Join the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) for the sixth annual Racial Justice Conference (“RJC”), as we return to Montgomery, Alabama, one of the historic homes of the Civil Rights Movement. NAPD is proud to host this immersive and transformative conference, designed to enhance your understanding of racial justice and your ability to fight for it in your work as a public defense professional.

Featuring highly respected faculty from across the nation, RJC is an unparalleled opportunity to explore three key areas that impact our pursuit of justice for clients of color.

First, we will examine how we, as individuals, approach race, and how we can work to overcome our own biases and preconceptions.

Second, we will explore how public defender offices address race in their workplaces, and how we can create policies and practices that promote racial equity and fairness.

Finally, we will delve into effective strategies for challenging racial bias and discrimination wherever we encounter it.

Through a range of educational opportunities, you will gain the tools and insights needed to be a more effective advocate for racial justice in your work as a public defense professional. You will also have opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the country who share your commitment to advancing the cause of justice for all.

RJC 2025 schedule is coming soon! Review last year’s program of the schedule and speakers for a sample of our amazing RJC programming.

NAPD 2025 Racial Equity Advancement and Leadership (REAL) Scholarship

NAPD is thrilled to announce the Racial Equity Advancement and Leadership Scholarship! The REAL Scholarship, made possible through the generous financial support provided by Dr. Laura K. Shawver and Tracy M. Macuga, supports member attendance at the 2025 Racial Justice Conference in Montgomery, Alabama. This initiative underscores NAPD’s deep commitment to advancing racial equity and leading initiatives in the fight for justice. It also reflects our dedication to ensuring that public defense professionals from under-resourced and underserved communities have equitable access to transformative, high-impact training opportunities. Click here to learn more about the REAL Scholarship and apply to cover costs to attend the 2025 RJC.

RJC Includes Visits to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Sites

RJC also includes visits to the Equal Justice Initiative’s The Legacy Museum , The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.

New Exclusive Evening Keynote & Awards Event Available

This year, we are offering a limited premium registration that includes access to an exclusive evening keynote and awards event.

Space is ultra-limited for this event. We can only offer a maximum of 125 tickets*.  (Subject to change.)

Secure your premium registration NOW!

We are  SO excited for this!  More details to come. You do not want to miss this! 

Need to purchase a ticket to just for the Keynote Address & Awards Ceremony?  Want to upgrade your standard registration to a premium ticket? Email us.

There is a Registration Cap 

The maximum registrations for RJC (conference only) is 250. . Please disregard the “unlimited” note listed in the “Tickets” window below.

Costs

Registration is available in two tiers: Limited Premium Registration and Standard Conference Registration:

Premium Registration

Only 125 available!

Includes access to the evening keynote and awards event

• Member pricing
  • Before August 15th – $775
  • August 16th and beyond – $875
• Non-Members
  • Before August 15th – $975
  • August 16th and beyond – $1,175

Standard Conference Registration

• Member pricing
  • Before August 15th – $625
  • August 16th and beyond – $725
• Non-Members
  • Before August 15th – $775
  • August 16th and beyond – $975

DON’T WAIT TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET

Registration closes on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. This is a popular NAPD conference that always sells out. You do not want to miss this opportunity. REGISTER TODAY!

Need help with this registration process? Watch this video.

Be sure to review NAPD’s Event Policies to learn more about our attendance and cancellation policies.

BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM WITH OUR ROOM BLOCK

Our room block is at Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center.

Click here to book your room.

We have a limited number of rooms, please book early to ensure you get the best rate.

The last day to book using our room block is Tuesday, September 20, 2025.

CONVINCE YOUR BOSS

Need some help convincing your boss? Review and use our Convince Your Boss Resources. There we provide a sample letter and other information to assist you in convincing your office to approve your RJC attendance.

SPONSORSHIP & DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in being a Sponsor? Contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Would you like to donate to our RJC scholarships? Donate to support scholarships for this conference here. Leave a comment, “RJC,” to apply it to this conference.

MORE QUESTIONS

We will be happy to assist you! Contact us here with your inquiry.

* Ticket availability may be further restricted based on overall conference registration. Both the standalone and upgrade ticket options may expire at any time as standalone tickets or upgrading depends on ticket availability.