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
