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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260202T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260114T180032Z
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UID:10000489-1770039000-1772118000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Online Course: Public Defense Leadership Essentials
DESCRIPTION:Strengthen Your Leadership. Support Your Team.\n4 Week Course begins: February 2nd\, 2026 \nWeekly 90 minute small groups – You Choose what works best for you:  \n\nMonday 1:30 pm ET | 12:30 pm CT | 11:30 am MT | 10:30 am PT\nWednesday 3:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm CT | 1:00 pm MT | 12:00 pm PT\nThursday 1:30 pm ET | 12:30 pm CT | 11:30 am MT | 10:30 am PT\n\n(The Monday class will be shifted to Tuesday on the week of February 16th\, because of the Presidents’ Day holiday.) \nPrice;  $350 NAPD Members / $450 Non Members   You will continue to have access to the entire course after the completion of the small group sessions. \nRegistration Deadline – January 28\, 2026 \nWhether you’re a new supervisor or a seasoned leader\, this four-week online course from the National Association for Public Defense will help you lead more effectively\, build a client-centered culture\, and foster a thriving team environment in your office. Designed specifically for public defense professionals of all job types across the country\, this course provides practical tools\, proven frameworks\, and real-time support to elevate your leadership. \n\nWhat to Expect\nOn-Demand LearningEach week\, you’ll gain access to 1–2 hours of video content through our learning platform. Watch at your own pace as you explore key leadership topics that prepare you for deeper engagement during the live workshops. \nFacilitated Small Group WorkshopsJoin a 90-minute zoom based workshop each week (4 total)\, led by experienced facilitators who understand the challenges of public defense leadership. Through peer collaboration\, real-world scenarios\, and guided discussion\, you’ll apply what you’ve learned and learn from others.Workshops are offered at multiple times—choose the one that fits your schedule. \n\nTopics Covered\n\n\nClient-Centered LeadershipPrioritize your clients while balancing the needs of your team and organization. \n\n\nReframing Your Office Using the Four Frame ModelExplore structural\, human resources\, political\, and symbolic lenses to better understand and improve your office dynamics. \n\n\nGiving Effective FeedbackLearn practical strategies for delivering feedback that supports staff development and fosters growth. \n\n\nNavigating Challenging ConversationsBuild the confidence and skills to have honest\, productive conversations with your team. \n\n\nCreating Office CultureShape a positive\, inclusive\, and mission-driven culture that supports staff and advances justice. \n\n\n\nWho Should Attend\nThis course is for anyone in public defense leadership—whether you manage a small team or oversee an entire office. You’ll leave with tools you can use right away\, plus new insights to strengthen your impact and better support your staff. \n\nFaculty\nLori 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. \nPatrice A. Fulcher is a distinguished trainer\, law professor\, author\, thought leader\, and litigator with over 30 years of experience challenging systemic inequality and defending the rights of the marginalized. Her career has been dedicated to building values-based training programs for public defenders\, mentoring future legal advocates\, and supporting organizations committed to justice and systemic reform. Known for her unwavering encouragement and deep knowledge of the criminal legal system\, Patrice is a trusted leader and advocate. She is the current Director of Training for the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD).  She came to NAPD from the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD)\, where Patrice led the Training Division for more than a decade. Prior to her tenure at MOPD\, Patrice made history as the first Black woman to earn tenure as an Associate Professor at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.  Patrice’s litigation career includes serving as a Senior Staff Attorney with the Georgia Capital Defender\, the Fulton County Public Defender\, and the Fulton County Conflict Defender. She represented clients in capital and serious felony cases\, and earlier in her career\, she worked with the DeKalb County Juvenile Court advocating for abused and neglected children\, and with the Southern Center for Human Rights challenging unconstitutional jail conditions. A founding Core Faculty Member of Gideon’s Promise\, Inc.\, Patrice also serves on the faculty of the National Criminal Defense College and the Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy Workshop. She has trained defenders across the country through engagements with organizations including the Public Defender Service for D.C.\, the Kentucky Death Penalty Institute\, the Mississippi State Public Defender\, the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD)\, the ABA/NACDL National Defender Training Program\, NLADA\, the Black Public Defender Association\, and the Neighborhood Defender Service of Detroit. She has also presented for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund\, Southern Poverty Law Center\, and Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Patrice holds a J.D. from Emory University School of Law and a B.A. from Howard University. She is licensed to practice in Georgia and Maryland. \nDr. Pamela Love\nPresident 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.\n \nCathleen L. Bennett recently moved to Anchorage\, Alaska from Boston\, Massachusetts where she was a public defender with the Committee for Public Counsel Services (the Massachusetts Statewide Public Defender) for 30 years. She was the Criminal Defense Training Director at CPCS for 17 years. As a trial lawyer trial lawyer in the CPCS Public Defender Division\, she defended clients charged with murder and other serious felonies. She now works as a training consultant for the National Association for Public Defense\, and she intends to accept appointments to represent criminally accused people in the Alaska Courts soon. Cathy is on the faculty and the Board of Trustees of the National Criminal Defense College. She is a Core Faculty member of Gideon’s Promise (formerly the Southern Public Defender Training Center)\, which was the subject of the award-winning HBO documentary “Gideon’s Army\,” and she has taught for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and criminal defense training programs across the country. She received the Thurgood Marshall Award from the Committee for Public Counsel Services in 2007\, the Scholar-Mentor Award from Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education\, Inc. (MCLE) in 2008\, the Outstanding Faculty Award in 2011 and the Stephen B. Bright Award in 2018 from Gideon’s Promise\, and the Gideon Award from the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2017.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/online-course-public-defense-leadership-essentials-feb2026/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Online Course
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Leadership-essentials-Online.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260128T194959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T133258Z
UID:10000588-1772024400-1772028000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ/Racial Justice Meet Up: "Successful but Unfulfilled" with Dr. Crystal Currie
DESCRIPTION:“Successful but Unfulfilled”\nThis interactive session invites participants to pause\, reflect\, and explore the gap that often exists between professional success and personal fulfillment. While many leaders and professionals achieve external markers of success\, they may still experience a sense that something is missing or misaligned. \nThrough guided reflection and facilitated discussion\, participants will increase their awareness of why traditional measures of success do not always translate into deeper satisfaction and purpose. They will identify areas in their own careers where values\, passions\, or priorities may be out of alignment\, and gain clarity about what truly contributes to their sense of meaning and fulfillment. \nThe session will conclude with practical\, actionable strategies to help participants begin moving toward greater alignment and a more fulfilling professional and personal life—supporting sustainable success that honors both achievement and well-being. \nGoals \n\nIncrease awareness of why professional success doesn’t always lead to personal fulfillment.\nParticipants will identify what feels misaligned or missing in their own careers.\nLearn practical steps to move toward more fulfillment.”\n\n  \nDr. Crystal Currie\n \nDr. Crystal R. Currie is a licensed therapist and leadership consultant with over a decade of experience facilitating trainings and workshops for professionals and community groups. Known for her engaging\, compassionate\, and practical teaching style\, she helps individuals and teams understand how unresolved emotional patterns shape performance\, decision-making\, and relationships. Grounded in clinical practice and research\, her Heal • Become • Lead framework equips leaders and organizations with tools to reduce burnout\, strengthen emotional regulation\, and build human-centered cultures that support sustainable impact.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-racial-justice-meet-up-3/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/Dr.-Crystal-Curry-2-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260127T225012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152644Z
UID:10000502-1772035200-1772038800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-7/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260128T182152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T171041Z
UID:10000586-1772114400-1772118000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Supervisor Meetup and Discussion
DESCRIPTION:This meetup for social worker supervisors (supervisors of social workers\, mitigation specialists\, dispositional advocates\, etc. in defense organizations) discusses issues specific to supervision practices and needs. \nKevin Bishop\, LCSW\, is the Social Worker Coordinator for the Colorado Office of Alternate Defense Counsel\nStephanne Thornton\, LICSW\, is the NAPD Social Work Training and Resource Coordinator
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisor-meetup-and-discussion/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260227T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260213T040643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260225T164857Z
UID:10000615-1772200800-1772204400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator MeetUp: A tool for taking notes and analyzing investigative information\, featuring Paul Chambers
DESCRIPTION:A tool for taking notes and analyzing investigative information.\nDuring an investigation an investigator is expected to make sense of the detail involved. What is important and what is not may rely on the knowledge and experience of the investigator. This presentation will introduce an information processing method which promote a consistent approach to gathering detail which will identify categories of information. This will allow differentiation between evidential and investigative detail. \nIn addition when conducting an interview investigators have the difficult task of having to actively listen\, formulate questions\, and record notes all at the same time. This presentation will describe a note taking system which promotes the recording of detail and accurate processing of that detail. \n  \n  \nPaul Chambers Bio\nPaul Chambers recently retired as Senior Investigator at the Ontario County Public Defender’s Office. He held that post since the creation of the office in 2010. His journey to being part of the criminal legal system in upstate New York is an unusual one.\nJon Lyon – Chicago is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.\nHe began by studying Chemistry at Portsmouth University. While there he interned at a Forensic Science Laboratory for 9 months working on a project to improve detecting explosives on hands to help investigate terrorism \nAfter college he joined Hampshire Constabulary as a police constable.  In 1990 after a nationwide selection process he was transferred for to the Royal Cayman Islands Police in the Caribbean. \nOn his return to Hampshire Police\, he was promoted to sergeant and supervised shifts of officers. He also performed the role of Custody Sergeant\, responsible for the detention and welfare of those brought into custody. \nIn his spare time\, he took a master’s course in Forensic Archeology at Bournemouth University. \nHe moved to the US in July 2001 and in 2003 he became a Medical Investigator at the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office. He attended a course at St Louis Medical School and passed the exam to become a board-certified medico-legal death investigator. \nWhile at the Medical Examiner’s Office he put the knowledge gained from his archeology course to good use\, suggesting novel techniques such as Forensic Palynology and Isotope analysis be applied to a cold case. Tammy Jo Alexander \nAfter working in the Medical Examiner’s office\, He transferred to the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office to work as a Public Defender investigator. When the Ontario Public Defender’s office was created in 2010\, he was asked to join them to create their investigation team. During his time there he organized multipletraining courses for investigators from all over NY state. \nTrained in the PEACE framework and interested in the science of interviewing he has continued working with Forensic Interview Solutions and participates in delivering their scenario-based training using the PEACE method of interviewing across the US.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-a-tool-for-taking-notes-and-analyzing-investigative-information-featuring-paul-chambers/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-a-tool-for-taking-notes-and-analyzing-investigative-information-featuring-paul-chambers/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260303T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260303T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260206T221515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T155353Z
UID:10000612-1772546400-1772550000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:AI-Powered Discovery to Strategy: Turn Evidence Overload into Winning Defense\, presented by NICE
DESCRIPTION:Juggling growing discovery volumes\, tight deadlines\, and increasingly complex digital evidence? For public defenders\, the burden isn’t just collecting evidence — it’s turning it into a coherent defense. Join us for this webinar on March 3rd\, at 2 PM EST to see how workflow-embedded AI can help you accelerate understanding\, surface critical facts and inconsistencies across evidence\, and move more quickly from discovery to strategy — without compromising client advocacy. \n\nLearn how to:\n\n· Review discovery faster and more accurately by quickly surfacing key facts across large volumes of digital evidence.\n· Create clear\, defensible timelines by linking people\, places\, objects\, and events across evidence sources.\n· Draft motions\, briefs\, and arguments confidently with transparent citations\, verification loops\, and safeguards that preserve your professional judgment.\n· Prepare evidence for disclosure or court with clarity\, completeness\, and confidence.\n· Maintain trust and accountability using critical guardrails — audit trails\, role-based access\, records integrity\, policy alignment\, and AI that operates entirely within your organization’s secure environment.\n\nMove from discovery to strategy faster\, reduce backlogs\, and strengthen client advocacy — without compromising the principles of effective public defense. \nPresenters\nRod Guy\nVice President\, Business Development\nNiCE \nShelly Williams\nDirector of Product Management\nNiCE \nKelsey Kaufman Robinson\nSenior Product Mgr.\nNiCE \n \nPRIVACY NOTICE: This is a presentation from an NAPD sponsor.  Registration is managed directly by NiCE Justice Services.  Completing the registration form will provide your information to a third party. \nwww.nicepublicsafety.com \n\nNiCE is pleased to make available information on products and services that may be of interest to you in your organization or career. 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/nice-justice-solutions/
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LOCATION:
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260226T183207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T183208Z
UID:10000579-1772625600-1772629200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: A discussion about Specialty Courts
DESCRIPTION:This week’s social worker meetup will explore the roles we play in Specialty Courts (Family Treatment Courts\, Recovery Courts\, Veterans Courts\, etc.) and the roles that Specialty Courts play in diversion and how they may either support or impact the clients with whom we work. Take a look at this blog post from the Prison Policy Initiative that examines some of the problems in specialty courts as these affect the persons involved in these court alternatives\, and we will discuss our experience and ways we may support clients to counteract the problems where possible. \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-worker-meetup-3/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000503-1772640000-1772643600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-03-04/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260128T201607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T174854Z
UID:10000600-1773147600-1773151200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ/Racial Justice MeetUp featuring Guest Presenter
DESCRIPTION:Details TBA.  Meetup events are exclusive to NAPD members.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-racial-justice-webinar-series/2026-03-10/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/DEI-RJ-Meetup.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260309T160332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T160332Z
UID:10000627-1773237600-1773241200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Supervisors - What kind of training do we need?
DESCRIPTION:We will be joined by Amber Kaset to talk about what sort of training as supervisors of our investigative team would be needed and wanted. Just like in A.I. it’s all about the prompting\, so we will provide some ideas and look forward to yours as well. Let’s plan what is needed together! \n\nAmber Kaset is widely recognized for her leadership in criminal defense investigations and investigator training\, with more than 20 years of experience as a private investigator and mitigation specialist. She founded AK Investigations in 2010 after seven years at the Metropolitan Public Defender in Nashville\, where she worked as a criminal defense investigator and interpreter.\nThroughout her career\, Amber has worked on more than 1\,000 cases spanning a broad spectrum of criminal and civil matters. Her experience includes serious felony cases across a wide range of offenses\, including sex crimes\, homicides\, and federal prosecutions\, with work at both the trial and post-conviction levels in capital and non-capital cases. She has participated in numerous death penalty cases across multiple states\, including cases involving foreign nationals from Latin America\, and partners with the Mexican Capital Legal Assistance Program (MCLAP)\, local innocence organizations\, the National Innocence Project\, public defender offices\, and private defense attorneys to support clients facing the most serious charges. \nWhat began as a one-woman practice has grown under Amber’s leadership into a multi-investigator firm with diverse skills and specialties. In addition to casework\, Amber provides investigative services\, training\, and consulting nationwide\, helping defense teams and investigators strengthen case development and elevate investigative standards. She regularly teaches and presents at national conferences and trainings for investigators\, attorneys\, paralegals\, and defense teams\, and has taught investigative practice to law students and other audiences at universities including Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee\, Knoxville. She is known for delivering thoughtful\, high-quality\, defense-centered support tailored to the unique needs of each case.\nAmber is the founder of AK Investigations and the creator of The Investigative Expert Method\, an online training platform for criminal defense investigators and other members of the defense team.\nFor more information\, visitwww.akinvestigations.com andwww.investigativeexpertmethod.com. \nJONATHAN “Jon” LYON is currently the Investigator Resource Coordinator\, past Member Support Coordinator and the national survey investigator for National Association for Public Defense. Since the pandemic he has led roughly 200 meetups for investigators both nationally and internationally. Jon is the president of Lyon Legal Logistics to help attorneys in and out of court with Discovery and technology and has assisted attorneys in multiple federal court jurisdictions (www.lyonlegallogistics.com/). \nHe is also a legal investigator for McClain Investigations. Jon began his investigative background working in a PI firm and then for 12 years for the Office of the State Appellate Defender of Illinois. His primary focus has been on post-conviction death penalty cases. In addition\, Jon worked for LexisNexis as an award-winning national trainer of the Case Map suite of software. He also worked for Lockheed Martin as a contractor supporting government attorneys and investigators with software and electronic discovery support needs. He is a Certified Defense Investigator through DePaul’s Center for Justice in Capital Cases and a Certified Trainer through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. He has taught at the Clarence Darrow Death Penalty Defense College\, Cardoza\, DePaul\, Kent\, Iowa\, and University of Michigan law schools.\nHe has also taught at the National Defense Investigator Associations Annual Conferences\, National Association of Legal Investigators annual conference\, National Association for Public Defense\, The Innocence Project\, NACDL\, Federal Defender’s winning strategies conferences\, Life in the Balance\, American Society of Criminology\, US Army\, Intellenet and numerous state and county public defender conferences. It is not unheard of for Jon to be invited back to conferences. Jon was most recently interviewed on “Public Defenseless” episode #99. Jon is the Creator/Webmaster for the internationally utilized website www.internetsleuth.net.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisors-what-kind-of-training-do-we-need/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisors-what-kind-of-training-do-we-need/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000504-1773244800-1773248400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-03-11/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260128T172209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T184708Z
UID:10000569-1773324000-1773327600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:The Defender Wellness Collective MeetUp\, Featuring: Terri Collins-Green\, LCSW-C
DESCRIPTION:Together\, We Are the Culture \nAs we build this community\, remember that culture is not imposed; It is grown. \n“You are essential. You are worth sustaining.” \nYou’re not alone. \nLet’s walk this road together\, building a culture of wellness for everyone in public defense. \n  \nLink the NAPD 10 Principles of Sustainability
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-defender-wellness-collective-meetup-3/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260316T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260316T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20250826T191306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T174806Z
UID:10000444-1773666000-1773669600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:ADHD and the Criminal Justice System: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
DESCRIPTION:Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder distinguished by impulsivity\, hyperactivity\, and inattention. Typically emerging during childhood\, these symptoms can persist into adulthood and contribute to social\, occupational\, and behavioral problems. These behavioral problems can include criminal justice-involvement\, as ADHD is disproportionately likely in this context relative to the general population. Further\, the symptoms of ADHD make it difficult to navigate the rules and procedures of the criminal justice system\, from courtroom settings to community supervision. Without accurate assessment and effective treatment\, individuals with ADHD may be at risk for reoffending and long-term criminal justice-involvement. Designed for legal and mental health professionals\, this innovative training introduces the symptoms\, etiology (including prenatal and postnatal neurobiopsychosocial risk factors)\, co-occurring conditions\, and consequences of ADHD. Attendees will learn how to apply key learning objectives during interviews\, screening and assessment\, and interventions. Increased awareness of ADHD’s role in offending has the potential to reduce recidivism\, ensure fairness\, and promote public safety. Cutting-edge research from forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology will be highlighted throughout the training. \n\n\n\n\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)\, 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/adhd-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/ADHD-and-the-Criminal-Justice-System-U-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/adhd-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000505-1773849600-1773853200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-03-18/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260319
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260321
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20251110T175806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T194813Z
UID:10000470-1773878400-1774051199@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:NAPD Rise. Resist. Represent. 2026
DESCRIPTION:This event has concluded.  If you attended R3\, you are still able to purchase a Certificate of Attendance HERE.  Please be sure to confirm the name and email address of the recipient in the order notes.\nhttps://publicdefenders.us/product/r3-rise-resist-represent-2026/ \n  \n\nThe National Public Defense Virtual Training Event will provide over a dozen topic areas to provide to the wide variety of professions and practice areas in public defense across the country. There will be skills training\, but also opportunities to explore innovations\, systemic litigation\, development research projects – and to network with thousands of colleagues who champion the right to counsel and for the opportunity and dignity of their clients.\nRecordings will be available shortly after the conference. We will be recording at least 90% of the sessions. Those not to be recorded will be noted in the description.\nCheck out the full 2026 Agenda! \nClick here purchase tickets through Eventbrite\n  \nEARLY BIRD PRICING (Before Jan 19\, 2026) \n\n$90 NAPD Member Ticket\n$125 Standard Ticket (non-member)\n$65 each ticket – Bulk purchase of 5-100\n$40 each ticket – Bulk purchase of 101 and above*\n\nJan 19 -March 20\, 2026 \n\n$125 NAPD Member Ticket\n$175 Standard Ticket (non-member)\n$100 each ticket – Bulk purchase of 5-100\n$75 each ticket – Bulk purchase of 101 and above*\n\n*Bulk purchases of over 100 tickets are not supported by Eventbrite. To place a large bulk order\, please contact us at: events@publicdefenders.us \nCheck out some of the past conference schedules: \nR3 Conference 2025 Schedule \nR3 Conference 2024 Schedule \nR3 Conference 2023 Schedule \nR3 Conference 2022 Schedule
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/r3-2026/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260324T125642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T125643Z
UID:10000621-1774440000-1774443600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup
DESCRIPTION:In this social worker meetup (for social workers\, sentencing advocates\, mitigation specialists\, and others in similar roles) we will be talking about if and how (any why\, if so) we write to aggravators. Mitigation exists on its own\, but is developed in response to a case’s aggravators. This responsive approach is not always how we prepare or present mitigation. Are you writing to address and nullify aggravators? Why or why not? We will discuss this and more in our meetup this week! \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-worker-meetup-4/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000506-1774454400-1774458000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-03-25/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260219T224154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T173459Z
UID:10000620-1774965600-1777044600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Story-Driven Advocacy: Crafting Case Narratives and Mitigation for Trial
DESCRIPTION:Description\nIn 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. \nDates: \nBegins March 30 week for 4 weeks. Each live workshop session is capped at 4 registrants (choose one date that works for your schedule).\nLive 90-minute workshop sessions are offered on:\n\nWednesday 4/1\, 4/8\, 4/15\, 4/22 2:00-3:30 pm EST\nTuesday 3/31\, 4/7\, 4/14\, 4/21 2:00-3:30 pm EST\nFriday 4/3\, 4/10\, 4/17\, 4/24 2:00-3:30 pm EST\n\nNOTE: ONLY WEDNESDAY GROUP SPACES REMAINING \nPrice:\n$325 NAPD Members / $425 Public \nRegistration closes on 3/23/26 at 5PM EST \n\nWhat to Expect\nOn-Demand Learning\nEach 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. \nFacilitated Small Group Workshops\nJoin 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. \nA similar course is also offered as in an on demand model without the workshops – click here to register  \n\nTopics Covered\n\nUnderstand how story creates juror bias in trials\nLearn the basic mechanism of storytelling used successfully at jury trials\nExplore how to apply storytelling technique to your case\nUse storytelling techniques to create empathy and action\n\n\nWho Should Attend\nThis 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. \n\nSmall Group Facilitator Bio\nMichael 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. \n\nTestimonials\n“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 \n“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 \n“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 \n“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 \n“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 \n“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
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/story-driven-advocacy-crafting-case-narratives-and-mitigation-for-trial/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Online Course
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/02/Story-Driven-Advocacy-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000507-1775059200-1775062800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-04-01/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T143000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260211T222113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T222547Z
UID:10000614-1775134800-1775140200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Leading with Heart and Integrity: Emotional Intelligence and Ethical Leadership in Public Defense
DESCRIPTION:Description\nPublic 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.\n\n\nNote: The Four Frames of Leadership\, developed by Bolman and Deal\, are mental models (Structural\, Human Resource\, Political\, Symbolic)\n\n\nLearning Objectives\n\nGoal 1: Deepen the understanding of emotional intelligence as a leadership competency.\n\nObjective 1.1: Identify and describe the five domains of emotional intelligence (self-awareness\, self-regulation\, motivation\, empathy\, and social skills).\nObjective 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.\n\n\nGoal 2: Strengthen ethical decision-making through emotional intelligence.\n\nObjective 2.1: Examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and ethical reasoning in client advocacy and workplace dynamics.\nObjective 2.2: Apply an ethical decision-making model that integrates emotional intelligence to resolve leadership and client-centered dilemmas.\n\n\nGoal 3: Discuss ways in which emotionally intelligent leadership practices promote equity and resilience.\n\nObjective 3.1: Discuss strategies to manage emotional triggers and promote psychological safety within teams.\nObjective 3.2: Discuss ways in which personal action planning enhances ethical and emotionally intelligent leadership practices in daily defense work.\n\n\n\n\nPresenters\n\nLori James\, Ph.D.\, MSW\, LCSW-C \nLori 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.\n\nDr. Pamela Love\nPresident 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/leading-with-heart-and-integrity-emotional-intelligence-and-ethical-leadership-in-public-defense/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/leading-with-heart-and-integrity-emotional-intelligence-and-ethical-leadership-in-public-defense/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260330T214042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T015544Z
UID:10000629-1775224800-1775228400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup: Cell phone data retrieval and a new free tool to use! W/ Benjamin Van Meter
DESCRIPTION:Cell phone data retrieval and a new free tool to use! W/ Benjamin Van Meter\nThis talk will cover the basics of cellphone data retrieved from phone carriers and how to use a new\, open-source tool we’ve developed to map location data such as a cellphone’s GPS coordinates\, cell tower usage\, and distance from a cell tower. This tool produces visualizations of cellphone location data similar to the maps seen in an FBI CAST report and allows users to easily copy data received in discovery and quickly map it. As we’ll talk about\, this tool has proven very helpful for triage work as attorneys and investigators sort through discovery – comparing this information with other location data of interest (e.g. crime scenes\, surveillance locations\, witness/client residences)\, checking the State’s evidence\, determining the necessity of a forensic expert\, and assessing the feasibility of different defenses. \nBenjamin Van Meter has worked as a trial attorney for the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender in Essex County since October 2022 and is also a staff attorney with OPD’s Police Accountability Unit. He previously clerked with Justice Barry Albin of the New Jersey Supreme Court and Judge Kevin McNulty of the New Jersey federal district court. Prior to law school\, he worked for the investigative and cybersecurity company K2 Intelligence where he conducted background checks\, private investigations\, corporate due diligence research\, and anti-money laundering analysis. Ben graduated from Tufts University in 2013 with a BA in Russian and East European Studies and graduated from Cornell Law School in 2020 with a JD in public law.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-cell-phone-data-retrieval-and-a-new-free-tool-to-use-w-benjamin-van-meter/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-cell-phone-data-retrieval-and-a-new-free-tool-to-use-w-benjamin-van-meter/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260406T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260406T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260217T205013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T205039Z
UID:10000617-1775480400-1775484000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Using VPSA Framework For Strategic Communication
DESCRIPTION:Description\nVPSA (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. \nLearning Objectives\n1. Establish common ground through shared values. \n2. Reframe problems as systemic threats that have opportunities for solutions. \n3. Motivate specific audience action(s). \n  \nPresenter(s)\nDarwin 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)\nFor 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.\nAs 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.\nCurrently 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/using-vpsa-framework-for-strategic-communication/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/using-vpsa-framework-for-strategic-communication/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260128T180937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T134025Z
UID:10000622-1775649600-1775653200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup
DESCRIPTION: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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup/2026-04-08/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000508-1775664000-1775667600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-04-08/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260203T184740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T185223Z
UID:10000570-1775743200-1775746800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:The Defender Wellness Collective MeetUp\, Featuring Featuring: Dr. Crystal Currie
DESCRIPTION:Together\, We Are the Culture \nAs we build this community\, remember that culture is not imposed; It is grown. \n“You are essential. You are worth sustaining.” \nYou’re not alone. \nLet’s walk this road together\, building a culture of wellness for everyone in public defense. \n  \nLink the NAPD 10 Principles of Sustainability
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-defender-wellness-collective-meetup-4/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20250826T211219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T172821Z
UID:10000445-1776085200-1776088800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Kluver–Bucy Syndrome (KBS) and the Criminal Justice System: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
DESCRIPTION: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. \n  \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)\, 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.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/kluver-bucy-syndrome-kbs-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Kluver–Bucy-Syndrome-KBS-U-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/kluver-bucy-syndrome-kbs-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260325T162821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T171441Z
UID:10000601-1776171600-1776175200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ/Racial Justice MeetUp featuring Guest Presenter Lei Young
DESCRIPTION:Hope Amongst Ourselves:\nBIPOC Public Defender Shared Experience and Shared Resilience\n\nLei Young\nLei Young supervises the Disproportionality Unit at the Washington State Office of Public Defense\, where she works to challenge racial and social injustice in the legal system. Prior to that position\, she spent 17 years as an attorney with The Defender Association\, which is now a division of the King County Department of Public Defense. As a public defender\, she represented clients in a variety of practice areas\, including felony\, sex offender civil commitment\, and dependency cases. Her teaching experience includes serving as an Adjunct Professor at Seattle University School of Law. She received her J.D. from Cornell Law School. \nWelcome to an inspiring and impactful presentation!\nAs public defenders\, we are on the front lines of the fight for justice\, and we know firsthand that our criminal legal system is plagued with inequities. For many of us\, especially when it comes to racial injustice\, this isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a reality we witness every single day. \nThese persistent challenges can feel isolating\, but today\, we have the unique opportunity to come together\, share our experiences\, and strengthen our community. Right now is the time for us to uplift one another and build a united front in public defense. \nIn this engaging session\, get ready to connect\, reflect\, and strategize as we: \nShine a light on the biases BIPOC public defenders face in the workplace—and talk openly about real experiences; \nBrainstorm powerful strategies to build strength\, resilience\, and solidarity among BIPOC defenders; \nExplore how fostering our resilience will amplify our advocacy and create better outcomes for our clients.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-racial-justice-meetup-featuring-guest-presenter/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000509-1776268800-1776272400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-04-15/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20260317T010733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T145201Z
UID:10000628-1776351600-1776357000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:What Have We Learned So Far from the National Public Defense Well-Being Study?
DESCRIPTION:Description:\nBeSustained\, a national nonprofit with the mission of improving access to justice by advancing the well-being of public defenders\, is conducting a national study of well-being in public defense. At this webinar\, Harvard Business School researcher Jon Jachimowicz will share findings from a daily diary study conducted in November 2025\, seeking to deepen our understanding of what drives passion\, energy and sustainability in public defense. Matt Thiese\, a researcher with the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health\, will share plans for the upcoming survey and focus groups that will survey issues affecting public defender well-being.   The findings and recommendations from this project will help support individual defenders\, improve the organizations we work in\, and inform the systems making budget and policy decisions that impact public defense. \nPresenter Bio:\nJon M. Jachimowicz is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration in the Organizational Behavior Unit at Harvard Business School\, where he teaches the Leadership and Organizational Behavior course (LEAD) in the Required Curriculum. He studies the experience\, antecedents\, and consequences of passion. His work reveals that scholars and the broader public often fundamentally misunderstand passion. \nMatthew S. Thiese\, PhD\, MSPH\, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah’s Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health\, one of the 18 NIOSH-sponsored Education and Research Centers in the US. He earned his BS in Exercise and Sport Science (2001)\, MSPH in General Public Health (2003)\, and PhD in Occupational Injury Prevention (2008). Dr. Thiese’s dissertation focused on the predictive relationship on physical activity and the incidence of low back pain. This dissertation involved field measurements of workers’ on-the-job and leisure time physical activity. He has extensive experience in physical activity assessment\, energy expenditure measurement\, and observational research. Dr. Thiese’s primary areas of research interest are 1) transportation worker health and 2) musculoskeletal disorders. His research has included multiple field studies\, including three large cohort studies and two large cross-sectional studies involving either transportation workers or musculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Thiese currently teaches three courses at the School of Medicine and is involved in multiple ongoing field research projects. Dr. Thiese has field experiences with measuring aerobic capacity and energy expenditures in both laboratory and occupational settings. \nJenny Andrews\, she/her. A child of counterculture\, raised off the grid by back-to-the-land hippies on the Lost Coast in Northern California\, Jenny Andrews is a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School. She started her career as a public defender in Oakland\, California in 1996\, but left after seven years\, after experiencing burnout and moral injury\, and didn’t practice law for three years. She returned to public defense work in 2007 and continued working as a public defender in Sonoma County and Santa Barbara County until 2022\, consistently litigating cases and navigating challenges to sustainability in a wide variety of positions\, including: Forensic Resource Counsel\, Felony Team Leader\, Director of Training\, and Senior Deputy. In 2022\, she became the Director of Training at the Indigent Defense Improvement Division of the Office of the State Public Defender\, a new statewide effort to support and train indigent defenders in California. She teaches on the faculty of Gideon’s Promise\, the National Association for Public Defense\, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association\, the National Criminal Defense College\, the Trial Advocacy Workshop at Harvard Law School\, and the Stanford Trial Advocacy & New Defender Uplift Program (STANDUP). She is the founder and director of BeSustained\, a national nonprofit with the mission of improving access to justice by advancing the well-being of public defenders. She speaks nationwide on public defense well-being and has been interviewed by Slate Magazine\, Public Defenseless and Moral Matters podcasts.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/what-have-we-learned-so-far-from-the-national-public-defense-well-being-study/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/what-have-we-learned-so-far-from-the-national-public-defense-well-being-study/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260420
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260424
DTSTAMP:20260403T195045
CREATED:20251110T181051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T222150Z
UID:10000471-1776643200-1776988799@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:NAPD Changemakers Forum 2026
DESCRIPTION:NAPD Changemakers – The NAPD Learning Lab\nChangemakers is A Learning Lab for the Future of Public Defense\nThe 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. \nThis 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. \nAcross 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. \nThis Forum creates intentional space for public defender leaders and emerging changemakers to think\, build\, and plan together — across jurisdictions\, roles\, and perspectives. \nWho Should Attend\nThis learning lab is designed for: \n\n     Public Defender Leaders and Executives\n     Deputy and Managing Defenders\n     Policy and Legislative Staff\n     Innovators and Visionaries in Public Defense\n     Supervisors\, Training Directors\, and System Builders\n     Those preparing for future leadership roles\n\nIf 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. \nIf 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. \nA Reinvented Format: From Conference to Learning Lab\nWe’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. \nSpark Presentations\nHear 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. \nOpen Space Sessions\nThese 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. \n \nStrategic Action Planning & Expert Consultation\nTo 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. \nYou will leave not only inspired — but equipped with tools\, frameworks\, and next steps you can take back to your office\, jurisdiction\, or organization. \nThis Forum is not just another convening. It is a launchpad for real-world change in public defense. \nWhy This Matters Now\nPublic 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. \nThis Forum offers a rare opportunity to: \n\n     Collaborate across jurisdictions\n     Share hard-won lessons and innovative practices\n     Strategically plan for funding challenges and sustainability\n     Tackle recruitment and retention with new approaches\n     Address workload crises with collective insight\n     Protect independence and strengthen systems\n     Build the future of public defense — together\n\nRegistration\, Cost & Accessibility\nTo 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.  \n$650 if you book your stay at the conference hotel! \nHotel Details\nAll attendees are responsible for their own accommodations.  Below is the information for the discounted room block associated with the NAPD event. \nHyatt Place Atlanta / Centennial Park\n300 Luckie St NW\, Atlanta\, Georgia\, 30313\nRate:  $181.00 per night\nCut off date is March 27\, 2026\nReservation Link:  https://www.hyatt.com/events/en-US/group-booking/ATLZT/G-NAPD\n\nSchedule\nHere is a general outline of the schedule\, for planning purposes:\n\nMonday\, April 20: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Reception at hotel: 6:00 PM)\nTuesday\, April 21: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM\nWednesday\, April 22: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Lunch will be provided)\nThursday\, April 23: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/changemakers-2026/
LOCATION:Atlanta\, Georgia\, Atlanta\, GA\, United States
CATEGORIES:In Person Conference
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