National Association for Public Defense

NAPD The Clarence Darrow/David Baldus Death Penalty College & Intellectual Disability Track
2025-06-03 10:00 - 2025-06-06 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Iowa City Law School, 130 Byington Rd, Iowa City, IA, 52242, United States
June 3-6, 2025. Starting at 10 am on the 3rd and ending at 1 pm on the 6th.
Pricing before April 1, 2024 $950 NAPD Members, $1050 Non Members
Pricing April 2 and beyond $1150 NAPD Members, $1300 Non Members
Registration Deadline May 16th
See the current draft program with the agenda and confirmed speakers
Room Block at Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown/University Hotel $110 plus taxes and fees / May 13 deadline
Reservation Booking Link: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/IOWZI/G-DABA
Phone Reservations: call the Central Reservations Office at: 1-800-233-1234 and reference the NAPD June 2025 Darrow Baldus College Conference or Group Code: G-DABA

Participants spend the week working on their own pending cases as well as learning from some of the most prestigious capital defense trainers in the country. Each day, participants engage in various learning activities, including small group sessions, lectures, role playing, and strategy demonstrations for guilt/innocence and penalty phases.
Small group sessions are designed to provide constructive feedback and encouragement while also brainstorming the case and doing actual case preparation for the capital trial. These sessions are followed by lectures and demonstrations for small
er groups or plenary sessions for all participants. Evenings are primarily unscheduled, allowing participants to explore all that Iowa City has to offer.
This unique training offers participants the choice of two intensive tracks:

The Traditional Track: Teams work collaboratively on their own pending cases, focusing on the mitigation strategy for both the guilt/innocence and penalty phases of a capital trial. Solo practitioners without an active case are also welcome to attend. This track includes small group sessions that provide constructive feedback, brainstorming, and hands-on case preparation, supplemented by lectures, role-playing, and strategy demonstrations.
The Intellectual Disability (ID) Track: Designed for those seeking advanced training on investigating and litigating intellectual disability claims, this track equips defense teams with the tools needed to ensure no one with intellectual disability is executed. Participants will delve into the nuances of identifying and presenting evidence of ID, guided by experts in law, psychology, and mitigation. This track is geared toward intermediate and experienced practitioners but welcomes beginners seeking to develop these essential skills.

The program is held in honor of the late Professor David Baldus, whose thorough, groundbreaking capital punishment research significantly impacted the death penalty defense community and legal community as a whole. Professor Baldus is best known for “the Baldus study,” cited by the United States Supreme Court in McCleskey v. Kemp, although his research extends far beyond.
Intensive Intellectual Disability Track
Intellectual disability is an absolute bar to the death penalty, making this a necessary area of investigation in every capital case. There are no exceptions.
This intensive training introduces participants to the nuances of investigating and litigating intellectual disability claims and features strategies for overcoming common barriers to identifying and effectively presenting evidence of ID. This course is geared towards intermediate and experienced capital practitioners. Beginners are welcome to attend, but the material is advanced.
It is our mission to ensure that no one with intellectual disability is ever executed. We are dedicated to equipping all members of the defense team with the tools needed to discover, investigate, and effectively litigate intellectual disability.
Intellectual disability can be difficult to detect. Often, clients go to great lengths to hide their disability due to shame and embarrassment, even when it can save their life. Unlike common stereotypes, those with intellectual disability cannot be identified based on their appearance or superficial interactions. Clients may appear “normal” in the context of school, work, family or when we first encounter them as the defendant in a capital prosecution. Education is crucial to overcome these stereotypes.
This training will offer the most up-to-date legal and scientific information concerning ID and provide hands-on opportunities to practice skills needed to screen effectively for ID. Students will learn how to work with mental-health experts and how to develop and provide the detailed life-history information needed for an effective evaluation. Instructors will include psychologists, lawyers, and mitigation specialists who are experts on the subject.
Comments from past participants –
Without question this was the best conference / educational trainings I have ever attended. The quality of the experts and the access that we had to them was unprecedented in my experience. The small group sessions were so helpful. I also love that this is not designed to be a one and done event. The opportunity to return and continue to work on cases is really helpful.
The ID conference played a major role in my ability to formulate a compelling, fact based motion as to my client’s ID issues and adaptive functioning deficits. It was also beneficial to be able to explain the various IQ tests, how they work, what they test for and how the Flynn Effect impacts standardized testing. I was able to compare and contrast those issues with the State and reach and the outcome of death being taken off the table.
OUTSTANDING! Lifechanging information and access to experts
I have been to many Capital trainings. this one has been one of the best for getting useful information relevant and applicable to our cases.
These were, by far, the most professional, relevant and motivating training sessions I have ever been a part of. My practice has already improved greatly, and I feel that I have tools I need as I transition into a capital practice.
Great location. I loved the student hosts. I felt this training was for people serious about the work and not just interested in traveling to a conference. Great opportunity to hear from experts and to gain insight from more experienced lawyers.
This
was an INCREDIBLE conference. Every expert, attorney speaker, leader of our small groups, etc. brought so much knowledge, insight, and experience. It was packed with content–I filled up an entire notebook and sent daily emails reporting back to the team I was working on with information and to-dos immediately applicable to cases.

Need help with this registration process? Watch this video.
NAPD Events and Cancellation Policy
By registering for this training, I am affirming that today I am neither a prosecutor, nor attending this training with the purpose of aiding the prosecution of any criminally accused. I further affirm that I am dedicated to the ideals of the criminal defense practitioner, and am committed to the causes of effective and zealous defense of those charged with crimes, the protection and assertion of constitutional rights afforded the criminally accused, and the recognition and preservation of human dignity of those charged with crimes. I further affirm that my use of the information provided by this training will not be used by me in any manner which would impugn the above set out ideals.

Social Work Meetup: Learn About Video Mitigation with Isacha Sandy
2025-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-learn-about-video-mitigation-with-isacha-sandy/
At this week’s meetup, Forensic Social Worker Isacha Sandy will share how she has created video mitigation in an accessible, budget-friendly way to help humanize clients facing legal systems. This session will explore core principles of effective storytelling, ethical considerations, and creative strategies for working within limited resources. Isacha will highlight the use of video in sentencing advocacy, family reunification, and trauma-informed casework, offering insight into how these tools can amplify client voice and context.

Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to produce compelling video content using accessible tools—no advanced technical background required.
Join us to see what cool things she has done and learn how to do it yourself!

Isacha Sandy is a Forensic Social Worker with the Alameda County Public Defender

Racial Justice Meetup - June Edition
2025-06-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Racial Justice Advocates,
It’s time for another RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP of 2025!

Guy Lang, our Justice-Impacted Communities Coordinator, will lead us in a Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month edition of the Advocating While Black: The Experiences and Perspectives of Black Men In Public Defense© presentation.
It’s going to be good. Don’t miss this meetup! Meetup flyer and agenda, as well as the speaker bio, will be posted on the listserv.

Not on the Racial Justice listserv? Send your request to be added to BGT, DEIJ Coordinator, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.
See you soon, DEIJ!

Investigator Supervisor Meetup: 06-11-2025- Open Chat
2025-06-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-06-11-2025-open-chat/
HI all,
Supervisors and lead investigators second Wednesday of the month is coming, so let’s chat about how things are in your offices, with your cases and clients.
Join us!
See you on Wednesday,
Jon

Social Work Supervisors Discussion Meetup
2025-06-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-supervisors-discussion-meetup-2-pm-est-1-pm-cst-12-pm-mst-11-am-pst/
Social Work Supervisors Discussion – now monthly on Thursday at 2 PM EST/1 PM CST/12 PM MST/11 AM PST!
This month’s Social Work Supervisors Discussion meetup is on the topic of having difficult conversations, giving feedback that inspires growth, and how to develop and improve morale overall in the face of less-than-ideal circumstances. This discussion is for supervisors of social workers, mitigation specialists, social work interns, and others being supervised in similar roles in defense-based offices.

Anosognosia: A Primary Reason for Treatment Noncompliance, Medication Refusal, Substance Misuse, and Other Problematic Outcomes
2025-06-16 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/anosognosia-a-primary-reason-for-treatment-noncompliance/
Anosognosia is a complex condition where a person genuinely lacks awareness or insight of the fact that they suffer from a disability, disease, or disorder. This lack of insight or awareness can extend to deficits that involve executive function, emotions, language skills, judgement, motor skill ability, and memory. Anosognosia is distinct from denial, as the symptoms of the person’s condition may limit or prevent thought processes that would enable the conscious choice of denial. Anosognosia has been observed among those with a history of traumatic brain injuries, structural brain lesion, neurodegenerative disorders, schizophrenia and other serious mental health disorders, and strokes. The consequences of Anosognosia can contribute to (a) treatment completion issues (b) higher relapse rates (c) medication noncompliance (d) poorer psychosocial functioning (e) anger, aggression, and violence (f) criminal justice involvement (g) homelessness, and (h) increased utilization of crisis support services. Intended for professionals, this training will examine the definitions, symptoms, causes, and consequences associated with Anosognosia and its implications for justice-involved individuals. Tips, strategies, and solutions will also be discussed. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training.
Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities, confabulation, suggestibility, memory, Miranda rights comprehension issues, sleep disturbances, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

Social Worker Meetup: Keeping Mitigation Themes Compelling
2025-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/swmeetup-keeping-mitigation-themes-compelling/
We have talked in the past about mitigation themes and also referred to the John B. Meixner, Jr. article, “Modern Sentencing Mitigation” that includes an analysis of the most compelling themes with the best outcomes in federal sentencing. This social work meetup will look at themes we use and themes Meixner says are most compelling, and we will talk about how to keep these themes fresh, innovative, and compelling each time. How do we create different narratives if we are using (seeing) the same themes? What do we do to not feel like our writing is in a rut? This will be a good discussion to get us all thinking innovatively and creatively!
Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia, Colorado, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, and owner of Transform Legal, a consultancy focused on mitigation, training, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients, lawyers, social workers, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.

Pregnancy Criminalization: Leveraging Medical Expertise for Effective Criminal Defense
2025-06-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/pregnancy-criminalization-leveraging-medical-expertise-for-effective-criminal-defense/
The legal landscape surrounding pregnancy criminalization is worsening. Representing individuals whose pregnancy outcomes or healthcare decisions become the subject of a criminal or civil investigation requires attorneys to navigate complex medical and forensic evidence. In collaboration with Pregnancy Justice, the leading legal advocacy organization defending the civil and human rights of pregnant people, and Dr. Mishka Terplan, Medical Director of Friends Research Institute and co-founder of Doing Right by Birth, this webinar will provide guidance on how to challenge the misleading science on which these prosecutions are often based and share example case studies.
Mishka Terplan, MD MPH FACOG DFASAM
Mishka Terplan is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in addiction medicine. His primary clinical, research, public health, and advocacy interests lie along the intersections of reproductive and behavioral health. He is Medical Director at Friends Research Institute and adjunct faculty at the University of California, San Francisco where he is a Substance Use Warmline clinician. He is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Doing Right By Birth, a non-profit that seeks to flip the script from drug exposure to early childhood development. Dr. Terplan has spoken at local high schools and before the United States Congress and is internationally recognized as an expert in the care of pregnant and parenting people who use drugs.

Emma Roth, JD
Emma Roth (she/her) is a senior staff attorney at Pregnancy Justice, a national legal nonprofit that advances and defends the rights of pregnant people. She provides criminal defense to people facing charges related to their pregnancies and also litigates civil rights cases related to reproductive rights and justice. She previously worked at the ACLU Women’s Rights Project, where she brough impact litigation to advance the rights of women and girls in courts across the country. Emma served as a judicial law clerk to Judge Ronnie Abrams of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Emma received her J.D. from Yale Law School and her A.B. from Brown University. As a proud mother of two young children, Emma brings both her personal and professional experiences to her representation of pregnant and parenting people.

Fikayo Walter-Johnson
Fikayo Walter-Johnson (she/her) is a social science researcher committed to transformative social movements. Prior to joining Pregnancy Justice, she supported research on the long-term social and mental impacts of juvenile incarceration and worked as a paralegal with the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy & Technology Project, where she assisted attorneys on pressing First and Fourth Amendment litigation. As the Senior Research Associate at Pregnancy Justice, she combines her knowledge of privacy, free speech, public health and social science research to advance pregnant people’s social and legal protections. Fikayo received her bachelor’s from the University of Chicago with a dual degree in Sociology & Public Policy and a specialization in Gender & Sexuality Studies.

JOIN US for the June 2025 edition of the DEIJ MEETUP!
2025-06-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
DEI Advocates,
JOIN US for the June 2025 edition of the DEIJ MEETUP!
KC (she/her/they/then) will lead a presentation and discussion entitled When Self-Care is Not Enough? A DEI-fatigue Discussion. Oh this is going to be good!
You definitely do not want to miss this meetup! The meetup flyer, agenda, and Zoom link will be posted on the listserv. Not on the listserv?
Send your request to be added to the DEIJ listserv to BGT, DEIJ Coordinator, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.
See you soon, DEIJ!

Theory Based Jury Selection
2025-06-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/theory-based-jury-selection/
Jury Selection is one of the most important aspects of developing a successful defense of your client. It is also an aspect many defense lawyers either find very challenging or don’t spend enough time preparing. We will discuss the importance of preparing and presenting an effective, theory based jury selection. You will learn the types of questions to ask so that you can get the most information to enable you to make the best choices in selecting your client’s jury. We will also discuss the types of questions to avoid which provide little or insufficient information.
Andre Vitale (Jersey City, NJ). Andre has served as a public defense lawyer for over 25 years as a trial lawyer, training director, educator, and mentor. He currently works as the First Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the Essex Trial Region of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Andre previously served as a Special Assistant Public Defender and Training Director with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office (Rochester, NY) and as the Assistant Training Director with the King County Department of Public Defense (Seattle, WA). Andre has extensive trial experience taking more than 100 cases to verdict, while handling some of the most complex matters. He has developed an expertise in defending homicide and sex cases, with a proficiency in contesting forensic and other technical evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, CSAAS, and eyewitness identification. Andre authored an article: Fighting Racial Prejudice through Suppression Litigation, which was published in July 2021 edition of the CHAMPION

Social Workers Meetup: Community Engagement and Community Resources
2025-07-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/community-engagement-and-community-resources/
This meetup will discuss the broad spectrum of community engagement and community resources: two sides of the same coin. Community resources are critical for an underserved client population in need of resources, especially when they have gone without having this need met historically. But to link to community resources there is a degree of community engagement that must be undertaken. Does your office have a community engagement policy or aspiration? Is community engagement and learning about community resources part of the day-to-day work or ancillary to it? Are there ways in which you and your office are making community engagement measurable or quantifiable (e.g., a dollars and cents rationale for engaging with the community because it is a carceral alternative through community-based alternative sentencing)? Share your ideas and insights as well as what you are doing!
Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia, Colorado, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, and owner of Transform Legal, a consultancy focused on mitigation, training, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients, lawyers, social workers, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.

RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP - July Edition
2025-07-08 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Racial Justice Meetup –
Join us for the next edition of the RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP on July 8, 2025 at 1 p.m. (est) / 12 p.m. (cst) / 11 a.m. (mt) / 10 a.m. (pst)!
This month Stan Hickman, Esq. will lead our meetup in a presentation entitled Black & Seasoned!
Meetup info and reminders will be provided on the Racial Justice Listserv.
Be sure you’re there, NAPD!

Investigator Supervisor Meetup - Open Chat
2025-07-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/36302/
Hi investigators in a supervisory role,
it will be the second Wednesday of the month , so let’s chat about how things are in your offices, with your cases and clients.
See you Wednesday!
Jon

Investigator meetup - Social profiler demo
2025-07-11 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-7-11-2025-social-profiler/
Welcome to an exciting month of guests for the month of July! This is an a new tool for getting a feel for our witnesses and potential jurors too!
Socialprofiler is a newly launched social media background check and research tool. Technology that analyzes Facebook, X, TikTok & Instagram to generate profile reports on an individual’s personal interests.
Our social media screenings identify & categorize a person’s interests based on their social media actions, allowing you to identify risks, highlight red flags & anticipate compatibility issues.
With our AI mapping capabilities, Socialprofiler cross-references anyone’s personal network of friends, acquaintances & followers on Instagram, X and TikTok so you can understand mutual relationships & network.
You can explore several report examples here: https://dashboard.socialprofiler.com/report-examples

Metabolic Syndrome among Justice-Involved Individuals: Implications for Mood, Behavior, Cognition, and Physical Health
2025-07-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/metabolic-syndrome-among-justice-involved-individuals/
A modern-day epidemic and daunting public health challenge, metabolic syndrome is a constellation of cardio-metabolic risk factors, including high blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high triglycerides, central obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin dysfunction. The presence of metabolic syndrome drastically increases the risk of experiencing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and premature mortality. This is particularly true among those involved in the criminal justice system. Emerging research is also finding that metabolic syndrome has significant implications for mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health. This training provides attendees with (a) an overview of metabolic syndrome, (b) a review of the causes, consequences, and symptoms, and (c) an exploration of interventions for metabolic syndrome among justice-involved individuals. This training highlights the importance of adopting multidisciplinary and integrated approaches, characterized by collaborations with registered dieticians and licensed nutritionists, psychogastroenterologists, sleep specialists, exercise specialists, and other professionals. Such integrated care approaches (e.g., comprehensive screening and targeted holistic interventions) are crucial for improving short and long-term outcomes of justice-involved individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth fire setting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Dyslexia, Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

Social Work Meetup: New Things to Share About!
2025-07-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-7-16-2025/
Similar to our past “brag fest” meetups, this meetup is your opportunity to share new mitigation strategies you’ve tried, new work products, interesting client meeting questions, innovative ways you have advocated, manuals or guides you have created, new initiatives, and whatever else you would like to share that would be new to the group!
Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia, Colorado, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, and owner of Transform Legal, a consultancy focused on mitigation, training, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients, lawyers, social workers, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.

The Defender Wellness Collective: Monthly Meetup for Public Defense Wellness
2025-07-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-defender-wellness-collective-monthly-meetup-for-public-defense-wellness/
The Defender Wellness Collective is a monthly gathering designed to support public defenders and others in the public defense community in maintaining their well-being. This meetup provides a space for reflection, connection, and practical strategies to help mitigate burnout, manage stress, and build resilience in a demanding profession.

These meetups will occur the third Thursday of the month at 2:00 pm EST | 11:00 am Pacific.

Corey Dewayne Smith is a United States Army JAG Corps veteran who has transitioned into criminal defense social work and leadership training. He is passionate about developing others and volunteers with several organizations that provide support and resources to leaders. As a nationally recognized speaker on leadership, multidisciplinary team building, and professional development, he is committed to helping leaders and their teams overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Social Worker Supervisor Discussion: Hiring & Coaching
2025-07-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisor-discussion-hiring-coaching/
When the team works well together and is a good fit, the work gets done effectively and successfully, fulfilling all team members. How do we hire the right staff and coach to their strengths and to the strengths of the team? That will be our discussion starting point this week during our Social Worker Supervisor Discussion.
Facilitated by Stephanne Thornton and Kevin Bishop.

July 2025 edition of the DEIJ MEETUP
2025-07-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
DEIJ Advocates,
JOIN US our July 2025 edition of the DEIJ MEETUP! Charles Fox, Jr., M.A.P.P. (he/his/him) will lead us with his presentation – Bending the Arc: Navigating DEIJ in Public Defense Amidst Hostility & Misinformation.
A timely presentation indeed! Don’t miss this meetup! It is the last meetup before NAPD takes its Annual Defense Rest for the month of August! Come connect with us and get inspired to continue in the fight.
The meetup flyer, agenda, speaker bio, and Zoom link will be posted on the listserv.
Not on the listserv? Want to join us? Send your request to be added to the DEIJ listserv to BGT, DEIJ Coordinator, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.

See you soon, DEIJ!

Defending a Shaken Baby Case
2025-07-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/defending-a-shaken-baby-case/
Shaken Baby Syndrome has led to a number of wrongful convictions throughout the years. SBS cases were heavily litigated in the 1990s and early 2000s before they seemed to trail off. However, over the past five or so years we have seen a resurgence in the use of SBS as a theory of Prosecution as it has now been rebranded Abusive Head Trauma. While the labels have changed the underlying theories have stayed the same. In this presentation we will discuss SBS/ AHT cases and the Triad that is used to arrive at the Hypothesis. You will learn the false assumptions underlying the SBS/ AHT Hypothesis. We will also discuss the types of Experts you need to consult in order to develop a successful defense.
Andre Vitale (Jersey City, NJ). Andre has served as a public defense lawyer for over 25 years as a trial lawyer, training director, educator, and mentor. He currently works as the First Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the Essex Trial Region of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Andre previously served as a Special Assistant Public Defender and Training Director with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office (Rochester, NY) and as the Assistant Training Director with the King County Department of Public Defense (Seattle, WA). Andre has extensive trial experience taking more than 100 cases to verdict, while handling some of the most complex matters. He has developed an expertise in defending homicide and sex cases, with a proficiency in contesting forensic and other technical evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, CSAAS, and eyewitness identification. Andre authored an article: Fighting Racial Prejudice through Suppression Litigation, which was published in July 2021 edition of the CHAMPION

Investigator Meetup: The Gideon Blueprint: Innovating On-Prem AI for Public Defense
2025-07-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-the-gideon-blueprint-innovating-on-prem-ai/
The Gideon Blueprint: Innovating On-Prem AI for Public Defense
This session explores the full arc of building a secure, on-premises AI system tailored for public defense work. From research and cost comparisons to the decision to avoid cloud-based risks, we’ll walk through the practical and ethical motivations behind developing “Gideon,” our internal AI system. You’ll learn how we selected and tuned large language models, navigated technical and organizational pitfalls, and integrated the system into real-world defense workflows. We’ll cover current capabilities, limitations, and where we are headed next. This is a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at what it took to build and lead AI innovation in the public defender space
Robert Thies
Senior Investigator, Federal Public Defender – Eastern District of Missouri
Based in St. Louis, Robert Thies is a Senior Investigator with nearly 30 years of experience in criminal defense. He leads AI innovation for the Federal Public Defender’s Office and is the project lead for GIDEON, a secure, locally hosted platform supporting case analysis, discovery review, and legal strategy. Robert is a national resource on AI use in defense settings and has authored internal policies, conducted hands-on training, and advised offices across the country. He holds an AI Prompting Certification from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and is the author of The Algorithm, a novel about AI and the justice system, due out in 2026.
He enjoys playing pickleball, snowboarding, and keeping bees.

First 1,000 Days of Life and Implications for Future Health and Behavioral Outcomes: A Neurocriminological and Nutritional Neuroscience Perspective
2025-07-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/first-1000-days/
The first 1,000 days refers to a child’s life from day one of conception until the age of 2. This is a unique period of opportunity when the foundations of ideal neurodevelopment, growth, and health are established. Problematic and traumatic experiences during the first 1,000 days can have a lifelong effect on health and well-being, including increased risk of future engagement in concerning and problematic behaviors. Targeted interventions during this period may play a vital role in reducing problematic behavioral, emotional, psychological, social, cognitive, and physical health outcomes throughout the lifespan. This training introduces professionals to the research that supports the first 1,000 days of life, examines problematic factors and experiences that may occur during this critical stage of development, and implications for future adverse health outcomes and problematic behaviors. Implications for intake, screening, intervention, management, and prevention will be discussed throughout this training. Insights from the fields of neurocriminology and nutritional neuroscience will be incorporated throughout. Empirically based research findings are highlighted throughout this training.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod is also the founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities, confabulation, suggestibility, sleep disturbances, serious and persistent mental health disorders, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Dyslexia, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod also holds a wide range of professional certifications and has completed several comprehensive training programs. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and previously co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets and has appeared in two documentaries related to the topic of FASD. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

A Conversation Between Lori James and Cessie Alfonso
2025-07-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/a-conversation-between-lori-james-and-cessie-alfonso/
Lori James is the Executive Director of the National Association for Public Defense, a social worker and mitigation specialist, who started her career as a social work intern under Cessie Alfonso’s supervision. Lori has served as mitigation specialist in many high profile cases where her work resulted in a positive outcome for her clients. Cessie Alfonso is a forensic social worker and long-time advocate opposing the death penalty who has had her papers archived at Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, at Harvard Radcliffe Institute. These two amazing powerhouses of public defense will have a conversation that is a do not miss event!
Lori James, LCSW-C is a dynamic leader, educator, and clinician with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, training, organizational development, and leadership. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and her B.A. in Social Work from Morgan State University. Lori is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work at Tulane University School of Social Work, deepening her lifelong commitment to transformative leadership and justice-centered practice.

Lori’s expansive career includes program development, program management, collegiate instruction, and leadership and management training. She has served as faculty at several universities and has been a sought-after trainer and consultant in national and regional leadership, communication, and team-building programs. Previously, she was a part-time Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Studies and Community Development at Towson University.

Lori formerly served as the Director of Leadership and Program Development at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, an agency with over 800 employees statewide. In that role, she led the agency’s social work division—including staff, consultants, and interns—and was instrumental in developing internal leadership and team development initiatives that fostered growth, collaboration, and mission-alignment across the organization. Lori is also a certified John Maxwell Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Facilitator, bringing a values-based approach to her work in both justice and nonprofit systems.

A published author and respected thought leader, Lori has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women by The Daily Record—first in 2015 and again in May 2025, in recognition of her continued excellence and impact.

Cessie Alfonso is a forensic social worker, domestic violence prevention and responder, and organizational development consultant and activist. The founder and president of Alfonso Consultants, Inc. which provides psychosocial assessments to clients of civil and criminal attorneys throughout the United States and abroad, she trained and worked as a social worker and has collaborated with civil and criminal defense attorneys nationally and internationally for more than three decades to provide psychosocial assessments and other social work support to their clients. During the course of her work, she and her colleagues have undertaken more than one thousand mitigation investigations.

Since 1986 Cessie has consulted on over 700 capital cases, often testifying as an expert in the penalty phase of those cases. A first-generation Caribbean American, Alfonso has conducted mitigation investigations in Cuba, Columbia, El Salvador, and Puerto Rico, and regularly leads training sessions on domestic violence, cultural competency, among other topics. Alfonso attended Montefiore School of Practical Nursing (LPN 1965), Hood College (BA 1973), and Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work (MSW 1977). A member of the Combahee River Collective, she is an activist who marched against the Vietnam War, for civil rights, and women, lesbian, and gay rights. In 2008 she was recognized by Governor Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey as a leading mitigation specialist who significantly contributed to the abolition of the death penalty in the state. In 2017 she was part of the Truth Commission on Poverty in New York State, organized by the Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State.

The Power of Stories in Justice
2025-08-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-power-of-stories-in-justice/
This webinar is an introduction to the techniques Michael Ahn uses in his work consulting litigants on the use for story in our cases.
Humans use stories to make choices and justify actions. This is especially true in criminal justice cases, where participants – especially jurors – undoubtedly rely on stereotypes and unconscious bias as they hear arguments and testimony, and review evidence. These powerful story dynamics impact the outcome of the case.

How are cases and trials like a story?
How can you structure your case like a story?
What is the “epiphany” and why is it so powerful?
What kinds of bias do jurors tend to have?

Michael Ahn is a trial narrative consultant who helps public defenders and social workers use story techniques in mitigation and trials. Since 2016, Michael has consulted on hundreds of cases, with an 80% success rate, including acquittals on five trials where the client was facing a life sentence.

Defending While Drowning: The Urgent Need for Self-Care in Public Defense Investigation
2025-08-08 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/defending-while-drowning/
Public Defender Investigators are the quiet backbone of the justice system—relentlessly seeking truth, advocating for fairness, and shouldering the emotional weight of other people’s crises. But what happens when the people doing this critical work are overwhelmed, burned out, or emotionally depleted? This presentation confronts the reality many investigators face: the feeling of drowning while still trying to defend. We’ll explore the psychological and physical toll this demanding role can take, the professional and personal consequences of neglecting self-care, and practical, accessible strategies for protecting your well-being. This is not about adding more to your plate—it’s about learning how to stay afloat, stay effective, and stay human in a system that too often forgets the humanity of its helpers.
Sharronda Wheat, J.D. is a Public Defender Investigator II at the Office of the Public Defender in Contra Costa County. A proud Bay Area native born and raised in Oakland, California, Sharronda brings deep regional insight and a steadfast commitment to justice to her work. She holds a Juris Doctor from John F. Kennedy University, College of Law, along with a Certificate in Mediation from The Congress of Neutrals. Sharronda also earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, with an emphasis in Corrections and a minor in Sociology, from California State University, East Bay. With a strong foundation in law, investigation, and conflict resolution, she is dedicated to serving her community and advocating for equity within the criminal justice system.

Investigator Meetup for Supervisors - Work/Life balance
2025-08-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-for-supervisors-2025-08-13/
While we have our usual grind of caseload, managing others and a home life, let’s talk about the balancing of these parts of our lives. Come join us for finding how best to accomplish this daily feat for ourselves and our teammates. Looking forward to you being part of this conversation.

Unseeing the Prosecution's Case
2025-08-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/unseeing-the-prosecutions-case/
In this presentation we will discuss the way to approach developing a defense from the beginning of your representation of your client. You will learn how to move past the Discovery and expand the information you have to lay the groundwork to developing a proper theory of defense. We will discuss strategies to control the evidence which is presented to the Jury so the Facts of the Case are those which best support your Theory of Defense.
Andre Vitale (Jersey City, NJ). Andre has served as a public defense lawyer for over 25 years as a trial lawyer, training director, educator, and mentor. He currently works as the First Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the Essex Trial Region of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Andre previously served as a Special Assistant Public Defender and Training Director with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office (Rochester, NY) and as the Assistant Training Director with the King County Department of Public Defense (Seattle, WA). Andre has extensive trial experience taking more than 100 cases to verdict, while handling some of the most complex matters. He has developed an expertise in defending homicide and sex cases, with a proficiency in contesting forensic and other technical evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, CSAAS, and eyewitness identification. Andre authored an article: Fighting Racial Prejudice through Suppression Litigation, which was published in July 2021 edition of the CHAMPION

Defender Wellness Collective
2025-08-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/defender-wellness-collective/
Following the initial meet up we will now have an open discussion about the NAPD 10 principles of sustainability and how they show up in our work spaces.
Join us for a discussion of the wellness and sustainability in the public defense workspace facilitated by the NAPD Wellbeing Resource Coordinator; Corey Dewayne Smith

Unpacking the Impact of Microaggressions Within Public Defense: An Ethics and Policy-Driven Approach
2025-08-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Microaggressions are rooted in implicit bias and adversely impact the work we do for our clients and with our colleagues. While microaggressions seem elusive to some, their impact is felt by many.
Join the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania (PDAP) and National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (EST) for a virtual training event to discuss the impact of microaggressions and their ethical implications.
Using real-life examples, trainers Brittney M. Williams and Charles Fox, Jr. will lead a solution-based conversation around (1) how to recognize microaggressions and (2) ways to both ethically and effectively respond to them. Improve yourself and your office culture by participating in this timely and impactful training.
Don’t miss this special training! REGISTER TODAY!
NAPD registration inquiries, contact BGT, Esq., DEIJ Coordinator.

Important Notes:

All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance to use for your professional development file or to apply for CLE or CEU credit!
Note: You will receive the Zoom link 30 minutes before the webinar begins on 8/19/25
Registration will close 1 hour prior to the start of the webinar (noon EST).
DISCLAIMER: By registering and purchasing a ticket for this webinar, you, as the registrant, understand that the webinar link grants access to you only. Registrants are prohibited from sharing the webinar link with others or broadcasting it on a public platform. If webinar access is needed for multiple participants, each person must register and purchase their own ticket.

About the Presenters
CHARLES FOX, JR. (he/him) is the Director of Diversity & Development for the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County, Inc. Since assuming this role in 2019, he has developed training, inclusive programs, CLE’s and strategies in recruitment/ hiring to promote client centered equity within and outside of the organization. His work is concentrated on facilitating critical conversations focused on innovative approaches to fostering impactful diversity in the public defense/criminal legal space and the importance of fostering an inclusive and equitable environment as well as addressing lingering disparities and unconscious bias in the criminal justice system.
He has presented at conferences hosted by such organizations as The National Association for Public Defense, The Color of Excellence®, The Federal Defenders, The Chief Defenders Association of New York, The Nassau County Courts, The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, The Suffolk Academy of Law, The Amistad Black Bar Association, and more. Mr. Fox was appointed to the Suffolk County Equal Justice in the Courts Committee in 2022.
Prior to working at the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County, Inc., he worked for The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk County for over a decade. Mr. Fox Began his career working for SNAP Long Island. He received an associate’s degree in international studies/business from Suffolk Community College in 2003, and a bachelor’s degree in political science & Africana Studies from Stony Brook University in 2005. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public policy in 2011, also at Stony Brook. Charles has spent more than two decades immersed in not for profit/community work.
Charles is a married father of two. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, sports, film/theater, reading, writing, and landscaping.
Charles is a well-known and respected voice in NAPD’s DEIJ space. He’s led multiple DEIJ Meetups, and led both a breakout session and Get Rooted Roundtable at NAPD’s Racial Justice Conference. He continues to serve as a member of NAPD’s Racial Justice+ Committee.

BRITTNEY M. WILLIAMS (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker, and leads the Advocacy, Intervention, & Mitigation Division (AIM) at the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office. Her work with AIM largely centers on mitigation, and utilizes storytelling and evidence-based research to present clients in a way which compels consideration of their full life experiences.
Brittney is especially passionate about advocating for the needs of people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, and those living with mental illness. She is a two-time alumna of the University of Michigan, where she studied sociology and social work, and is currently pursuing a PhD in social work at Wayne State University. Brittney is an avid reader, a true crime junkie, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Brittney is a sought after speaker with the National Association for Public Defense. She is a member of its Racial Justice+ Committee and had led the Racial Justice Meetup. Additionally, Brittney has led breakout sessions and Get Rooted Roundtables at NAPD’s Racial Justice Conference, she has co-lead a plenary session as well.

Social Worker Meetup: The International Legal Foundation Social Work Fellows
2025-08-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-international-legal-foundation-social-work-fellows/
This social worker (mitigation specialist, sentencing advocate, dispositional specialist, etc.) meetup will give us an opportunity to learn more about the work of The International Legal Foundation and the role of social work fellows performing international work. Megan Karnes will be joining from The International Legal Foundation and talking about the opportunities through the fellows program. More details on this below!
The International Legal Foundation (ILF) is offering an in-person opportunity for social workers to support the development of holistic, rights-based legal aid in Myanmar. Embedded in ILF’s field office, fellows work alongside local teams to strengthen defense practices and build culturally grounded, client-centered systems. Fellows provide case-
based mentorship to empower local lawyers and social workers to become proactive, strategic advocates. Join us to learn how holistic legal aid can take shape beyond Western frameworks—and how you can contribute to this transformative, on-the-ground work.
Meghan Karnes (she/they) is a social worker and HR leader committed to equity, care, and accountability in global nonprofit spaces. She serves as the Manager of Human Resources and Office Administration at the International Legal Foundation, supporting the team through management, team building, and actionable operations. Meghan is currently working with the ILF Myanmar team to develop a Social Work Handbook that supports holistic legal aid through a culturally grounded lens. A fierce believer in radical transformation, Meghan strives to be a change agent in reimagining systems toward justice and sustainability.
