We the Defenders 2025 (Social Work Track)

This registration page is for the SW track only – if you want to register for the other track go here)

This December 15 – 17, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, NAPD will bring together the pivotal workers in defense-based systems. “We the Defenders” is the essential conference for public defense investigators, mitigation specialists, social workers, paralegals, and other core staff – all roles except attorneys – who play a critical role in defense-based work. Social workers, mitigation specialists, dispositional advocates, and others in similar roles will have a separate track focused on case development to hone your skills, enhance your expertise, and provide you tools for professional development – this is the registration page for social workers, mitigation specialists, dispositional advocates, etc. This year, a returning/supervisors track will be launched with a focus on training, supervision, and teamwork. This is a celebration of the diversity, skill, and dedication that you bring to the public defense community and an acknowledgment that every member of the team is vital.

Pricing before September 8, 2025   $595 NAPD Members, $695 Non Members

Pricing September 9 and beyond  $645 NAPD Members, $745 Non Members

November 24th  registration deadline

Need help with this registration process?  Watch this video.  

We know you may need to convince someone else to approve you joining us.   Check out our Convince Your Boss Resources for a sample letter and other information.

Check out the 2024 schedule – This year’s will be posted this summer

From past participants

The NAPD “We The Defenders” conference is a “Must Attend Event!” I’ve attended twice (Indianapolis 2017 & Albuquerque 2023), and each time I walk away with new resources, new ideas, new contacts and a renewed sense of enthusiasm to share what I learned with co-workers and excited to implement knowledge gained to better assist my clients! It’s inspiring to meet others who are also “TEAM DEFENSE!” We stand together and make our voices heard!

‘WTD’ has ignited a fire in me to be more actively involved overall. I certainly want to attend everything NAPD has to offer. Until the next time I attend, I will take advantage of any opportunities provided to increase my knowledge in mitigation to better serve our people. Learning never stops in my book! Thank you NAPD for this feeling of empowerment.

My first NAPD conference and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I returned to work inspired and rejuvenated – I didn’t even realize I needed rejuvenating. It was wonderful to be in a sea of professionals who do the same work I do. I felt seen and heard, especially when discussing some of the challenges we face. It was a wonderful conference, and I am happy I went.