Administrative Law: Advanced (JS 649)
2026-06-15 - 2026-06-18 | Reno, NV
Why should I take this course?

This advanced level, four-day course includes in-depth discussions on the nature of the judicial process, due process, judicial ethics, and understanding cultural diversity. Advanced techniques in decision making, judicial writing, judicial review, access to justice and virtual hearings are also addressed.

Who should attend?

This session is designed for administrative law judges and other
agency adjudicators from federal, state, regional and local agencies who
have more than three years’ experience. Those who have completed the
basic two-week Administrative Law: Fair Hearing course will benefit most from the course.

Who are the members of the faculty?

The faculty for this course include administrative law judges, a
supreme court justice, and a law professor, all of whom are intimately
familiar with administrative proceedings.

How is this course taught?

This course will be taught through faculty presentations, student participation activities, and small group discussions are the primary instructional methods.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

Judging is a lifelong process. Formal training with recent
developments in an advanced setting will serve to encourage judicial
efficiency resulting in both fair and judicial effectiveness in handling
your caseload.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Court Administration Academy for Judges and Court Staff
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-26 | Denver CO

Judicial Executive Leadership by Harvard Law School Executive Education
2026-07-13 - 2026-07-16 | Boston

Enhancing Judicial Bench Skills (JS 624)
2026-07-20 - 2026-07-23 | Portland OR
Why should I take this course?A practical course for new judges and for judges who want a fresh look at their role on the bench, this course provides an opportunity to learn and practice the skills that you need to oversee your courtroom more effectively.

Who should attend?General jurisdiction, special court, and tribal judges who hear criminal or civil cases will benefit from this course.

Who are the members of the faculty?The faculty for this course are highly experienced judges and experts in the fields of communication and decision-making.

How is this course taught?The faculty uses a combination of lecture, question and answer, debates and class problems. You will be expected to participate in active discussions of current issues and to offer insights and experiences in dealing with such matters. Time is also set aside for small group discussions.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?All judges can benefit from learning to be more efficient and by thinking “outside of the box.” They will have the opportunity to learn not only from the expert faculty but also from colleagues from around the country. Judges often rely on local legal culture to define how they conduct their courtrooms and trials. Examining the culture is important for ensuring growth and progress.

Whom should I contact for more information?For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Handling Small Claims Cases Effectively: Web-Based
2026-08-03 - 2026-09-17 | Online
Why should I take this course?Many individuals form their perceptions of the justice system through interactions with courts that handle issues such as those found in small claims cases. After this faculty-led online course, you will be able to positively impact the public’s view of court processes.

Why should I take this course?Many individuals form their perceptions of the justice system through interactions with courts that handle issues such as those found in small claims cases. After this faculty-led online course, you will be able to positively impact the public’s view of court processes.

Administrative Law: Fair Hearing (JS 612)
2026-08-11 - 2026-08-19 | Reno, NV
Why should I take this course?

This course offers both state and federal administrative law adjudicators a solid foundation in administrative law adjudication. This course will address the problems associated with all types of administrative law cases involving both represented and unrepresented parties.

Who should attend?

Adjudicators with less than five years of experience, who are new to
the administrative law bench, who are looking for a refresher, or those
with a fundamental foundation in administrative law adjudication should
attend.

Who are the members of the faculty?

The faculty for this course include experienced state and federal
administrative law judges from different agencies and parts of the
country. Additional faculty includes an appellate judge, a law
professor, and communications and writing experts.

How is this course taught?

Classroom presentations, team teaching, and small group discussions
are the primary instructional methods. Other techniques include mock
hearings and panel discussions.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

Ensuring that litigants receive a fair hearing is paramount. In doing
so, new administrative law adjudicators need the tools to render those
decisions in a fair, impartial, and efficient manner. This program
provides those tools and also provides a network of mentors to assist
the adjudicator long after the course is over.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Advanced Civil Mediation
2026-08-31 - 2026-09-01 | Reno, NV
Why should I take this course?

This highly interactive, fast-paced, skills-oriented program will provide experienced professionals with new tools to further enhance their mediator skills. Using practical exercises, demonstrations, simulations, and lecture, course faculty share strategies to overcome resistance to the mediation process, deal with difficult personalities, utilize advanced negotiation tactics and communication techniques, prevent and break impasse, and recognize ethical challenges such as the unauthorized practice of law and dual representation. Attendance is restricted to individuals who have successfully completed a 40-hour mediation training program.

How is this course taught?

Faculty utilize sophisticated exercises, interactive lecture, and various life-based scenarios.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

Mediation in the judicial, administrative and private sectors, is an effective means of dispute resolution. Adjudicators who can effectively settle disputes will significantly reduce court costs. In addition, the communication and administrative techniques learned will enhance settlement and move cases along to more effectively and efficiently.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Scientific Evidence & Expert Testimony (JS 622)
2026-09-14 - 2026-09-17 | Reno, NV
This course will provide you with the ability to evaluate and
interpret scientific and forensic evidence and to rule confidently on
their admissibility in both civil and criminal cases. Moreover, you will
be able to highlight the limitations and challenges associated with
certain types of forensic evidence and describe the current state of
forensic methods.

Finally, you will be able to take into account the appropriate
scientific criteria for assessing scientific validity including:
foundational validity, with respect to the requirement under Rule 702(c)
that testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and
validity as applied, with respect to requirement under Rule 702(d) that
an expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts
of the case.

Why should I take this course?

After attending this course, you will be able to recognize the judge’s role as a gatekeeper of scientific evidence and expert testimony; identify the consistencies and contradictions between the cultures of law and science; describe basic statistical concepts commonly used by experts; outline the scientific methods available to researchers studying complex human behavior; state the proper function and qualifications of forensic pathologists; and identify key concepts relating to computer forensic evidence.

Who should attend?

This course is specially developed as an introductory course or as a
refresher for judges who hear civil or criminal cases involving
scientific evidence.

Who are the members of the faculty?

The faculty is composed of experienced and knowledgeable judges, law
professors, and experts from other disciplines who have considerable
experience in teaching judges and in using the techniques appropriate
for a professional education.

How is this course taught?

The course is presented as an engaging mix of classroom lecture,
interactive dialogue, and small-group discussions. You are encouraged to
bring examples of particular trial problems for discussion with the
faculty and with colleagues from other states.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

By teaching judges the bases of fundamental rights this course
enhances their abilities to adjudicate these issues, strengthens
dedication to the U.S. system of justice, and dramatizes the role judges
play in today’s judicial system.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Judicial Writing (JS 615)
2026-09-14 - 2026-09-17 | Reno, NV
Who should attend?Any judge, judicial officer, law clerk, or court-affiliated staffperson who writes briefs, opinions, findings of fact, conclusions of law, jury instructions, or correspondences can benefit from this course.

Who are the members of the faculty?This course is team-taught by Professor Elizabeth Francis (University of Nevada, Reno). Since 1992, this team has developed the writing of over 1,200 judges in the Judicial Writing course.

How is this course taught?The course combines lecture presentations and writing exercises. The lectures engage you in exercises of rewording sentences and paragraphs as well as critiquing opinions and other legal documents. The writing exercises culminate with one-on-one consultations between you and a faculty member.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?By improving your writing ability, you will enhance both your productivity and efficiency. You will also be able to share many of the concepts and techniques learned through the course with your colleagues.

Who should I contact for more information?Please contact our Registrar’s Office with any questions.

Evidence Challenges for Administrative Law Judges: Web-Based - Fall
2026-09-14 - 2026-10-30 | Online
Why should I take this course?The evidence issues that an Administrative Law Judge confronts can be complex and challenging. This web course offers a convenient way to explore ways to make evidentiary rulings quickly and confidently without having to leave your docket.

Who should attend?Full-time or part-time administrative law judges from urban or rural courts, including tribal courts, will find this course valuable.

Who are the members of the faculty?The faculty is composed of experienced administrative law judges who have a mastery of teaching online, and possess a mastery of the rules of evidence as they apply to limited jurisdiction and special courts.

How is this course taught?Discussion assignments, writing assignments, reading, video and weekly live calls with faculty ensure this course is highly interactive, demanding, and educational. It is anticipated that you will spend between three and four hours on lessons per week, with a total of six weeks of instruction (week four is a break week). On Friday of each week of the course, the faculty will deliver a live hour-long web conference at 10 am Alaska / 11 am Pacific / 12 pm Mountain / 1 pm Central / 2 pm Eastern.

Whom should I contact for more information?For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org

Fundamentals of Evidence: Web-Based - Fall
2026-09-14 - 2026-10-30 | Online
Why should I take this course?The NJC designed this course for judges who need an introduction or a refresher in the Federal Rules of Evidence and their practical application in court. During the course, the faculty will cover the Federal Rules of Evidence, focusing on those areas which most often impact trial judges, while also addressing the practical challenges of ruling on evidence day-to-day in individual jurisdictions.

Who should attend?Justices of the peace, non-law trained judges, limited jurisdiction judges, general jurisdiction judges, administrative law judges, military judges and tribal court judges with or without law degrees are all welcome in this course.

Who are the members of the faculty?The faculty team is composed of judges with extensive teaching experience in the area of evidence. Additionally, the faculty for this course may include a law school professor with experience teaching evidence courses.

How is this course taught?Discussion assignments, writing assignments, reading, video and weekly live calls with faculty ensure this course is highly interactive, demanding, and educational. It is anticipated that you will spend between three and four hours on lessons per week, with a total of six weeks of instruction (week four is a break week). On Friday of each week of the course, the faculty will deliver a live hour-long web conference at 11 am Alaska / 12 pm Pacific / 1 pm Mountain / 2 pm Central / 3 pm Eastern.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?Ruling on evidence is one of the primary responsibilities of every judge, and admissibility decisions are nuanced and subject to evolving with case law. New science and technology have added to the complexity of evidentiary issues. This course will help judges understand, analyze, and rule quickly on critical evidence matters.

Whom should I contact for more information?For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Best Practices in Handling Cases with Self-Represented Litigants
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-25 | Seattle, WA
Why should I take this course?

Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) now appear in court dockets in almost every area possible including domestic relations, traffic, criminal misdemeanor cases, small claims, and probate. SRLs pose a special challenge for the judge presiding over such cases because SRLs are often not aware of courtroom procedures and evidentiary rules. Questions include: What is the role of the judge in the adversary system if one party has no lawyer? What control, if any, should the judge exercise over the presentation of evidence? Should a judge comment on the evidence? Should a judge call a missing witness? There are many more questions for judges in striving to maintain the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that the litigants have a fair and just trial. This course is designed to assist you in dealing with these tough questions.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for judges who decide on civil and criminal cases involving SRLs and who need information about managing cases involving SRLs.

Who are the members of the faculty?

Members of the faculty include persons who have a wide and diversified background in working with self-represented litigants.

How is this course taught?

This course is taught through lecture, small group discussion,
question and answer, and experienced learning field trip to the local
courthouse.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

How a judge manages SRLs is critical to management of court dockets as well as the public’s perception of the justice system. This course will help judges appropriately handle SRLs to best serve the courts system and the public.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Advanced Evidence (JS 617)
2026-09-28 - 2026-10-01 | BurlingtonVT
PREREQUISITE: A law degree or completion of one of the following courses is required to attend: Fundamentals of Evidence (or its equivalent), Special Court Jurisdiction, or Special Court Jurisdiction: Advanced.

Why should I take this course?Consistently rated as one of the top courses at NJC, Advanced Evidence is a must for judges who want to improve their evidentiary rulings. This course gives you the opportunity to analyze rules of criminal and civil evidence in a setting where you can debate the rules with other judges from around the country. The expert faculty will not only lead you through the quagmire of the Federal Rules of Evidence, but will also compare and contrast the common law rules of evidence. The course is “advanced” in the sense that you have the opportunity to examine the various rules of evidence in depth. It is helpful if you can bring your state’s evidence rules with you, so you can compare and contrast those rules with the federal rules.

Who should attend?This course has been specially developed for general jurisdiction judges or special court judges who hear criminal and/or civil cases. If you are a legally trained administrative law judge, you certainly are welcome; however, some of your practical concerns may not be specifically addressed. Appellate judges are encouraged to enroll not only for an update on evidence, but to hear the practicalities of applying evidentiary rules from a trial court judge’s perspective.

Who are the members of the faculty?Faculty members are judges recognized as experts in the field of evidence, as well as law professors who understand the real-life concerns that judges face.

How is this course taught?The faculty uses a number of adult education techniques including lecture, audio-visual aids, question and answer, debate, and class problems. Participants will also be directly involved in solving hypotheticals in your small group discussions.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?Judges must have a good understanding of the rules of evidence to make appropriate decisions in their courtrooms. This course gives the participant judge the rare opportunity to contrast their state rules of evidence with those of their colleagues from around the country. Each participant will also be given in-class problems that they must present to their colleagues. Ultimately, the judge participant will come away with a greater grasp of the rules of evidence and the reasons underlying those rules.

Whom should I contact for more information?For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Class MaterialsAn electronic version of the binder will be shared a week before the class. Hard copies will not be provided. Participants are most welcome to print their binders.

AttireBusiness casual: most participants wear jeans, comfortable pants, sneakers, or tennis shoes

Guardianship and Probate Matters
2026-09-28 - 2026-10-01 | Reno, NV

Judicial Renaissance Japan
2026-09-28 - 2026-10-02 | Japan
Previous Judicial Renaissances have been held in Bordeaux, France; Seoul, South Korea; Athens, Greece; and Lisbon, Portugal. Tuition covers course fees, a cultural activity and group dinner, and breakfast and lunches. Tuition does not include airfare, lodging or other dinners. Please click Register to join the interested list to receive updates as they become available. The National Judicial College’s Judicial Renaissance course is an innovative and transformative experience for the judiciary. It’s an intellectual retreat that transcends the boundaries of conventional legal education, immersing judges in the deep and diverse currents from which the law itself has emerged. Here, participants will traverse the vast landscapes of history, philosophy, the arts, humanities, and sciences, uncovering the rich tapestry that informs the very essence of jurisprudence.This is more than just a study program—it’s an intellectual odyssey that rekindles the ageless pursuit of wisdom and justice. It’s a conclave where legal minds come to learn from the past and grasp the big ideas shaping our future. With guidance from a cadre of luminaries across varied disciplines, judges will explore enduring human achievements and the foundational principles of justice.In joining the Judicial Renaissance course, judges are not merely expanding their legal expertise; they are embarking on a quest to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the human condition. It’s an invitation to be part of a community that values lifelong learning and to contribute to a dialogue that elevates the administration of justice to its noblest form. This course isn’t just an education; it’s an inspiration—a chance to engage with the big ideas revolutionizing our world and to reaffirm one’s vocation to serve the timeless cause of justice.

This course may be eligible CJE credit hours. Due to the international scope of this course, and collaboration with other international schools of judicial training, NJC cannot predict the number of CLE/CJE credits that will be approved by your state.

Registration fee includes: tuition fees, cultural activity (including a dinner), lunches. Registration does not include: airfare, lodging or dinner (except for the social activity) or other meals outside of course hours.

Registration is first come, first served. Given the significant interest, we recommend you register early.

Mindfulness for Judges
2026-10-12 - 2026-10-15 | Sedona AZ
Over the course of the four days, we will explore the most current
research on mindfulness, including the neuroscience underlying
mindfulness and the effects of mindfulness on work-related skills and
behaviors. Specifically, participants will learn how mindfulness can
help cope with trauma, and enhance leadership and communication.
Mindfulness also …

develops your immune system;

aids with physiological responses to stress and negative emotions;

improves social relationships with family and strangers;

reduces stress, depression, and anxiety;

increases well-being and happiness;

increases openness to experience, conscientiousness, and agreeableness; and

improves your awareness that is more clear, nonconceptual, and flexible.

Research on mindfulness in the judiciary, for example, the
effectiveness of mindfulness in addressing unconscious biases, will be a
particular focus. In addition to the didactic portion of the program,
we will spend a significant amount of time experiencing directly a wide
variety of attention focusing and meditation practices, while leaving
time for thoughtful dialogue and inquiry. By the end of the course you
will have both experience with mindfulness practice along with the
resources to keep your practice going for years to come.

Contact

Please contact our Registrar’s Office with any questions.

General Jurisdiction (JS 610) - Fall
2026-10-19 - 2026-10-29 | Reno, NV
Why should I take this course?Designed for the newer judge, the course introduces you to a variety of subjects and skills you will need and use in your judicial career. Both academic and experiential teaching techniques are used to provide you with the solid, basic understanding of various topics, from ruling on evidence to handling the self-represented litigant. In addition to the substantive law sessions, you will learn about courtroom control, ethical pitfalls and solutions, effective communication techniques, and decision making strategies. After your nine days at The National Judicial College, you will have the tools and resources to face most courtroom situations with confidence.

Who should attend?The course is designed for the newer general jurisdiction judge. Most participants find their attendance is most meaningful if they can attend six to twenty-four months after taking the bench. Experienced judges with or without law degrees who have completed the basic two-week Special Court Jurisdiction course are eligible to attend.

Who are the members of the faculty?The faculty is composed of experienced and knowledgeable judges, law professors and experts from other disciplines who have considerable experience in teaching judges and in using the techniques appropriate for a professional education.

How is this course taught?The faculty use a variety of adult education methods including lecture, question and answer, debate, hypotheticals, problem-solving, and panel discussions. There is a great deal of sharing of experience and practice, which occurs particularly in the daily small-group discussions conducted by group facilitators who have previously attended the course. The atmosphere is intended to be relaxed with as much time as possible for completing exercises, but the lectures are deliberately provocative in comparing methods, ideas, and procedures.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?Being an effective and efficient general jurisdiction judge requires a range of skills unique to the judicial position. This course will provide me with nine full days of intensive immersion in those basic, necessary skills. Participants learn best practices in a variety of topics. In addition, I will have the opportunity to utilize those techniques in various courtroom scenarios and practicums. Some of the topics covered include courtroom management, evidence rulings, defendant control, and judicial handling of staff.

Whom should I contact for more information?For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

AttireBusiness casual: most participants wear jeans, comfortable pants, sneakers, or tennis shoes.

DinnersTwo class dinners will be scheduled. RSVP will be completed during the 1st day of class.

Special Court Jurisdiction: Advanced (JS 611)
2026-10-19 - 2026-10-29 | Reno, NV
Why should I take this course?

“Special courts” are those courts with a limited jurisdiction – such as county courts, misdemeanor courts, domestic violence court, or small claims court, to name a few. Special courts are also courts serving a particular population, such as tribal courts. During this course, judges will receive a solid foundation in case flow management, judicial writing, communications skills, evidence, legal reasoning, and more. The course will help judges gain confidence in knowing that they are properly following legal and procedural requirements in their role as judge.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for special court judges who have graduated from law school, or more experienced judges without law degrees who have already completed the introductory two-week Special Court Jurisdiction course. In addition, any judge of limited jurisdiction from urban or rural areas, who serves full-time or part-time, and has been recently elected or appointed to the bench should attend.

Who are the members of the faculty?

The faculty is composed of experienced judges, professors,
physicians, and consultants who have a mastery of teaching the skills
needed to effectively manage a special court docket, and will provide
valuable best practices information regarding limited jurisdiction
adjudication.

How is this course taught?

The course is an introduction to every substantive and skill area a new judge will encounter on the bench, with an emphasis on practical application. The faculty encourages you to interact, and are available outside of the classroom for informal discussion of issues and problems. The class also meets in small discussion groups daily. Trained group facilitators will assist each group in working through problem solving exercises, while examining new ideas and complex issues. These facilitators are experienced judges who are graduates of the course and are willing to guide discussion and mentor members of their group. Friendships and networking among these groups often extends years after the course.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

Increasing caseloads, public criticism, community demands and legal
complexities make the judge’s job more difficult than ever before. This
investment in judicial education will be returned to the court and
community through the judge’s increased efficiency, better
decision-making skills, better understanding of the law, and more
confidence on the bench.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Civil Mediation
2026-11-02 - 2026-11-06 | Reno, NV
Why should I take this course?

The techniques developed in this course will positively impact the judge’s communication and dispute resolution skills on and off the bench. This is a thorough and interactive, hands-on course that combines theory with practice. Participants act as mediators in simulated sessions and receive feedback on their performance. For those transitioning in their careers, the course provides a solid, practical starting point for becoming a mediator.

Who should attend?

This course is appropriate for any judge of any jurisdiction who will
use mediation techniques to resolve disputes. Other court personnel who
will serve as court mediators are also welcome to attend.

Who are the members of the faculty?

The faculty are widely recognized mediators who are seasoned instructors.

How is this course taught?

This course utilizes sophisticated role-playing exercises and
extremely interactive presentations. The role-playing exercises to allow
participants to sit as a mediator in varying situations. You will have
the opportunity to play the role of an attorney, a disputant, and an
observer during the exercises.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

The use of mediation is burgeoning in the judicial and administrative
fields as well as in the private sector. Adjudicators who can
effectively settle disputes through the use of mediation will
significantly reduce court management costs.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Taking the Bench: An Interactive, Online Course for New Judges - Fall
2026-11-09 - 2026-12-11 | Online
Who should attend?

Judges who have been recently elected or appointed.

Who are the members of the faculty?

Faculty are highly experienced judges and experts who bring a wealth of personal experience to their teaching. Faculty includes Judge Augustus Chen, Judge Kristi Harrington (Ret.), Professor Benjamin Holden, Judge David Kimberley (Ret.), and Judge Thomas Zonay.

How is this course taught?

Discussion assignments, writing assignments, reading, video, and
weekly live calls with faculty ensure this course is highly interactive,
demanding, and educational. It is anticipated that you will spend
between six and eight hours on lessons per week, with a total of four
weeks of instruction (week three is a break week). On Friday of each
week of the course, the faculty will deliver a live hour-long web
conference at 11 am Alaska / 12 pm Pacific / 1 pm Mountain / 2 pm
Central / 3 pm Eastern.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for all Judges and Lawyers: A Comprehensive Course
2026-12-07 - 2026-12-10 | San Diego CA
