, 2026.
2.3.1.3 Incorporate content to build skills as described in 2.2.2 and the
following areas: case analysis, direct examination, cross
examination, examination of experts and other witnesses,
arguments, use of exhibits and advanced knowledge of and
securing strong records for appeals process.
2.3.1.4 Design and develop the curriculum that shall include
competencies, objectives, outline and agenda with content to be
covered, instructor training or lesson plan that includes key points
for each learning objective, and participant materials, power point
presentations and other multi-media presentations or training
methods, exercises, hypotheticals, case studies, practice
opportunities with direct and immediate individual
feedback/critique, participant evaluation forms and other handouts.
2.3.1.5 Consult with CFCC attorneys and those designated by CFCC to
give input. Make modifications to curriculum based on feedback
from CFCC dependency attorneys.
2.3.1.6 Deliverable 2: Complete curriculum package, which the Judicial
Council will receive copies of and be able to use for future
trainings, including all items mentioned above, 30 days prior to the
first scheduled training event to provide JCC staff with an
opportunity to review and collaborate on any needed changes.
Due date: May 1, 2026
2.3.1.7 Deliverable 3: Deliver a two-day twelve-hour total curriculum to
25 to 50 child or parent attorneys at the Council's office in San
Francisco. Due date: June 30, 2026.
2.3.2 Task 2 - Program presentations (Year 2 and Year 3)
2.3.2.1 Consult with CFCC attorneys to incorporate any desired changes
to the two-day twelve-hour total curriculum based on feedback
after Deliverable 2.
2.3.2.2 Deliverable 4, Deliverable 5 (Year 2) and Deliverable 6 and
Deliverable 7 (Year 3), shall be the reproduction of Deliverable
3, which includes but is not limited to: schedule and coordinate
logistics, including registration, reproduction and assembly of
program materials for instructors and participants and any other
tasks necessary to reproduce Deliverable 3. This also includes any
5 rev December 2025

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
changes from 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.2.4 and shall be at locations selected
by Judicial Council staff.
2.3.2.3 Review feedback from evaluations and debrief with Judicial
Council staff
2.3.2.4 Revise curriculum package as required by Judicial Council.
2.3 (a) Deliverable 6a- Beyond the Bench Presentation (Optional)
At the Council's request, in lieu of Deliverable 6 develop a one-day six-
hour advanced trial skills curriculum to present as a pre or post-conference
seminar at the 2027 Beyond the Bench conference. Proposer to provide
estimated funding needed for this option in its proposal, which should call
out which items in 2.2 wouldn't need funding. Funding finalization would
be discussed in Year 2 and if the Council elects to extend the contract to
Year 3, the option of Deliverable 6 or 6a would be selected and funding
agreed upon within the extension documentation for Year 3.
3.0 TIMELINE FOR THIS RFP
The Judicial Counsil has developed the following list of key events related to this RFP.
All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the JBE.
EVENT DATE
RFP issued March 4, 2026
Deadline for questions
March 12, 2026
Solicitations@jud.ca.gov
Questions and answers posted
https://courts.ca.gov/policy-
March 18, 2026
administration/bidders-solicitations
(estimate only)
Latest date and time proposal may be
submitted March 23, 2026
Solicitations@jud.ca.gov
Evaluation of proposals (estimate
only) March 25, 2026 - April 1, 2026
Notice of Intent to Award (estimate only) April 3, 2026
Negotiations and execution of contract
To be completed by April 10, 2026
(estimate only)
Contract start date (estimate only) April 15, 2026
6 rev December 2025

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
EVENT DATE
Contract end date (estimate only) June 30, 2026
4.0 RFP ATTACHMENTS
The following attachments are included as part of this RFP:
7 rev December 2025

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
ATTACHMENT DESCRIPTION
Attachment 1: These rules govern this solicitation.
Administrative Rules
Governing RFPs (Non-IT
Services)
Attachment 2: If selected, the person or entity submitting a proposal (the
Judicial Council Standard "Proposer") must sign a Judicial Council of California
Terms and Conditions Standard Agreement (the "Terms and Conditions"). If
exceptions are identified or additional provisions proposed,
the Proposer must also submit a red-lined version of the
Terms and Conditions that clearly identifies the benefit to
the Judicial Branch from the proposed changes and
provides a written explanation or rational for each
proposed change.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this RFP, the
Judicial Council reserves the right, at its discretion, to
negotiate any or all items with individual Proposers,
including the right to propose or require additional terms
and conditions for the agreement prior to agreement
execution.
Attachment 3: Proposer's On this form, the Proposer must indicate acceptance of the
Acceptance of Terms and Terms and Conditions or identify exceptions to the Terms
Conditions and Conditions.
Note: A material exception (addition, deletion, or other
modification) to a Minimum Term will render a
proposal non-responsive. The JBE, in its sole discretion,
will determine what constitutes a material exception.
Attachment 4: General The Proposer must complete the General Certifications
Certifications Form Form and submit the completed form with its proposal.
Attachment 5: DVBE Proposers must complete and return this form with the
Bidder Declaration proposal only if Proposer wishes to claim the DVBE
incentive associated with this RFP.
Attachment 6: DVBE Each DVBE that will provide goods and/or services in
Declaration connection with the contract must complete this form. If
the Proposer is itself a DVBE, it must also complete and
sign the DVBE Declaration,
Attachment 7: Darfur The Proposer must complete the Darfur Contracting Act
Contracting Act Certification and submit the completed certification with
Certification its proposal.
Payee Data Record Form This form contains information the JBE requires in order to
process payments and must be submitted with the proposal.
https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std204.pdf
8 rev December 2025

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
Attachment 9: Payee Data This form is optional. This form is used to provide
Record Form Supplement remittance address information if different than the mailing
(STD 205) address on the STD 204 - Payee Data Record. Use this
form to provide additional remittance addresses and
additional Authorized Representatives of the Payee not
identified on the STD 204.
STD 205 - Payee Data Record Supplement
5.0 PAYMENT INFORMATION
The resulting contract will be comprised of seven (7) deliverables with a firm fixed price
per deliverable, with the potential exception of Deliverable 6a. The compensation
outlined for this project may not exceed $50,000 for Year 1, and $80,000 for Year 2 and
Year 3 each, totaling $210,000 over 3 years. The Contractor shall be paid no more than
$2,000 and $8,000 for Deliverables 1 and 2, respectively. The Contractor shall be paid no
more than $40,000 for each remaining deliverable. The Contractor shall submit invoices
upon satisfactory completion of services for each deliverable.
6.0 SUBMISSIONS OF PROPOSALS
6.1 Proposals should provide straightforward, concise information that satisfies
the requirements of the "Proposal Contents" section below. Expensive
bindings, color displays, and the like are not necessary or desired. Emphasis
should be placed on conformity to the RFP's instructions and requirements,
and completeness and clarity of content.
6.2 The Proposer must submit an electronic copy of the Technical Proposal.
The proposal must be signed by an authorized representative of the
Proposer. The Technical Proposal must be submitted via email to
solicitations@jud.ca.gov. The Proposer must write the RFP title and number
in the subject line of the email.
b. The Proposer must submit an electronic copy of the Cost Proposal. The
proposal must be signed by an authorized representative of the Proposer.
The Cost Proposal can be submitted in the same email to
solicitations@jud.ca.gov as the Technical Proposal, but should be a
separate attachment marked "COST PROPOSAL," from the technical
proposal. The Proposer must write the RFP title and number in the subject
line of the email.
6.3 Late proposals will not be accepted. Submission acceptance will be based on
the date and time the proposal is received by the JBE. The proposal must be
received prior to the due date and time, or the proposal will not be accepted.
9 rev December 2025

RFP Title: TRIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR JUVENILE DEPENDECY COURT APPOINTED COUNSEL
RFP Number: CFCC-2026-02-AC
7.0 PROPOSAL CONTENTS
7.1 Non-Cost Portion. The following information must be included in the technical
proposal. A proposal lacking any of the following information may be deemed
non-responsive.
a. The Proposer's name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and federal tax
identification number. Note that if the Proposer is a sole proprietor using his or
her social security number, the social security number will be required before
finalizing a contract.
b. Name, title, address, telephone number, and email address of the individual
who will act as the Proposer's designated representative for purposes of this
RFP.
c. For each key staff member: a resume describing the individual's background and
experience, as well as the individual's ability and experience in conducting the
proposed activities.
d. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of a minimum of two clients for whom
the Proposer has conducted similar services. The JBE may check references
listed by the Proposer.
e. Proposed method to complete the work.
i. Time estimate for curriculum development;
ii. Time estimate for project delivery;
iii. Cost per training; and
iv. Number of faculty per location
f. Acceptance of the Terms and Conditions.
i. On Attachment 3, the Proposer must check the appropriate box and sign
the form. If the Proposer marks the second box, it must provide the
required additional materials. An "exception" includes any addition,
deletion, or other modification.
ii. If exceptions are identified, the Proposer must also submit (i) a red-lined
version of the Terms and Conditions that implements all proposed
changes, and (ii) a written explanation or rationale for each exception
and/or proposed change.
10 rev December 2025