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X-WR-CALNAME:National Association for Public Defense
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://publicdefenders.us
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for National Association for Public Defense
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250423T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250423T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250403T210423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250403T210423Z
UID:10000307-1745413200-1745416800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ Meetup - April Edition
DESCRIPTION:DEIJ Meetup –\n\nWe’re back! It’s time for the April edition of the DEIJ MEETUP!\n\nJoyce Akhahenda\, Esq. (she/her) will lead this month’s meetup presentation – TOUGH CONVERSATIONS. In this DEIJ meetup\, we will cover why we avoid having tough conversations and how to have them.\n\nDon’t miss this meetup! The meetup flyer\, speaker bio\, and Zoom link will be posted on the listserv.\n\nBe sure that you don’t miss a DEIJ Meetup (every fourth Wednesday of the month) or our discussions by adding our calendar and joining the listserv.\n\nSee you soon\, DEIJ!
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-meetup-april-edition/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/04/DEIJ-Meetup-2025-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250422T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250422T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250115T222226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250116T180727Z
UID:10000270-1745323200-1745330400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Kintsukuroi Sentencing
DESCRIPTION:Kintsukuroi\, the Japanese art of “golden repair\,” involves mending broken pottery with gold\, silver\, or platinum\, embracing the flaws as part of the object’s history rather than concealing them. This philosophy can be a powerful tool in federal criminal defense. \nApplying Kintsukuroi to your practice means using the concept of embracing and highlighting your clients’ burdens\, journeys and rehabilitation efforts as part of their story. It offers a fresh perspective on developing mitigation strategies\, demonstrating genuine growth and commitment to compliance with pretrial conditions\, and crafting compelling arguments for sentencing. \nMost of our clients end up standing before a judge for sentencing. If you’d like to consider some new strategies to help them put their best foot forward\, you’ll get some practical ideas and sources for this crucial aspect of your practice. \nLaurie Shertz has been a criminal defense attorney for not quite 30 years\, primarily concentrating her practice in federal court. She focuses on a client-centric approach to cases\, ensuring clients receive the time they need to understand their case and choices fully\, and to share their background and experiences to craft their best strategy in every case.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/kintsukuroi-sentencing/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/kintsukuroi-sentencing/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20241114T143856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250319T143334Z
UID:10000251-1745247600-1745251200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Dyslexia: Criminal Justice\, Forensic Mental Health\, and Legal Implications
DESCRIPTION:Presenters: Jerrod Brown\, Ph.D.\, M.A.\, M.S.\, M.S.\, M.S.\, and Amy Guillot\, Ph.D.\, M.A. \nDyslexia is defined by the International Dyslexia Association as a neurological learning disability characterized by poor spelling and word recognition abilities. Consequences of these deficits often include secondary reading problems such as poor reading comprehension. A harmful domino effect can be traced from dyslexia to learning difficulties in school and several adverse outcomes across the lifespan. These adverse outcomes include criminal justice-involvement\, as research reports that people entangled in the criminal justice system may be disproportionately likely to present with undiagnosed dyslexia. Although not a causal risk factor for criminal behavior\, dyslexia may amplify the risk of criminal justice-involvement when co-occurring with other established risk factors (e.g.\, impulsive control issues\, poor verbal skills\, low self-esteem\, social skill limitations\, early language problems\, and cognitive problem-solving). Intended for professionals working in criminal justice\, forensic mental health\, and legal settings\, this innovative training provides attendees with a comprehensive overview of dyslexia\, its potential causes\, clinical features\, and red flag indicators. Nuanced discussions of potential opportunities for prevention\, management\, and intervention will also be discussed. For instance\, high quality academic and reading interventions could play a key role in reducing the rates of delinquency and recidivism among justice-involved populations. The principal goals of this training are to encourage the (a) routine screening of dyslexia and (b) adoption of dyslexia-informed practices and policies in criminal justice\, forensic mental health\, and legal systems. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training. \nJerrod 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\, 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. \nAmy Guillot\, Ph.D.\, M.A.\, has been a literacy education professor\, researcher\, and Dyslexia Therapist in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Houston-Victoria since 2007. Amy earned her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2003. She is the current Chair of the Teacher Education Program at UH-V and leads the faculty in transforming teacher preparation. Amy has several years of experience in public schools as an English Language Arts teacher and Reading Specialist. She received her Dyslexia Therapist certification in 2020 after a two-year intensive preparation. Amy has published and presented extensively in national\, state\, and local venues on topics related to literacy and teacher preparation. In addition to her role as a professor and Chair\, Amy provides tutoring for students with dyslexia in her private practice. Amy has provided training for a variety of professionals and educators about the academic and mental health implications for people with dyslexia.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/dyslexia-criminal-justice/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/dyslexia-criminal-justice/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250421T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250329T205624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T180053Z
UID:10000301-1745240400-1745244000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Strategic Mitigation: Condensed and Abbreviated Versions of Mitigation
DESCRIPTION:On a Monday – Special Monday-Meetup! When a case has a tight turnaround or in-depth mitigation development hasn’t been requested\, how do you create a condensed or abbreviated version of mitigation? How do you structure your mitigation writing\, or do you do something different to highlight the mitigation you have? Come to this special Monday meetup to discuss how you handle strategic mitigation that is shorter in length\, condensed\, or abbreviated! \nStephanne 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. \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/strategic-mitigation-condensed-and-abbreviated-versions-of-mitigation/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/strategic-mitigation-condensed-and-abbreviated-versions-of-mitigation/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250415T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250415T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250414T141336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T141336Z
UID:10000311-1744722000-1744725600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Work Supervisor Discussion: Supporting Your Team
DESCRIPTION:This meetup is for supervisors of social workers\, mitigation specialists\, sentencing advocates\, dispositional advocates\, social work interns\, and others to come together and discuss topics relevant to supervision in defense-based offices. \nKevin Bishop\, LCSW\, is the Social Worker Coordinator with The OFfice of the Alternate Defense Counsel (CO). \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-supervisor-discussion-supporting-your-team/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-supervisor-discussion-supporting-your-team/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250414T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250417T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20240917T191913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241212T163811Z
UID:10000218-1744624800-1744902000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Leadership Institute 2025
DESCRIPTION:What to Expect: \nAt the Institute\, leaders will work on both a Case Problem designed to tackle common challenges faced in public defense offices and have the opportunity to discuss their unique issues outside of the case problem. \nSee the current agenda and speakers \nSmall Group\, Intensive Coaching: \nParticipants will work in small groups with expert facilitators and participants from across the nation\, Facilitators will guide you through leadership models to explore the Institute Case Problem and address personal leadership challenges. This personalized\, intensive coaching will help you develop solutions to both shared and individual issues. \nWho Should Attend: \nThis training is ideal for both new and experienced leaders from all sectors of public defense—federal\, state\, county\, contract\, and assigned counsel systems. Leaders of investigators\, social workers\, administrators\, and other public defense professionals are encouraged to attend. NAPD’s leadership trainings provide the practical tools you need to bring transformative change to your office\, justice system\, and community. \nLeave the Institute with strategies to apply what you’ve learned\, making an immediate impact when you return to your organization. \nRoom Block at Courtyard Indianapolis Downtown and SpringHill Indianapolis Downtown for $127 per night plus tax and fees.  We have a limited number of rooms\, book early to make sure you get the rate.  Deadline March 24\, 2025 \nMeals not provided.   There will be beverage and snacks at the breaks. \nPlease review NAPD Event Policies regarding attendance and cancellations \nPricing before Feb 3\, 2025   $800 NAPD Members\, $950 Non Members \nPricing Feb 4 and beyond  $900 NAPD Members\, $1050 Non Members \n Registration Deadline – March 17\, 2025  (Don’t wait till the last minute – this one always sells out)  \nHotel Room block with Courtyard and Spring Hill Suites for $133 plus tax and fees.   Click here to book your room  \nComments from past participants \n“I thought the conference was great. The topics and presentations were relevant to my work and everyone who presented was a pro. They knew how to relay information in a dynamic way; they taught without being pedantic. They were funny! It’s also nice to be in a space where people are grappling with similar issues. I’ve been to trainings for managers that are meant to be helpful\, but are designed for corporate offices or non-legal settings. This training was completely tailored to PD offices and NOT to corporate America.” \n“This conference was very well tailored to our work and the experience I had this year compared to an earlier version of the conference was much improved! Instead of war stories\, the faculty were poignant\, appropriately vulnerable about their own pitfalls\, and gave good practical advice for moving forward.” \n“NAPD puts on a great conference.  All of the plenary sessions were engaging and motivational.  The addition of the small groups made the discussions at the plenary sessions come to life.”
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/leadership-institute-2025/
LOCATION:Indianapolis Government Center South\, 302 W Washington St\, Indianapolis\, IN\, 46204\, United States
CATEGORIES:In Person Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2024/09/In-Person-Conference-Template.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250411T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250411T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250407T195209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T195209Z
UID:10000309-1744380000-1744383600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup: Uncovering and challenging patterns of police misconduct
DESCRIPTION:Investigators play a crucial role in uncovering and challenging patterns of police misconduct. We will discuss strategies for finding police misconduct data\, the impact of misconduct data on defense cases\, and how investigators can leverage new technologies to uncover misconduct.  This session will introduce Techtivist\, a groundbreaking platform designed to assist investigators with tracking and using police misconduct records effectively.\n\nJulie Ciccolini is the CEO of Techtivist\, a software firm empowering defenders to track law enforcement misconduct. Her innovative police accountability software has prevented wrongful convictions and sparked nationwide reform.  Her work at The Legal Aid Society\, Human Rights Watch\, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers\, contributed to overturning 13 problematic policing laws and the largest per-person settlement for a mass arrest in history. A sought-out subject matter expert on police accountability\, her work has been featured in the New York Times\, Washington Post\, New Yorker\, NPR\, and CNN.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-uncovering-and-challenging-patterns-of-police-misconduct/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-uncovering-and-challenging-patterns-of-police-misconduct/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250409T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250409T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250407T192222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T192730Z
UID:10000181-1744207200-1744210800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Supervisor Meetup: Open chat 2:00 ET\, 1:00 CT\, 12:00 MT\, 11:00 PT
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to the April edition of the supervisor investigator’s meetup\, it’s an open chat with lots to cover including a special guest for Friday’s general meetup. \nPlease join us! \nJon \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-open-chat-april-2025/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-open-chat-april-2025/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250403T191922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250403T201834Z
UID:10000306-1744117200-1744120800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Racial Justice Meetup - April edition
DESCRIPTION:Racial Justice Meetup – \nIt’s time for the April edition of the RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP! \nCorey Smith\, NAPD’s new Wellness Resource Coordinator\, will lead this month’s meetup presentation – Income Inequality and Access to Justice! In this meetup\, we will explore the intersection of income inequality and access to justice in the United States\, examining how historical laws and policies have disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations. \nMeetup flyer\, speaker bio\, and Zoom link will be posted on the racial justice listserv. Not on the Racial Justice listserv? Send your request to be added to BGT\, Diversity\, Equity\, Inclusion & Justice (DEIJ) Coordinator\, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us. \nBe sure that you don’t miss a Racial Justice Meetup (every second Tuesday of the month)\, add it to your calendar here. \nSee you soon\, NAPD!
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/racial-justice-meetup-april-edition/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/04/RJ-Meetup-Apr2025.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250407T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250407T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250330T215749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T175414Z
UID:10000302-1744030800-1744034400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: Caseloads and Structure of Mitigation Workers in PD Offices
DESCRIPTION:On a Monday – Special Monday-Meetup! We know that every jurisdiction is different\, but we are also aware there is not uniformity in how mitigation work gets done in defense based offices. This discussion will focus on who is doing the mitigation work (social workers\, mitigation specialists\, behavioral health workers\, paralegals\, etc.)\, where (in-office or contracted)\, and what the referral process and caseloads look like. We will explore and discuss different ethical models that parallel in-office versus contracted work. Join us on a special Monday edition of our meetup! \nStephanne 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. \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-caseloads-and-structure-of-mitigation-workers-in-pd-offices/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-caseloads-and-structure-of-mitigation-workers-in-pd-offices/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250326T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250326T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250325T215224Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T220616Z
UID:10000300-1742990400-1742994000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Work Meetup: Open Chat
DESCRIPTION:This week’s meetup will be an open chat – open to discuss anything! If you want to highlight one of the great sessions you caught last week at NAPD’s Rise. Resist. Represent. Conference\, this is the space for that! If you have questions for the group – the space for that! If you want to bring up a topic to discuss and share – the space for that! Join the discussion where the topics\, questions\, ideas are driven by you! \n  \nStephanne 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-open-chat/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/85605681692
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250325T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250325T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250110T184324Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250319T142945Z
UID:10000263-1742911200-1742918400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigating Sex Assault of Children Cases
DESCRIPTION:Handling child sexual assault cases demands a specialized skill set distinct from other types of cases due to the sensitive nature of the material and the involvement of child witnesses. This presentation will offer a comprehensive\, in-depth\, step-by-step guide on how to approach these cases to achieve the best possible outcomes. \nKatherine Mayer is an accomplished criminal justice expert with over 15 years of experience in mitigation and fact investigation across both death and non-death penalty cases. In 2012\, Katherine founded Mayer Consulting\, a holistic criminal defense consulting firm that specializes in fact investigation\, mitigation\, and jury consulting. She holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and is a licensed private investigator in the state of Texas.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigating-sex-assault-of-children-cases/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigating-sex-assault-of-children-cases/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250320T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250321T173000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20240917T192846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250302T205647Z
UID:10000221-1742473800-1742578200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:NAPD Rise. Resist. Represent. Virtual Conference
DESCRIPTION:Join thousands of public defense professionals from across the nation for the 5th Annual Rise. Resist. Represent. Virtual Conference—a landmark event dedicated to empowering\, inspiring\, and equipping public defenders to confront the challenges of our time. This year’s conference promises an unparalleled experience with cutting-edge sessions\, impactful discussions\, and meaningful connections. \n\n\n\nWhy Attend?\nA Conference Built for You\nThis conference unites attorneys\, investigators\, social workers\, administrative professionals\, and more. Whether you’re advocating in court\, supporting clients behind the scenes\, or championing systemic reform\, you’ll find sessions tailored to your unique role and goals. \n\n\n\nExpanding Professional Horizons\nIn recognition of the professional growth opportunities this conference provides\, we’re applying for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit in the states listed below  allowing you to fulfill your CLE requirements while gaining skills and insights that directly impact your work. CLE tickets are an additional $100 each (no bulk discount) to cover the application and administrative costs.  15-20 of the sessions will be CLE eligible for up to 7 hours of CLE to claim for the conference. \nCLE Approved for AZ\, CO\, IN\, MO\, NM\, NY\, OH\, WA\, WI\, TX\nApplications Pending in CA\, GA\, IL\, MN\, VA\nMichigan public defenders and assigned counsel: NAPD events are presumptively approved for credit towards MIDC/Standard 1’s annual training requirements.  Please see the MIDC’s website for information about self-reporting and contact information for questions or concerns about attendance including reimbursement.   https://michiganidc.gov/cle/ \n\n\n\nFive Years of Growth and Impact\nSince its inception\, the Rise. Resist. Represent. conference has brought together thousands of public defenders each year. Over the past five years\, it has become a cornerstone event for advancing justice\, sparking innovation\, and building a community dedicated to public defense. \n\n\n\nAccessible and Flexible Learning\nWe understand the demands of your work\, so we’ve designed the conference to fit your schedule. Almost all sessions will be recorded and available on demand\, giving you the flexibility to participate live or catch up later. \n\nSee the Current Draft of the Program\nPricing (for basic registration not including CLE)\n\n\n\nTime Period\nIndividual\nBulk (5-100)\nBulk (101+)\n\n\n\n\nBefore Feb 7\n$75\n$50\n$25\n\n\nFeb 8 – March 3\n$100\n$75\n$50\n\n\nMarch 4 and after\n$125\n$100\n$75\n\n\n\nOrder Individual TicketsOrder Bulk Tickets\n\nAlready have a registration ticket for the conference but now need to add CLE registration?\n\n\n     CLE Only Add On       \nList of CLE sessions pending approval \n🔹 The Science Behind Chapter Method Cross-Examination Larry Steven Pozner \n🔹 “I Want to Tell You A Story”: Effective Closing Arguments in Criminal Cases Byron Conway \n🔹 Opening Statements Andrea Lyon \n🔹 The Automated Fourth Amendment: Policing Technology and Privacy Rights Maneka Sinha \n🔹 Legal Writing Tips from Non-legal Writing Sources Ben Miller \n🔹 Litigating Racism: Incorporating Race into Legal Argument Bethany Bonsu \n🔹 The Psychology of For-Cause Jury Selection Kelson Bohnet \n🔹 The Evidence’s Journey: Drug Chemistry for Lawyers Alexander Keane \n🔹 Navigating Various Aspects of a Client’s Competency to Stand Shaun R. Huband \n🔹 Engaging Media in High-Profile Cases Melissa Rothstein\, Natalin Deldalian & Jessie Seyfer \n🔹 No Ordinary Time: Pushing Back on Harmful Media Narratives Angela Chang \n🔹 The Question Spectrum – Improving Questioning Techniques for Witnesses\, Jurors\, and Others Michael L. Stout \n🔹 “Things I Wish I Knew About Family Court”: Handling Clients with Concurrent Family and Criminal Court Cases Sam Sloane \n🔹 Taking Aim at the Trifecta: Challenging Firearms Offenses Post-Bruen/Rahimi Jonathan Roberts \n🔹 Breaking Point: Navigating Excessive Caseloads & Seeking Relief Robert C. Boruchowitz & Carlos Martinez \n🔹 Making Better Bail Arguments John P. Gross \n🔹 Raising Racism: Equal Protection Claims\, Racial Justice Acts\, and Practical Pointers Josh Raisler Cohn \n🔹 A Walk Through the Elusive Resentencing Process Kelly Savage-Rodriguez \n🔹 Post-Rahimi Second Amendment Update and Practice Tips Jackson Whetsel \n🔹 Manner of Death Testimony and Why It’s NOT Fit for Purpose at the Criminal Trial Allison Lewis \n🔹 Building the Battle Plan to Take on Anyone: Defending in and For Youth Competency Hearings Elizabeth Hope Zilberberg \n🔹 Look-Back Resentencing: The Forgotten Middle Lisa Waters
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/rise-resist-represent-national-public-defense-virtual-conference-3/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/10/2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250306T151442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T151954Z
UID:10000292-1742302800-1742306400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Work Meetup: Social Worker Supervisor Discussion
DESCRIPTION:This meetup is for social work supervisors who supervise other social workers\, mitigation specialists\, dispositional advocates\, sentencing advocates\, and social work interns in defense-based offices. This week’s discussion will focus on what is your supervisory style. Whether you have it or are still developing it\, what supervisory style do you possess or want to embrace\, and how are you getting there? \nThis month’s discussion is hosted by Stephanne Thornton. 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. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-2025-03-18/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/87354448957
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250317T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250317T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250111T033728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250111T033728Z
UID:10000265-1742216400-1742223600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:In From the Margins: Recognizing and Appreciating Clients Narratives within the Family Policing System
DESCRIPTION:Stories matter – within every life\, there is an existing narrative of resilience and survival. Acknowledging the life experiences of the clients as they navigate systems of oppression and racism is salient to zealous advocacy. The presentation will address the importance of listening to and appreciating the individual narratives of clients\, particularly those critically impacted by the family policing system. Clients often feel they are secondarily victimized by being represented by someone who fails to recognize their humanity and usurps their voice. This lecture will examine the importance of the client’s narrative and how giving voice to the client’s experience can potentially positively impact their case. \nJoyce Angela Hounkanrin\, Esq. is the founding partner of Hounkanrin Legal Defense Group and works as private counsel for the Children and Family Law Division for the Committee for Public Counsel Services within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As founder ofHounkanrin Legal Defense. Attorney Hounkanrin actively works to deconstruct systems that are seeded in racism and oppression and that have critically impacted the lives of black and brown individuals. This mission is accomplished by purposely serving all clients and recognizing that the liberation of all people is the ultimate call of justice. \nJoyce Angela Hounkanrin graduated from Massachusetts School of Law\, holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education\, and is a PhD candidate at Capella University.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/in-from-the-margins-recognizing-and-appreciating-clients-narratives-within-the-family-policing-system/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/in-from-the-margins-recognizing-and-appreciating-clients-narratives-within-the-family-policing-system/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250313T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250129T175542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T211024Z
UID:10000282-1741874400-1741881600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Direct Examination(Presenting an Effective\, Compelling\, and Persuasive Direct Examination)
DESCRIPTION:Direct Examination is one of the more challenging areas for Defense lawyers to do properly. A Big part of that stems from the fact that we do it very often. Because we do it so often we end up copying Prosecutors who are not good at Direct Examination. In this program we will discuss how to present a compelling\, effective\, and dynamic cross examination. You will learn different formats for structuring your direct examination as well as ways in which to make it more interesting for your juries. \nAndre 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 magazine\, for the National Association for Criminal Defense’s (NACDL). Andre designed a Defending a Child Sex Case advanced trial skills program\, which has been used by Public Defender Offices in Montana\, Missouri\, New York\, and New Jersey. He is a core faculty member with Gideon’s Promise (gideonspromise.org)\, Harvard Law School’s Criminal Justice Institute Trial Advocacy Workshop (TAW)\, the Alternate Defense Counsel Trial Skills Program in Denver\, Colorado\, as well as the Defender’s Academy with the Bronx Defenders. Andre is a frequent presenter for the National Association of Public Defense (publicdefenders.us). Due to his passion and commitment to client–centered representation\, Andre has received the Kevin Andersen Award by the New York State Defender’s Association (NYSDA) and the Denison Ray Award by the New York State Bar Association
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/direct-examination/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/direct-examination/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250312T152246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250312T152323Z
UID:10000295-1741788000-1741791600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Supervisor Meetup: 3-12-2025 - Open Chat
DESCRIPTION:Supervisors and lead investigators it’s the second Wednesday of the month so let’s chat about how things are in your offices\, with your cases and clients. \nJoin us! \n  \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-03-12-2025/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/82381950121
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250117T162001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T175641Z
UID:10000274-1741701600-1741708800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Defying DNA Results
DESCRIPTION:This presentation is an introduction to the basics of serology and DNA analysis\, along with specific topics that defense attorneys need to be aware of when defending cases involving this type of evidence. \nSam Spencer is the co-owner and founder of SEP Forensic Consultants\, located in Memphis\, TN. She has been in the field of DNA analysis since 2009. Beginning her forensic career as a Special Agent Forensic Scientist in the Forensic Biology Unit\, Sam processed over 1400 cases for multiple agencies. She has experience with Y-STR analysis\, Next-Generation sequencing\, Probabilistic Genotyping\, and outsourcing lab analysis. She has provided expert testimony for both the prosecution and defense in several jurisdictions\, including at the federal level. Sam was also a member of the Violent Crime Response Team\, which involved processing and documenting crime scenes for local law enforcement. Sam also has experience working outside of the field of forensics including working as a Molecular Diagnostic Technologist at the Greenwood Genetic Center and a Lead Research at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. An Army brat and native of Clarksville\, TN\, Sam currently lives in Memphis with her husband of eleven years\, two boys\, ages 5 and 8\, and two dogs.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defying-dna-results/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defying-dna-results/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250307T172021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250307T172915Z
UID:10000293-1741698000-1741701600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP - March
DESCRIPTION:Racial Justice Advocates\, \nIt’s time to march into another RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP! \nTony White will join us again this year and lead a presentation entitled “Ensuring Equitable Access to Treatment and Recovery: The Role of Public Defenders in Connecting Clients with Substance Use Disorder Services.” \nLet’s connect and learn together! Meetup flyer\, agenda\, and speaker bio will be posted on the listserv. \nNot on the Racial Justice listserv? Send your request to be added to BGT\, DEIJ Coordinator\, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us. \nSee you soon\, NAPD!
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/march-2025/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/03/RJ-Meetup-Mar2025.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250302T064050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250304T231528Z
UID:10000291-1741694400-1741698000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Work Meetup: Getting Creative with Data and Tracking Outcomes
DESCRIPTION:Data collection in our work is vital for funding\, reporting to judges\, reports to stakeholders\, and expansion of our roles in our offices. What creative data are you measuring\, and what outcomes are you tracking (and how)? Come to this discussion to talk about your data collection efforts\, highlight your effectiveness and creativity with data\, and share your data collection goals! Special Tuesday edition of this meetup! \nStephanne 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. \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-data-2025-03-12/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-data-2025-03-12/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250310T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250310T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20241028T153322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241108T061410Z
UID:10000241-1741611600-1741615200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Memory Phenomena and False Narrative Creation: An Examination of Suggestibility\, Confabulation\, and Source Misattribution in Criminal justice\, Forensic Mental Health\, and Legal Settings
DESCRIPTION:This training will examine various memory phenomena that can cause false narrative creation and its implications within criminal justice\, forensic mental health\, and legal settings. In particular\, three types of memory phenomena will be the main focus of this training: suggestibility\, confabulation\, and source misattribution. Suggestibility is a person’s predisposition to accepting inaccurate information as fact and incorporating this into memories of an event. In contrast\, confabulation occurs when a person creates a new inaccurate memory of an event. Despite no deliberate intention to lie or deceive others\, instances of suggestibility and confabulation can undermine everything from assessment and treatment to confessions and eyewitness testimony. For example\, false information provided by a person during screening and assessment can contribute to missed or misdiagnoses\, which contributes to inappropriate and ineffective treatment and intervention plans. Alternatively\, false information provided during police interviews and interrogations or legal proceedings can result in false confessions\, inaccurate eyewitness testimony\, and wrongful convictions. Complicating matters\, common techniques used during police questioning and cross-examinations like repetitive questioning and negative feedback only exacerbate the risk of these phenomena within forensic mental health and legal settings. The seriousness of these memory phenomena within criminal justice\, forensic mental health\, and legal settings warrants training in this area. \nJerrod 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\, 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/memory-phenomena-and-false-narrative-creation/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/memory-phenomena-and-false-narrative-creation/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250228T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250228T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250224T173850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250224T173850Z
UID:10000290-1740751200-1740754800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup: Open chat
DESCRIPTION:Investigators\, we have had a bit of a break about we are back for our regular meetup!  So\, let’s chat about what’s been going with you and how things are with you\, your office and client’s.   I look forward in seeing you Friday! \n  \n  \n\n\n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-2025-02-28/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-2025-02-28/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250202T051640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T204431Z
UID:10000283-1740574800-1740578400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:February 2025 DEIJ and Racial Justice Meetup Mashup:Confronting Race Advocacy and Healing in the Shadow of Systemic Bias (Black History Month Edition)
DESCRIPTION:Join the February 2025 DEIJ and Racial Justice Meetup Mashup for BLACK HISTORY MONTH! NAPD’s Executive Director\, Lori James\, MSW\, will give her highly anticipated presentation – CONFRONTING RACE: ADVOCACY AND HEALING IN THE SHADOW OF SYSTEMIC BIAS ©. \nThrough this presentation\, members will learn how to serve as powerful allies and defenders in the fight against racial injustice. We will delve into the complexities of racial trauma\, gauge our implicit biases\, work to better understand how systematic bias impacts our clients of color\, and develop strategies that challenge systemic prejudices. \nLori James earned her master’s Degree in clinical social work (University of Maryland SSW) and her B.A. in Social Work from Morgan State University. Lori has over 25 years of clinical\, training\, and organizational development experience\, which includes program development\, program management\, collegiate instruction\, as well as\, leadership and management training. Lori has served as faculty for several universities\, and as a member of national and regional leadership\, development\, communication\, and team-building trainings. Lori is also President of Expand-Now\, LLC\, through this entity she can fulfill her lifelong passion of adding value to others through teaching and learning. She is a part-time Clinical Professor in the Family Studies and Community Development Department at Towson University. Prior to joining the Towson University family\, she served as Director of Leadership and Program Development at Maryland Office of Public Defender which has more than 800 employees across the state of Maryland. While in this position\, she demonstrated her ability to help others grow in the areas of teamwork\, leadership and management. She also led the agency’s social work staff\, consultants\, and interns. In 2015\, The Daily Record Newspaper named her as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. In addition to working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker\, she is also an author\, and John Maxwell Certified Coach\, Facilitator\, Teacher\, Trainer\, and Speaker.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/confronting-race-advocacy/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/confronting-race-advocacy/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250221T225345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250221T230017Z
UID:10000289-1740571200-1740574800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Work Meetup: What Do We Need? What Do We Have?
DESCRIPTION:This meetup will broadly talk about what needs (resources\, types of support\, training\, emotional bandwidth\, etc.) we have in the work we are doing\, and also discuss resources\, strategies\, supports\, and ideas we have at our disposal. It is a broad topic that can apply to our emotional needs as well as our tangible supports – it runs the gamut so join in on the discussion! \nStephanne 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. \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-2025-02-26/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/83064169225
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250218T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250218T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250126T232132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250126T232132Z
UID:10000279-1739883600-1739887200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Supervisor Discussion
DESCRIPTION:This discussion is for supervisors of social workers\, mitigation specialists\, dispositional advocates\, sentencing advocates\, and social work interns. It offers an opportunity to talk with other supervisors about how to coach\, evaluate\, and manage the work in defense based offices. \nFacilitated by: Kevin Bishop\, LCSW\, Social Worker Coordinator with The Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel (CO); Michael E. Moore\, LMSW\, Social Work Supervisor with The Legal Aid Society\, Criminal Defense Practice (NY); and Claudia Dunne\, LICSW\, Director of Social Work & Private Social Service Vendors\, Youth Advocacy Division (YAD)\, CPCS (MA).
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisor-discussion-2025-02-18/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisor-discussion-2025-02-18/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250212T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250212T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250210T205849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T205849Z
UID:10000286-1739368800-1739372400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Supervisor Meetup: Open chat
DESCRIPTION:HI Supervisors\, \nA discussion of what things are on the horizon for your offices.  What challenges do you foresee. what new tools have been of use and where do you want to concentrate your efforts for your staff? \n  \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-open-chat/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/82381950121
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250212T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250212T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250203T031832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250203T031832Z
UID:10000284-1739361600-1739365200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Work Meetup: Talking about Deportations
DESCRIPTION:This meetup will focus on talking to our clients about the mass deportations as they risk impacting our clients and their families. We will also discuss and work to better understand the impact of these deportations on those affected. We want to be able to talk to our clients about these very real fears without being obstructive\, oppressive\, or causing additional emotional harm. We want to bring added awareness\, sensitivity\, and acknowledgment of our privileges to these (and every) conversation with our clients. Join this meetup to talk collectively about this challenging and frightening topic\, and how we can better support and be present for our impacted clients. Mitigation specialist and social worker\, Lindsey Sandoval\, will be our special guest. \nStephanne 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. \nLindsey Sandoval is a licensed clinical social worker and has been practicing social work for over sixteen years. She received her Bachelor of social work degree in 2006 and a Master of social work degree in 2014. Lindsey’s experience includes child welfare\, respondent parent advocacy\, guardian ad litem social work\, school social work\, and defense-based forensic social work. In August 2016 Lindsey was hired as the first Denver juvenile public defender social worker and helped to create the social work position at the Denver Trial Office. After leaving the Public Defender’s office in March 2019 Lindsey became a contract forensic social worker with Alternate Defense Counsel. Lindsey has worked on countless Direct Files\, homicides\, and detention cases and has facilitated several juvenile-focused pieces of training for Colorado Juvenile Defender Center and Alternate Defense Counsel. \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-talking-about-deportations/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/83064169225
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250211T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250211T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250121T200349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250121T211332Z
UID:10000275-1739275200-1739278800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Stress & Public Criminal Defense: Comparing Male & Female Defender Experiences and Coping Strategies
DESCRIPTION:This presentation discusses the findings from a study that focused on stress and coping strategies among public defenders\, and particularly compared the experiences of male and female defenders. As frontline workers\, critical to the due process of law\, understanding and eradicating stress is essential to their well-being and the fair treatment of defendants. Employing thematic analysis of public defenders’ responses to open-ended questions\, this study found gendered differences in how male and female defenders described their work motivations\, challenges\, and strategies for dealing with stress. Both male and female public defenders confront the stresses of injustice and heavy workloads. Female defenders\, however\, are more likely to experience gender discrimination and disrespect and the added stress of family and parenting responsibilities. Emotion-focused and recovery coping strategies were adopted far more often by public defenders than problem-focused approaches\, but male defenders expressed psychologically detaching from work far more often than female defenders. The differences in male-female defender experiences and coping strategies and policy solutions for public defender stress are discussed. \nAlisa Smith\, J.D.\, Ph.D. is a Professor of Legal Studies at the University of Central Florida\, and a retired assistant public defender. Her research interests include the study of the misdemeanor courts\, the right to counsel\, and the role of discourse in framing and maintaining power.T he goal of her life’s work as a former public defender and academic has been to improve the criminal legal system\, particularly for the indigent.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/stress-public-criminal-defense/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/82379730945
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250210T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250210T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20241021T215245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241108T061222Z
UID:10000237-1739199600-1739203200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)\, Miranda Rights Comprehension Deficits\, and False Confessions
DESCRIPTION:Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorders in the world\, with approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States meeting the diagnostic criteria (CDC\, 2024). This multi-faceted\, lifelong condition is a broad spectrum of symptoms that can range widely in presence and severity. Although most individuals on the autism spectrum are law abiding citizens\, a small subset of individuals diagnosed with this disorder do come into contact with the criminal justice system as suspects or perpetrators of crime. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle to navigate different stages and processes of the criminal justice and legal systems. This includes police interviews\, interrogations\, standing trial\, testifying\, and complying with the conditions of sentences in custodial (e.g.\, jail and prison) and community (e.g.\, probation and parole) settings. The communication\, interpersonal\, and behavioral symptoms of ASD\, along with its comorbid conditions\, directly undermines a person’s capacity to successfully function and make legal decisions (e.g.\, Miranda waivers and confessions). Designed for professionals working in psycholegal settings\, this training will examine the contributing factors associated with poor Miranda rights comprehension and false confession risk among this population group. Best practices in criminal justice and legal interviewing through an autism-informed lens will also be discussed. Attendance will be particularly beneficial for professionals who want to improve the accuracy of information garnered during their interviews of persons with autism and learns ways to reduce miscarriages of justice among this vulnerable population group. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training. \nJerrod 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\, 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd-2/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/autism-spectrum-disorder-asd-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250207T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250207T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T081145
CREATED:20250204T190129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T190715Z
UID:10000285-1738936800-1738940400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup: Immigration Impact on investigations
DESCRIPTION:This discussion will include a basic overview of some of the recent immigration changes that could impact investigations\, including changes that could make witnesses more biased and/or more nervous about engaging with you or with the legal system overall. I will also talk about how to find and interpret what limited immigration is available online. \nStephanie Wolf is the Director of Immigration Services for the MD Office of the Public Defender.  She was previously an assistant public defender in Maryland and an assistant federal public defender in Las Cruces\, NM.\n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/template-investigator-meetup-immigration/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/87895561683
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR