We the Defenders Detroit: WTD Recap Blog

In August 2024, Wayne State University School of Law in Detroit, Michigan, served as the gracious host of the NAPD’s annual “We the Defenders” conference. In the public defense community, it is normal for conferences to promote personal and professional development. What makes this conference so forward-thinking and unlike most conferences for public defense professionals is that it is specifically designed for the members of the team who are not attorneys. They came from Alaska to New York and from the southern part of Texas, social workers, investigators, paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative professionals. All public defense professionals without a bar card equally have shared a passion for the perpetual improvement of how holistic defense is provided. 

In the world of public defense, the traditional way of thinking was that training was specifically for attorneys. That school of thought suggested that those without a bar number, traditionally known as “Core Staff,” were to adapt to the practice as the attorney’s practice reflected. I acknowledge that frame of thought is rooted in old-fashioned systemic ideas. In the public defense offices of today, all employees are identified as public defense professionals, not simply by their job titles. This level of inclusion has made training more accessible for those without a bar card.   The National Association for Public Defense has been instrumental in forward thinking in terms of diversity and inclusion of training.  

The We the Defenders conference welcomes public defense professionals of all disciplines, as inclusion is always the goal in all we do. You will not find classes that contribute to attorney continuing education credits. On Monday morning, you could feel the anxiousness in the air. Those who had previously attended this conference walked in with smiles, greeting old friends and meeting some they had only seen on Zoom for years. There was a look of disbelief on the faces of the first-time attendees. They were a conference that was specially designed to relate to the challenges they face. Public defense professionals teach every class, bringing lived experience to their presentations. Those looks of disbelief quickly became comfort as they became alumni of the We the Defenders conference.  

This conference is essential for any public defense professional who identifies as a core staff member. This year, social workers had their track and received education credits. There was something for everyone, and just as valuable as the lessons learned in courses, all 240 attendees walked away with a connection to each other. I hope to see you next year!