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New Certificate Program Designed By Vinson Institute Expands Training for Probate Judges

Georgia probate court judges and associate judges will take part in a newly created professional certification program designed by the Vinson Institute that addresses legal concepts, judge roles and responsibilities, and leadership. The Georgia Probate Court Judges Certificate Program, which was developed with input from the Institute of Continuing Legal Judicial Education (ICJE), will expand the scope of training for probate court judges.

As part of the new certificate program, judges and associate judges will take classes on the topics of probate court jurisdiction, estates, civil procedure, adult and minor guardianships and conservatorships, ethics, legal research and writing, and office administration. The judges will also participate in leadership development classes taught by the Institute's leadership development team. Currently probate court judges are required to engage in a yearly statutory and case law review. The new program will add an additional 72 hours of instruction over a five year period.

"This certificate program is an expansion of existing training and addresses the specific job functions and duties of probate court judges," said Vinson Institute public service associate Anna Boling.

The Vinson Institute will lead the training in partnership with the Council of Probate Court Judges of Georgia (CPCJG) and ICJE. The Institute and the training committee of the CPCJG can customize the curriculum based on the evolving duties of Georgia probate court judges and associate judges. Certificate holders will be required to compete 12 hours of continuing education every two years in addition to their yearly review of statutory and case law.

The Vinson Institute offers a range of local government training programs and state government training programs for elected officials, administrators, and staff.