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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250804T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250804T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250618T181919Z
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UID:10000335-1754316000-1754319600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:The Power of Stories in Justice
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is an introduction to the techniques Michael Ahn uses in his work consulting litigants on the use for story in our cases. \nHumans 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. \n\nHow are cases and trials like a story?\nHow can you structure your case like a story?\nWhat is the “epiphany” and why is it so powerful?\nWhat kinds of bias do jurors tend to have?\n\nMichael 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-power-of-stories-in-justice/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/06/PowerStories-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-power-of-stories-in-justice/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250808T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250808T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250804T192329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250804T194529Z
UID:10000430-1754661600-1754665200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Defending While Drowning: The Urgent Need for Self-Care in Public Defense Investigation
DESCRIPTION: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. \nSharronda 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defending-while-drowning/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Defending-While-Drowning-Inv-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defending-while-drowning/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250813T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250813T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250810T230245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T005356Z
UID:10000434-1755093600-1755097200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup for Supervisors - Work/Life balance
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-for-supervisors-2025-08-13/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/07/Inv-Supv-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-for-supervisors-2025-08-13/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250124T182437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T193151Z
UID:10000277-1755180000-1755183600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Unseeing the Prosecution's Case
DESCRIPTION: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. \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
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/unseeing-the-prosecutions-case/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/01/UnseeingProsecution-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/unseeing-the-prosecutions-case/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250814T151949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T151949Z
UID:10000437-1755180000-1755183600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Defender Wellness Collective
DESCRIPTION: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. \nJoin us for a discussion of the wellness and sustainability in the public defense workspace facilitated by the NAPD Wellbeing Resource Coordinator; Corey Dewayne Smith
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defender-wellness-collective/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Wellness-collective-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defender-wellness-collective/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250819T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250819T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250630T101439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250723T144934Z
UID:10000340-1755608400-1755615600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Unpacking the Impact of Microaggressions Within Public Defense: An Ethics and Policy-Driven Approach
DESCRIPTION: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. \nJoin 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. \nUsing 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. \nDon’t miss this special training! REGISTER TODAY! \nNAPD registration inquiries\, contact BGT\, Esq.\, DEIJ Coordinator. \n\nImportant Notes:\n\nAll attendees will receive a certificate of attendance to use for your professional development file or to apply for CLE or CEU credit!\nNote: You will receive the Zoom link 30 minutes before the webinar begins on 8/19/25\nRegistration will close 1 hour prior to the start of the webinar (noon EST).\nDISCLAIMER: 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.\n\n\nAbout the Presenters\nCHARLES 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. \nHe 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.  \nPrior 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. \nCharles is a married father of two. He enjoys spending time with his family\, traveling\, sports\, film/theater\, reading\, writing\, and landscaping. \nCharles 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. \n  \nBRITTNEY 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.  \nBrittney 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. \nBrittney 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/unpacking-microaggressions/
CATEGORIES:Webinar,Webinar (with certificate)
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T130000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250810T151702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T194617Z
UID:10000433-1755691200-1755694800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: The International Legal Foundation Social Work Fellows
DESCRIPTION: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! \nThe 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-\nbased 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. \nMeghan 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-international-legal-foundation-social-work-fellows/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/International-SW-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-international-legal-foundation-social-work-fellows/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250808T141906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250808T141906Z
UID:10000432-1755784800-1755788400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Supervisors Discussion Meetup
DESCRIPTION:This meetup is for supervisors of social workers\, mitigation specialists\, sentencing advocates\, and dispositional specialists in public defense offices – it is for supervisors. The topic this month is how\, as a supervisor\, to navigate with supervisees the sometimes thorny rules and policies that guide defense-based social work (navigating mandatory reporting\, priority of the attorney’s license in decision making\, avoiding clinical work in defense-based settings\, etc.).
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisors-discussion-meetup/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/SW-Supv-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisors-discussion-meetup/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T130000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250613T173310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T214018Z
UID:10000332-1756209600-1756213200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Criminal Justice System: A Neurocriminological Perspective
DESCRIPTION:Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when brain function is disrupted by an external force\, such as a blow to the head. Common causes of TBIs include sports collisions\, traffic accidents\, falls\, and physical assaults. TBIs are associated with an increased risk of impulsiveness\, aggressiveness\, and substance use. Consequently\, justice-involved individuals often present with a history of TBIs. This population may benefit from interventions that adopt a neurocriminological approach. This interdisciplinary field integrates methodologies and techniques from biology\, neuroscience\, psychology\, and other fields to better understand\, predict\, and prevent criminal behavior. This innovative training introduces the field of neurocriminology and explores how its concepts can help professionals better understand the relationship between TBI and crime. Attendees will learn how neurocriminology findings can inform screening and assessment\, interventions\, case management\, and goal planning. \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 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. \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-and-the-criminal-justice-system-a-neurocriminological-perspective/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/06/TBI-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-and-the-criminal-justice-system-a-neurocriminological-perspective/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250829T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250829T150000
DTSTAMP:20260505T092304
CREATED:20250822T160134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250822T162206Z
UID:10000442-1756476000-1756479600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Truth or Tech: Detecting and navigating AI generated evidence
DESCRIPTION:As technology advances\, the manipulation of digital content has become more sophisticated and accessible than ever. It is now easier to generate or alter photos\, videos\, audio recordings\, and even handwriting\, raising critical questions about the integrity of evidence presented in legal proceedings. With the rise of AI-generated content\, we must consider how these advancements can potentially compromise the reliability of evidence in court. \nBrian Chase is a consultant\, expert witness\, adjunct professor of law\, and attorney. He currently serves as ArcherHall’s Managing Director of Digital Forensics and eDiscovery\, where he provides expert testimony\, teaches 100+ CLEs a year\, and manages their team of over a dozen experts. \nMr. Chase has a diverse education and work background. While working as a network administrator for the University of Arizona\, he earned a Management and Information Systems degree from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona\, a top-ranked program in the country. Mr. Chase went on to earn a law degree\, also from the University of Arizona. Brian has taught Trial Advocacy at his alma mater for over ten years and considers it one of the most rewarding things he does. \nBefore pivoting to digital forensics\, he worked as a trial attorney handling criminal defense and personal injury cases. Mr. Chase has worked as a digital forensics expert for over a decade and has testified over 45 times across the country as an expert in criminal and civil matters ranging from misdemeanors to murder to medical malpractice. \nMr. Chase has published and spoken on numerous technology-related issues impacting the law in the civil and criminal justice systems. He travels all over the country teaching law and technology\, digital forensics\, and evidence at a variety of legal and technical conferences. He is currently researching and presenting CLEs on AI technologies as they relate to the admissibility of evidence in both civil and criminal settings. \nHe was honored by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Daily Star with a “Tucson’s 40 Under 40 Award”\, which recognizes young leaders who are making an impact in the community with their professional and charitable work.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/truth-or-tech-detecting-and-navigating-ai-generated-evidence/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/TruthorTech-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/truth-or-tech-detecting-and-navigating-ai-generated-evidence/
END:VEVENT
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