We the Defenders (for all but the social work track)

This registration page is not for  the SW track only – if you want to register for the SW 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 registration page is not for the social worker, etc. track – use the social work registration page instead).  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

We have limited scholarships available use this link to apply: https://forms.gle/qpmmppzYVxZpyhVR7

Room block for $133 plus taxes and fees at Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 West Maryland Street, Indianapolis, IN 46255.  Click here to book room.  

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.

Plenary Speaker: Daryl Green

https://people.com/darryl-green-deep-forgiveness-man-forgave-brothers-killer-exclusive-7506937
Read more about him here: https://www.deepforgiveness.com/bio

Plenary Speaker: Eddie Ellis

Read more about Eddie here: https://cfsy.org/meet-the-team/

Plenary Speaker: Cynthia Roseberry

Read more about Cynthia here: https: //www.aclu.org/bio/cynthia-w-roseberry

All New Curriculum!!!
Below is a sample of the sessions on the Agenda:

Employee Bill of Rights: A framework for discussing Core Staff Needs in the Workplace
Problem Solving Skills for the Workplace. Tactics to constructively approach any challenge so that YOU can be the solution
The Importance of Interpreters: Tips for working with OR AS a translator.
Work Smarter Not Harder: Making the Best Use of Your Tools
Mitigation Work Products
Motions & Trial Preparation: A Paralegal’s Role
Client Interaction & De-escalation Techniques
How to support and advocate for clients involved in the mental health system
How to be client-centered and directed when working with people who hear voices or experience differing realities
Communication Challenges/Customer Service
The Multi-Generational workspace: this session wo;; address the othering that comes with generational labeling, and how we can overcome it
Income Inequality and access to justice: and look at laws and policies that have contributed to to and unequal access to justice
Mindfulness and me
Not Just the What-But the Why: Investigating for Context & Justice” The merging of investigation and mitigation
Respecting the G Code: Cultural Competence in the Trenches of Public Defense
CV Workshop: Prepare to be Crossed
Digital Trial Notebook Workshop
Organizing Cellebrite & Digital Forensics
Ethics for social workers in public defense offices
Mitigation Writing as Journalistic Writing: Compelling storytelling drawing on facts, evolving over time based on increased knowledge, and targeting the work product to the best outcome
Social Justice Mitigation Writing Workshop
You Thought You Were Prepared But Your Heart Wasn’t Ready: Vicarious Trauma and Moral Injury in Defense Work
National Survey/Research on evolution of Mitigation Specialist
Testifying for investigators
You tube Hacks
Storytelling
Plus an all new Leadership Track and so much more!!!

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.