National Association for Public Defense

Story-Driven Advocacy: Crafting Case Narratives and Mitigation for Trial
2026-03-31 14:00 - 2026-04-24 15:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual, Virtual Event
Description
In Story-Driven Advocacy: Crafting Case Narratives and Mitigation for Trial workshop, all public defenders will learn to apply storytelling techniques to their own cases to create empathy and compel action for their clients’ behalf. This bring-your-own-case course is a weekly, interactive workshop for attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and training supervisors. Whether you’re representing clients in court or advocating for their well-being, this online workshop series from the National Association for Public Defense will help you leverage the power of storytelling to create empathy and compel action. Designed specifically for public defense professionals, this four-week course provides practical tools, proven frameworks, and real-time support to elevate your advocacy and ensure your client’s story is heard and understood.
Dates:
Begins March 30 week for 4 weeks. Each live workshop session is capped at 4 registrants (choose one date that works for your schedule).
Live 90-minute workshop sessions are offered on:

Tuesday 3/31, 4/7, 4/14, 4/21 2:00-3:30 pm EST
Wednesday 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22 2:00-3:30 pm EST
Friday 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24 2:00-3:30 pm EST

Price:
$325 NAPD Members / $425 Public
Registration closes on 3/20/26 at 5PM EST

What to Expect
On-Demand Learning
Each week, you’ll gain access up and additional hour of video content through our learning platform. Watch at your own pace as you explore key storytelling topics that prepare you for deeper engagement during the live workshops.
Facilitated Small Group Workshops
Join a 90-minute zoom-based workshop each week (4 total), led by Michael Ahn. Through peer collaboration, real-world scenarios, and guided discussion, you’ll apply what you’ve learned to your cases and learn from others. We will poll registrants to set the workshop times each week —choose the one that fits your schedule.
A similar course is also offered as in an on demand model without the workshops – click here to register

Topics Covered

Understand how story creates juror bias in trials
Learn the basic mechanism of storytelling used successfully at jury trials
Explore how to apply storytelling technique to your case
Use storytelling techniques to create empathy and action

Who Should Attend
This course is for criminal justice workers representing clients from marginalized populations, attorneys needing to argue a case before a jury or in mediation, and social workers / mitigation specialists advocating for a client’s sentencing or creating mitigation memos. You’ll leave with tools you can use right away, plus new insights to strengthen your impact and better support your clients.

Small Group Facilitator Bio
Michael Ahn is a trial narrative consultant who helps attorneys use story techniques in mediation and jury 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. Michael also creates damages narratives for personal injury cases and consults with social justice organizations on using story techniques in messaging on key issues.

Testimonials
“Michael’s trial consultation significantly contributed to a complete acquittal in a recent homicide trial. He discovers the truth of a case which allows attorneys to incorporate that truth into compelling narratives and archetypes during jury selection, opening, witness examination and closing. Michael receives my highest recommendation and I encourage any attorney trying a case to consult with him.” — Wil Rumble, Deputy Public Defender, Vista, CA
“Michael worked on a horrific sex case and was able to assist the defense in finding a way to present the client compassionately. Michael will help you to re-focus your case. He is the perfect “second chair” who understands the work but sees it as a non-lawyer. His input is priceless.” — Sloan Ostbye, Supervising Attorney, San Diego, CA
“Michael Ahn helped me distill my story into a powerful and persuasive narrative which enabled me to present a focused, theory-centered presentation to the jury. Using Michael’s unique skills and techniques, my case evolved into a story with clarity, emotion, and impact – everything necessary for a successful trial.” — Adam Hepburn, Deputy Public Defender
“Michael Ahn knows how to craft your client’s story so that it is presented in a compelling way to the jury. A great consultant prior to trial!” — Elliott H. Jung, Deputy Public Defender
“Michael’s storytelling techniques helped me focus the jury’s attention on what was important. Michael was especially useful for framing what originally seemed like weaknesses as some of our biggest narrative strengths.” — Matthew Cuthbertson, Deputy Public Defender
“Michael’s storytelling techniques helped me persuade the jury and ultimately won my case – my client was acquitted of all charges.” — Olesya Adams, Deputy Public Defender

Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
2026-04-01 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-08 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-15 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-22 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-29 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-06 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-13 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-20 16:00 - 17:00 and 2 more dates | Virtual, Virtual Event
This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical, working session—not a webinar. Together, we will:

Workshop active campaigns involving statutes, rules, budget advocacy, and administrative reforms.
Exchange model bill language, fiscal notes, one-pagers, and testimony templates.
Coordinate strategy on messaging, media engagement, coalition building, and storytelling from impacted communities.
Navigate ethics constraints, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.
Translate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive, data-informed advocacy.
Share tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.

Leading with Heart and Integrity: Emotional Intelligence and Ethical Leadership in Public Defense
2026-04-02 13:00 - 14:30 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/leading-with-heart-and-integrity-emotional-intelligence-and-ethical-leadership-in-public-defense/
Description
Public defenders operate daily in environments that demand empathy, clarity, and ethical judgment. This 90-minute interactive webinar, led by Dr. Pam Love and Dr. Lori James, explores how emotional intelligence (EI) enhances ethical decision-making and leadership effectiveness. Participants will examine how self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill—core components of EI—directly influence ethical reasoning, professional integrity, and team trust. Attendees will learn strategies to apply The Four Frames along with emotional intelligence to complex ethical dilemmas, strengthen team cohesion, and sustain well-being while leading in high-stress environments.

Note: The Four Frames of Leadership, developed by Bolman and Deal, are mental models (Structural, Human Resource, Political, Symbolic)

Learning Objectives

Goal 1: Deepen the understanding of emotional intelligence as a leadership competency.

Objective 1.1: Identify and describe the five domains of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills).
Objective 1.2: Explore how emotional intelligence influences leadership effectiveness in public defense settings and how the Four-Frames Model supports the need for us to develop in this area.

Goal 2: Strengthen ethical decision-making through emotional intelligence.

Objective 2.1: Examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and ethical reasoning in client advocacy and workplace dynamics.
Objective 2.2: Apply an ethical decision-making model that integrates emotional intelligence to resolve leadership and client-centered dilemmas.

Goal 3: Discuss ways in which emotionally intelligent leadership practices promote equity and resilience.

Objective 3.1: Discuss strategies to manage emotional triggers and promote psychological safety within teams.
Objective 3.2: Discuss ways in which personal action planning enhances ethical and emotionally intelligent leadership practices in daily defense work.

Presenters

Lori James, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW-C
Lori James, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW-C is a nationally recognized executive leader, scholar, ordained minister, and sought-after speaker with more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of leadership development, social justice, criminal legal reform, and faith-based advocacy. She currently serves as Executive Director of the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD), where she leads a national organization representing more than 27,000 public defense professionals across the United States and U.S. territories, advancing equity, excellence, and systemic reform in public defense. Dr. James earned a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (2025). Her dissertation, Chains of Grace: The Church’s Call to Minister to Previously Incarcerated Individuals, examines the theological, pastoral, and psychosocial responsibilities of the Church in responding to mass incarceration and reentry. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Morgan State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Clinical (LCSW-C) and is pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Tulane University, focusing on women in executive leadership. A certified John Maxwell Trainer, Coach, and Speaker, Dr. James is also the President and CEO of Expand-NOW, LLC, where she provides executive coaching, leadership development, organizational consulting, and faith-informed training to justice-centered organizations nationwide. A recipient of the Gideon Hero Award and recognition as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women (2015, 2025). Dr. James is widely respected for leading with clarity, courage, compassion, and conviction—consistently advancing dignity, restoring humanity, and equipping leaders to serve boldly at the margins.

Dr. Pamela Love
President of DP Love Enterprises and founder of the Finishers Network, who is an internationally renowned speaker, author, and coach. With a PhD in social work and a MBA, Dr. Love has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their highest potential. She has been on faculty with NAPD for over 5 years.

Using VPSA Framework For Strategic Communication
2026-04-06 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/using-vpsa-framework-for-strategic-communication/
Description
VPSA (Value, Problem, Solution, Action} is a communication framework designed to build persuasive, values based messages. It’s the primary tool for social justice leaders and communicators to move audiences toward systemic change.
Learning Objectives
1. Establish common ground through shared values.
2. Reframe problems as systemic threats that have opportunities for solutions.
3. Motivate specific audience action(s).

Presenter(s)
Darwin Hamilton is an award winning fifth-generation Austinite, whose ancestral home, the historic Dedrick-Hamilton House that has served as office space for the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce and site of the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility. He is one of the co-founders of the Reentry Advocacy Project (RAP)
For over a decade he has been an activist, advocate, strategist, mentor, leader, keynote speaker and author of his self-published memoir 25 Years Later: A Sentence from Crime to Redemption, Resilience, Advocacy and Leadership. His memoir offers a rare and urgent perspective on the criminal justice system, blending raw storytelling with sharp policy insight. His op-eds have been published in the Austin American Statesman and by the ACLU of Texas.
As an author and speaker, he brings lived experience to the table with clarity, compassion, and strategic vision, offering actionable recommendations for change. Whether addressing policymakers, practitioners, or community leaders. He illuminates the path from fear to hope and possibility, from survival to systemic transformation.
Currently he serves on the Oversight Board of Travis County’s Public Defender Office, National Association of Public Defense Board of Directors, Trinity University and UTSA Philosophy & Literature Circle. He is an alumnus of Leadership Austin – Essential program and JustLeadership USA 2018 cohorts.

Social Worker Meetup
2026-04-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-04-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
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 MeetUp, Featuring Featuring: Dr. Crystal Currie
2026-04-09 14:00 - 15:00
Together, We Are the Culture
As we build this community, remember that culture is not imposed; It is grown.
“You are essential. You are worth sustaining.”
You’re not alone.
Let’s walk this road together, building a culture of wellness for everyone in public defense.

Link the NAPD 10 Principles of Sustainability

Kluver–Bucy Syndrome (KBS) and the Criminal Justice System: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-04-13 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/kluver-bucy-syndrome-kbs-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
Klüver-Bucy syndrome (KBS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder precipitated by bilateral brain damage in the temporal lobes, including the hippocampus and amygdala. Common causes of this type of brain damage include traumatic brain injuries, strokes, herpes simplex encephalitis, tuberculosis, and other neurological conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases). Typical consequences of KBS include visual agnosia, memory difficulties, placidity, and behavioral disturbances (e.g., disinhibition and hypersexuality). These behavioral symptoms can contribute to the onset of criminal justice involvement, which is not uncommon among some individuals with KBS or other neurological disorders. Developed for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals, this innovative training provides an overview of the etiology, symptoms, and developmental trajectories of KBS. Cutting-edge research from forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology will be highlighted throughout the 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), confabulation, suggestibility, 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 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 ErvWeinkauf. 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.

DEIJ/Racial Justice MeetUp featuring Guest Presenter
2026-04-14 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
Details TBA. Meetup events are exclusive to NAPD members.

NAPD Changemakers Forum 2026
2026-04-20 - 2026-04-23 | Atlanta, Georgia, Atlanta, GA, United States
NAPD Changemakers – The NAPD Learning Lab
Changemakers is A Learning Lab for the Future of Public Defense
The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) cordially invites innovators, leaders, visionaries, and policy professionals in public defense to join us for a bold and reimagined Strategic Leadership Forum — designed as a hands-on learning lab for the field.
This is not a traditional conference. This is a working convening for people who are actively shaping — and must now reimagine — the future of public defense.
Across the country, public defense systems are facing unprecedented pressure. From funding cuts and threats to independence, to recruitment and retention crises, unsustainable workloads, immigration impacts, and long-term sustainability, the challenges before us require more than discussion — they require collective problem-solving, strategic planning, and courageous leadership.
This Forum creates intentional space for public defender leaders and emerging changemakers to think, build, and plan together — across jurisdictions, roles, and perspectives.
Who Should Attend
This learning lab is designed for:

Public Defender Leaders and Executives
Deputy and Managing Defenders
Policy and Legislative Staff
Innovators and Visionaries in Public Defense
Supervisors, Training Directors, and System Builders
Those preparing for future leadership roles

If you are responsible for navigating budgets, protecting office independence, addressing staffing crises, responding to immigration-related defense needs, managing workloads, or planning for long-term sustainability — this Forum was built for you.
If you are thinking about how to lead through uncertainty, protect your office, support your people, and design stronger systems for the future — you will not want to miss this event.
A Reinvented Format: From Conference to Learning Lab
We’ve reinvented the conventional institute format to create an interactive, collaborative, and action-oriented experience. While we will still host a small number of critical plenaries, the heart of this Forum is built around shared learning, innovation, and strategic design.
Spark Presentations
Hear from thought leaders and practitioners in 5–10 minute, high-impact talks focused on real challenges and real solutions. These sessions elevate ideas from those in the trenches and spotlight strategies that are working — or need to be built.
Open Space Sessions
These participant-driven sessions invite attendees to brainstorm, problem-solve, and design actionable strategies around the issues they care most about. This organic and highly participatory format fosters deep collaboration and practical innovation. See the video at the below for an explanation of the open space event process.

Strategic Action Planning & Expert Consultation
To ensure this work goes beyond ideas, the Forum will include guided strategy sessions and expert consultations to support participants in translating insights into concrete, executable plans.
You will leave not only inspired — but equipped with tools, frameworks, and next steps you can take back to your office, jurisdiction, or organization.
This Forum is not just another convening. It is a launchpad for real-world change in public defense.
Why This Matters Now
Public defense is at a critical inflection point. Leaders are being asked to do more with less, to protect constitutional rights amid shrinking resources, and to sustain systems under extraordinary strain.
This Forum offers a rare opportunity to:

Collaborate across jurisdictions
Share hard-won lessons and innovative practices
Strategically plan for funding challenges and sustainability
Tackle recruitment and retention with new approaches
Address workload crises with collective insight
Protect independence and strengthen systems
Build the future of public defense — together

Registration, Cost & Accessibility
To democratize participation, attendees are asked to cover their own registration and travel costs. This allows us to focus resources on delivering a high-quality, high-impact experience. Scholarship applications not available at this time.
$650 if you book your stay at the conference hotel!
Hotel Details
All attendees are responsible for their own accommodations. Below is the information for the discounted room block associated with the NAPD event.
Hyatt Place Atlanta / Centennial Park
300 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, Georgia, 30313
Rate: $181.00 per night
Cut off date is March 27, 2026
Reservation Link: https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/ATLZT/G-NAPD

DEIJ/Racial Justice Meet Up
2026-04-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
Details TBD

Better Jury Selection During Chaotic Times
2026-05-06 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/better-jury-selection-during-chaotic-times/
Description
We live in interesting times. The social and political turmoil creates challenges and opportunities for the criminal justice system and makes the information received from jurors even more critical. This presentation will address how to improve conditions for jury selection and improving questioning techniques for receiving information, including on sensitive issues such as race, gender, immigration and law enforcement credibility. We will discuss law, strategy, and de-selection techniques to help your clients’ cases.
Presenter(s)
Michael L. Stout

The Defender Wellness Collective MeetUp
2026-05-14 14:00 - 15:00

Energy Drink Consumption and Problematic Behavior: A Clinical, Forensic Mental Health, and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-05-18 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/energy-drink-consumption-and-problematic-behavior/
Energy drinks have become increasingly popular in the United States and beyond. There is a diverse selection of energy drinks found on the market. Although there is no single definition, these beverages typically contain high amounts of sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants. Excessive consumption of energy drinks can contribute to several adverse emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and physical health outcomes. This training will examine the impact energy drink consumption has on human health and behavior through a clinical, forensic mental health, and neurocriminological lens. Other relevant topics of interest discussed include prenatal energy drink exposure, metabolic syndrome, risk-taking behaviors, internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, co-occurring substance use problems, central nervous system dysregulation, food insecurity, self-control deficits, and health risk behaviors, among others. 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), confabulation, suggestibility, 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 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.

NAPD Leadership Institute 2026
2026-05-19 - 2026-05-22 | Detroit, Michigan, Detroit, MI
NAPD’s Leadership Institute will occur May 19-22, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.

Early Bird Price – Members
$800.00

Early Bird Price – nonmembers
$950.00

Standard Price – members
$900.00

Standard Price – nonmembers
$1,050.00

Early Bird Deadline
By COB March 18th

What to Expect:
At 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.
Small Group, Intensive Coaching:
Participants 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.
Who Should Attend:
This 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.
Leave the Institute with strategies to apply what you’ve learned, making an immediate impact when you return to your organization.

Check out some of the past event schedules:
Leadership Institute 2025 Schedule
Leadership Institute 2023 Schedule
Comments from past participants
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Hotel Details
Each attendee is responsible for their own accommodations. Below are the details of the discounted rate associated with our event.
Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel
2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, Michigan 48226
Rate: $152.00 per night
Cut off date is April 24, 2026
Reservation Link: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotels/55399?checkInDate=05/18/2026&checkOutDate=05/22/2026&groupCode=051826NAP

Please review NAPD Event Policies regarding attendance and cancellations

The Clarence Darrow/David Baldus Death Penalty College & Intellectual Disability Track 2026
2026-06-02 - 2026-06-05 | Iowa City Law School, 130 Byington Rd, Iowa City, IA, 52242, United States
Join us June 2-5, 2026
Earlybird pricing ends April 1, 2026

Event Details
Check out last year’s agenda.
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 smaller 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.”

Hotel Details
Each attendee is responsible for arranging their own accommodations. Below is information about the discounted event group rate.
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
255 E Court St., Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Rate: $110.00 per night
Cut off date is May 1, 2026
Reservation link: NAPD June 2026 Darrow Baldus College Conference

CLE/CEU Credits
We are not offering CLEs at this time but will offer CEUs.

NAPD Policies
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.
