Benefits of CGJA Training

CGJA training gives civil grand jurors the information and best practices guidance they need to competently conduct their civil “watchdog” activities — investigating and reporting on local government entities within their county. Our knowledgeable and skilled faculty is comprised of former civil grand jurors and civil grand jury legal advisors with years of experience.

Through our comprehensive training program, civil grand jurors gain:

• An increased understanding of civil grand jury purposes and authority
• A broad knowledge of the structure and functions of the local public agencies under the civil grand jury’s jurisdiction
• A methodology for choosing which local public entities and topics to investigate
• Practical advice for drafting fact-based reports that can prompt improvements in the operations of local government
• An understanding of the collaborative processes used in conducting their investigations and writing reports
• Practice in techniques for working effectively as part of a collegial body

Over 55 counties annually contract with CGJA to provide civil grand juror training. CGJA’s training programs exceed the legal requirements for civil grand jury training required by California Penal Code Section 914(b).

Testimonials

Comments from a civil grand juror after Report Writing Workshop in 2023:

I appreciated the organization of the information in the binder. When I learn something this complex, it helps me to see the entire project and then study it section by section. I appreciated the detailed information presented. As the presenters were going through the slides, they did not simply read the slides. They focused on the points on the slide but used examples and different language. They held my attention. I found especially helpful the information about getting started–with findings. With a project this complex, knowing how to actually get started is extremely valuable. I liked how the project was broken apart. Each section was explained as well as their interrelatedness. I am actually excited about completing a report and hope to start one soon. Thank you for “unpacking” this daunting task and making it feel surmountable.

The presenters were effective and helpful. The information was well explained. The sessions were interactive so after a section of a presentation, we had a chance to work with our colleagues to write sections such as findings. There was plenty of time for questions. The breaks were well timed. The day actually went by very quickly. All three presenters were knowledgeable, approachable, left time for questions, and used humor to keep the day moving in a positive way. The format was perfect. I now have a Writing Guide to use as a reference. I anticipate using it often. There are so many tools such as checklists, websites, reminders, and examples. I will have a clear desk with my laptop and my binder as well as my other training binders nearby and that is all I need. Thank you!

I think the work of the Association is fantastic. Much effort obviously has gone into organizing such a great amount of data for Grand Jurors. The website is a resource we are fortunate to have. The presenters speak from passion and experience and know their subject matter very well. I was impressed with the workshop. Thank you! I can’t imagine having to write a report without this training.

Comments from a civil grand juror after Report Writing Training in 2022:

“I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated the training on writing reports. While the training ran counter to the way I would have written the reports, … I followed the recommended route. We wrote the findings and recommendations first, … locked them down, … and wrote the other pieces. Very smooth. So, thank you for giving us a great roadmap. I’m so glad I took your advice.”

Comments from a Pro Tem after Foreperson and Pro Tem Workshop in 2022:

“The content was interesting and thorough. All of the presenters were effective, knowledgeable, and welcoming of questions. There was never a moment where I did not feel engaged or intellectually stimulated.”

Comments from a juror after attending Report Writing and Grand Jury Training in 2022:

“It’s ALL excellent material and the instructional design of the modules is excellent. All of the trainers are well informed and helpful and there is humor – always helpful. I have a training background so I know what it takes. The Report Writing and the Grand Jurors’ Training were both excellent and really helped our panel get going much faster than finding out everything piece-by-piece and probably trial by error. THANK YOU.”

Comments from jurors after attending Grand Jury Training in 2022:

“The content was excellent – expansive, yet presented in a lively manner which kept me engaged and wanting to know more.”

“I arrived to this grand jury with woefully little knowledge about grand jury policy and process – and even less about best practices. Your manual as well as your presentations have been essential in helping me feel less intimidated by the challenging year ahead.”

“These two days went by quickly – the presenters made it easy to understand and digest”

“All presenters were knowledgeable and articulate and covered the topics well. The hands-on use of the Garfield case study was especially effective. The three trainers working together with our group was a great demonstration of the last topic – collegiality!”

“As an attorney, I have taken literally 100’s of hours of training for mandatory legal education. This was probably the best training I have ever attended. The presenters were great and the content was compelling.”

For more information about our training programs, go to Training General Information or contact Marsha Caranci, Training Committee Chair.