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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250821T175647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T180804Z
UID:10000441-1762351200-1762354800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Blind Spots: Seeing the Bias that Hurts our Clients
DESCRIPTION:This dynamic and client-centered webinar explores how implicit bias shapes the daily practice of criminal defense. From jury selection to client communication\, attorneys make high-stakes decisions influenced by unconscious assumptions. Using research\, real-life examples\, humor\, and strategy\, this presentation gives lawyers and nonlawyers practical tools to recognize and interrupt bias-without shame or defensiveness. Teaching Goals . . . To define implicit bias and explain how it differs from racism and prejudice To identify ways bias can affect clients\, jurors\, and witnesses during representation To apply practical strategies to reduce bias in courtroom decision making and advocacy. \n Kenneth Hardin\nKenneth is the founding Executive Director of Harris County’s first Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) Office in Houston\, Texas. As the former MAC Director\, Kenneth led an office that managed the appointment process and provided holistic services for attorneys qualified to accept misdemeanor appointments in the third largest county in the nation. Prior to his appointment\, Kenneth practiced at both the Harris County Public Defender’s Office in Houston\, TX and his “home” office of the Orleans Public Defender’s Office in New Orleans\, LA. Being born and raised Louisiana\, he received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) before graduating law school from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston\, Texas.  Kenneth has handled and tried several cases over his career including but not limited to drug\, burglary\, robbery\, murder\, and rape cases. Kenneth is also very active on increasing community awareness regarding the negative implications of mass incarceration. Kenneth was featured on BET’s “the DA versus Black America” in 2016 as well “60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper” in 2017 discussing the impact of underfunded public defender offices.  In 2018\, Kenneth co-hosted a full day seminar for the NFL and New Orleans Saints on oppression in the criminal justice system and the challenges that public defenders have in changing the narrative.  Kenneth is licensed to practice law in Texas\, Louisiana\, and in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Additionally\, Kenneth is recurring faculty for the Harvard Trial Advocacy Program (in Cambridge\, Massachusetts)\, a graduate and recurring faculty at Gideon’s Promise (in Atlanta\, Georgia)\, a former board member for Gideon’s Promise\, a graduate of National Criminal Defense College\, a graduate of the Louisiana Defender Training Institute\, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. In 2019\, Kenneth was the recipient of the Stephen B. Bright Public Defender Award—a national award given annually in recognition to attorneys on their contribution to improving the quality of indigent defense.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/blind-spots-seeing-the-bias-that-hurts-our-clients/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Blind-spots-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/blind-spots-seeing-the-bias-that-hurts-our-clients/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251029T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251029T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20251024T174132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T174132Z
UID:10000464-1761739200-1761742800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: Mitigation Addressing the Over-Representation of People Experiencing Poverty
DESCRIPTION:We know that people experiencing poverty are over represented in the criminal legal system because we see these individuals in indigent defense. There is a cost to the legal system that exacerbates poverty and unfairly punishes those who are unable to meet their most basic needs. During this meetup we will discuss ways that we can advocate against the collateral impact the legal system has on people experiencing poverty\, how – through mitigation – we can help the Court better understand the individual and reduce collateral consequences\, how we can utilize and broker resources to support basic needs for individuals who are under resourced. \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-mitigation-addressing-the-over-representation-of-people-experiencing-poverty/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/10/SW-Meetup-Poverty.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-mitigation-addressing-the-over-representation-of-people-experiencing-poverty/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251027
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251031
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20260127T195739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T195739Z
UID:10000494-1761555600-1761825600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Racial Justice Conference 2026
DESCRIPTION:Save the Date: November 2-4th\, 2026 in Montgomery\, Alabama\nRegistration to open summer 2026. \n\n  \nJoin the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) for the seventh annual Racial Justice Conference (“RJC”)\, as we return to Montgomery\, Alabama\, one of the historic homes of the Civil Rights Movement. NAPD is proud to host this immersive and transformative conference\, designed to enhance your understanding of racial justice and your ability to fight for it in your work as a public defense professional. \nFeaturing highly respected speakers from across the nation\, RJC is an unparalleled opportunity to explore three key areas that impact our pursuit of justice for clients of color. \nFirst\, we will examine how we\, as individuals\, approach race and how we can work to overcome our own biases and preconceptions. \nSecond\, we will explore how public defender offices address race in their workplaces\, and how we can create policies and practices that promote racial equity and fairness. \nFinally\, we will delve into effective strategies for challenging racial bias and discrimination wherever we encounter it. \nThrough a range of educational opportunities\, you will gain the tools and insights needed to be a more effective advocate for racial justice in your work as a public defense professional. You will also have opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the country who share your commitment to advancing the cause of justice for all. \nClick here to view last year’s Racial Justice Conference 2025 schedule! \nRJC Includes Visits to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Sites\nRJC also includes visits to the Equal Justice Initiative’s The Legacy Museum\, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice\, and the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. \n  \n  \n  \nCONVINCE YOUR BOSS\nNeed some help convincing your boss? Review and use our Convince Your Boss Resources. There\, we provide a sample letter and other information to assist you in convincing your office to approve your RJC attendance.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/racial-justice-conference-2026/
LOCATION:Renaissance Montgomery Hotel\, 201 TALLAPOOSA STREET\, MONTGOMERY\, AL\, 36104\, United States
CATEGORIES:In Person Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251027T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251030T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250310T143557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T144334Z
UID:10000294-1761555600-1761825600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Racial Justice Conference 2025
DESCRIPTION:Registration for the RJC is now closed! We can’t wait for you to #MeetUsInMontgomery!\n\n\nCLE Certificates now available.  If you’ve already purchased your ticket to the conference\, click here to purchase the CLE add-on.\n\n \nJoin the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) for the sixth annual Racial Justice Conference (“RJC”)\, as we return to Montgomery\, Alabama\, one of the historic homes of the Civil Rights Movement. NAPD is proud to host this immersive and transformative conference\, designed to enhance your understanding of racial justice and your ability to fight for it in your work as a public defense professional. \nFeaturing highly respected speakers from across the nation\, RJC is an unparalleled opportunity to explore three key areas that impact our pursuit of justice for clients of color. \nFirst\, we will examine how we\, as individuals\, approach race and how we can work to overcome our own biases and preconceptions. \nSecond\, we will explore how public defender offices address race in their workplaces\, and how we can create policies and practices that promote racial equity and fairness. \nFinally\, we will delve into effective strategies for challenging racial bias and discrimination wherever we encounter it. \nThrough a range of educational opportunities\, you will gain the tools and insights needed to be a more effective advocate for racial justice in your work as a public defense professional. You will also have opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the country who share your commitment to advancing the cause of justice for all. \nClick here to view the Racial Justice Conference schedule! \nRJC Includes Visits to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Sites\nRJC also includes visits to the Equal Justice Initiative’s The Legacy Museum\, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice\, and the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. \n___________________________________________________________________________________\n  \n \nNew Exclusive Evening Keynote & Awards Event Available: Rooted to Rise Above\nDon’t miss this exclusive event featuring Bryan Stevenson as the Keynote Speaker.\n\nThis year\, we are offering a limited premium registration that includes access to an exclusive evening keynote and awards event. Rooted to Rise Above is an evening ceremony that honors and uplifts the practice of holistic public defense\, recognizing individuals and teams who exemplify client-centered\, comprehensive advocacy. \nSpace is ultra-limited for this event. Secure your premium registration NOW! \nWe are  SO excited for this! You do not want to miss this!  \nNeed to purchase a ticket to just for the Keynote Address & Awards Ceremony?  Want to upgrade your standard registration to a premium ticket? Grab your ticket here or email us. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \nBe sure to review NAPD’s Event Policies to learn more about our attendance and cancellation policies. \n  \nBOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM WITH OUR ROOM BLOCK\nOur room block is at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center. \nClick here to book your room. \nWe have a limited number of rooms. Please book early to ensure you get the best rate. \nThe last day to book using our room block is Wednesday\, October 1\, 2025. \n  \nCONVINCE YOUR BOSS\nNeed some help convincing your boss? Review and use our Convince Your Boss Resources. There\, we provide a sample letter and other information to assist you in convincing your office to approve your RJC attendance. \n\nSPONSORSHIP & DONATION OPPORTUNITIES\nInterested in being a Sponsor? Contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities. \nWould you like to donate to our RJC scholarships? Donate to support scholarships for this conference here. Leave a comment\, “RJC\,” to apply it to this conference. \nThis years R.E.A.L. scholarship winners are here: R.E.A.L. Scholarship winners \nMORE QUESTIONS\nWe will be happy to assist you! Contact us here with your inquiry. \n  \n  \n* Ticket availability may be further restricted based on overall conference registration. Both the standalone and upgrade ticket options may expire at any time as standalone tickets or upgrading depends on ticket availability.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/racial-justice-conference-2025/
LOCATION:Renaissance Montgomery Hotel\, 201 TALLAPOOSA STREET\, MONTGOMERY\, AL\, 36104\, United States
CATEGORIES:In Person Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/03/RJC25-Graphics-BGTedits-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251024T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251024T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20251020T180456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T184837Z
UID:10000462-1761314400-1761318000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup 10-24-2025 - Open Chat
DESCRIPTION:This Friday we will be having an open chat for our meetup. What are your challenges for your position\, within your office\, your client or just want to run an idea past your fellow investigators throughout the country\, come join us! Our meeting time is: 2:00 ET\, 1:00 CT\, 12:00 MT\, 11:00 PT
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-10-24-2025-open-chat/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/09/Inv-MU-Open-chat-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-10-24-2025-open-chat/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251023T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251023T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250731T210202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T152310Z
UID:10000429-1761224400-1761228000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Antiracist Expert Evidence: An Exploration of Racism
DESCRIPTION:Antiracist Expert Evidence: An Exploration of Racism & Its Relevance in Criminal Defense Litigation\nDemonstrating the influence of racism is vital to the practice of criminal defense\, yet many attorneys do not know how to prove racism in court. Visiting Assistant Professor Asees Bhasin\, Esq. and Professor Jasmine Gonzales Rose\, Esq. surveyed over seven hundred criminal-defense attorneys across the United States\, and nearly half had never heard of expert witnesses testifying or submitting written reports on racism—what we call “antiracist expert evidence.” This finding would be unremarkable if such experts were unhelpful\, but nearly ninety percent of surveyed attorneys expected that antiracist expert evidence would benefit their criminal-defense practices. \nIn this webinar\, they will present the findings of the article\, Antiracist Expert Evidence\, published in the Yale Law Journal in 2025. This article conceptualizes\, categorizes\, and instantiates six different expressions\, manifestations\, or mechanisms of racism relevant to criminal defense: (1) racist affiliations and views; (2) racist language\, sounds\, and imagery; (3) racial stereotypes; (4) racial disparities; (5) implicit racial bias; and (6) the impact of racism on health and behavior. It also analyzes survey results showing criminal-defense attorneys’ levels of familiarity with antiracist expert evidence\, their perceptions of its utility\, and the barriers they anticipate to its introduction. This article then examines these barriers and identifies means of overcoming them. \nThis webinar will cover all of these facets and facilitate a discussion about the use of such evidence in criminal defense practice. You don’t want to miss it! \nQuestions and concerns? Contact BGT\, Webinar Lead\, with any questions and/or concerns at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us. \n\nProfessor Jasmine Gonzales Rose is a leading evidence scholar whose work examines how race\, language\, and racism shape legal proof and influence who can serve as factfinders in the justice system. Rooted in critical race studies and drawing from epistemology and sociolinguistics\, her research explores and reimagines evidence law to enhance fairness\, accuracy\, and equity. \nShe is Professor of Law and an award-winning teacher at Boston University School of Law\, where she currently teaches Evidence\, Criminal Law\, and LatinXs and the Law\, and previously served as Associate Dean for Equity\, Justice\, and Engagement. Before joining Boston University\, she taught for nearly a decade at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. \nA graduate of Harvard Law School\, Professor Gonzales Rose clerked for Judge Damon J. Keith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and Judge Héctor M. Laffitte of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. She serves on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Advisory Committee on Evidence Law and has led antiracist legal policy initiatives both within academia and the broader community. \nShe has served on the boards of the American Civil Liberties Union of Greater Pittsburgh and the Abolitionist Law Center\, the latter founded by her former students. \nAsees Bhasin is a visiting assistant professor of law and Donald Gaines Murray Fellow. She teaches in the first-year Lawyering Program. Her research focuses on critical evidence law\, race and the law\, reproductive justice\, and the intersections between these fields. She is particularly curious about how seemingly neutral rules of procedure contribute to the marginalization of people and communities along race and gender lines. \nPreviously\, Professor Bhasin worked at Boston University\, where her research focused on the rules of evidence\, and the use of expert witnesses to prove racism in criminal trials. Before that\, she was a senior research fellow at the Solomon Center for Health Law and Policy at Yale University where she researched and wrote on health law and racism. She began her legal career as a Georgetown Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellow at the National Partnership for Women & Families in Washington\, D.C. where her advocacy was centered on reproductive rights\, and maternal and infant health. \nProfessor Bhasin’s scholarship has appeared or is forthcoming in the Yale Law Journal\, the Indiana Health Law Review\, the North Carolina Journal of Law and Technology\, and the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal. She received a joint JD-LLB degree from Georgetown University Law Center and King’s College London. She was born and raised in New Delhi\, India.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/antiracist-expert-evidence-an-exploration-of-racism/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/07/Antiracist-Expert-Evidence-2.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/antiracist-expert-evidence-an-exploration-of-racism/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251016T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20251013T164135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T165048Z
UID:10000461-1760623200-1760626800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Supervisor Discussion Meetup
DESCRIPTION:This meetup is a discussion for and with social worker supervisors supervising social workers\, sentencing advocates\, dispositional advocates\, mitigation specialists and others performing these roles in indigent defense offices. \nStephanne Thornton\, NAPD Social Work Training and Resource Coordinator and Kevin Bishop\, Social Worker Coordinator for the Colorado Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisor-discussion-meetup/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/SW-Supv-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisor-discussion-meetup/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251009T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251009T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250815T180730Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T144046Z
UID:10000438-1760011200-1760014800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Just Juries - Balancing the Scales of the Jury Box
DESCRIPTION:Join The Juror Project’s Director\, William C. Snowden\, Esq. and Deputy Director\, Porsha-Shaf’on Venable\, Esq.\, as they educate our people about jury service and jury nullification.  Through their work\, these amazing advocates “aim to change the makeup of juries to better represent the American population and the communities most commonly accused.”  They do  “this through community and public education about jury eligibility and the jury selection process and the power jurors hold in America’s high stakes criminal justice system.” \n\n\n\nCome learn how to better advocate for balancing the scales in the jury box for true justice for all.   REGISTER TODAY! Registration is FREE for NAPD members. \n\n\n\n\nWilliam C. Snowden (he/him/his) is the Director of The Juror Project and a professor at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. His work is grounded in a simple truth: exclusion is not accidental. \n\n\n\nAs a former public defender in New Orleans\, he represented people forced to stand trial in courtrooms designed to convict them. He later served as Executive Director of the Vera Institute of Justice in Louisiana\, where he advanced efforts to eliminate money bail\, reduce jail populations\, and shift power toward communities. \n\n\n\nThrough public education\, legal scholarship\, and grassroots organizing\, Will challenges the myths of fairness that surround the jury system. He exposes how civic participation has been weaponized to protect institutions rather than people. His work does not ask for faith in the system. It calls for clear vision\, informed resistance\, and collective presence in the places where decisions are made about our lives. \n\n\n\nLearn more about William and the Juror Project here. \n\n\n\n\nPorsha-Shaf’on Venable\, Esq. is the Deputy Director of The Juror Project\, where she supports programming\, strategy\, and partnerships aimed at increasing civic participation and dismantling exclusion in the jury system.\n\n\nA licensed attorney and social worker based in the Bronx\, she brings a background in public defense\, forensic social work\, and legal education. She previously served with The Bronx Defenders and the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem\, where she held roles as a staff attorney\, forensic social worker\, and team leader. Porsha holds a J.D. from California Western School of Law and an M.S.W. from NYU. She has trained public defenders and legal advocates across the country on jury selection\, jury nullification\, and trial strategy through platforms like the Black Public Defender Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. \n\n\n\nHer work is rooted in building community power through legal knowledge and public access to justice while simultaneously co-creating a world that prioritizes accountability over punishment. \n\n\n\nLearn more about Porsha-Shaf’on and the Juror Project here.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/just-juries-balancing-the-scales-of-the-jury-box/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Just-juries-IMG_5469.jpg
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/just-juries-balancing-the-scales-of-the-jury-box/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251008T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251008T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20251006T212634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T163427Z
UID:10000450-1759932000-1759935600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Supervisor Meetup - Open Chat 2025-10-08
DESCRIPTION:Hi investigators in a supervisory role\, \nit will be the second Wednesday of the month \, so let’s chat about how things are in your offices\, with your cases and clients. \nSee you Wednesday at 2:00 ET\, 1:00 CT\, 12:00 MT\, 11:00 PT! \nJon
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-open-chat-2025-10-08-2/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/07/Inv-Supv-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-open-chat-2025-10-08-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251008T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251008T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20251006T162210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T162210Z
UID:10000459-1759924800-1759928400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: Supporting Preparation for Parole and Reentry
DESCRIPTION:It has been said that preparation for reentry begins on the day of arrest\, and as mitigation specialists\, sentencing advocates\, dispositional advocates\, social workers\, and others meeting with clients to learn their story\, we are also focusing on learning what they can go back to or towards in their future. This week’s meetup will focus on how we support and prepare clients for their parole hearing and/or return to the community at the end of their sentence\, or even earlier\, upon release on bond. We will look at the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth’s Parole Preparation Toolkit\, and hopefully you will bring the tools and resources you use and the ideas you have! \n  \nStephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia\, Colorado\, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program\, and owner of Transform Legal\, a consultancy focused on mitigation\, training\, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor\, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients\, lawyers\, social workers\, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-supporting-preparation-for-parole-and-reentry/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/10/reentry-sw-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-supporting-preparation-for-parole-and-reentry/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250916T182655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T182655Z
UID:10000456-1758718800-1758722400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ MEETUP - the  September 2025 edition
DESCRIPTION:The DEIJ MEETUP is back and for the September 2025 edition we will be led by John Lozada\, Esq. We look forward to John’s presentation – Bias in our Legal Representation – Sharing Concerns and Experiences in Addressing Courts and Administrative Agencies\, from the Challenge to Response. \nDon’t miss this meetup! The meetup materials and Zoom link will be posted on the listserv. \nSee you soon\, DEIJ! \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-meetup-the-september-2025-edition/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/09/DEIJ-Meetup-2025-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250919T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250915T151451Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T151451Z
UID:10000455-1758290400-1758294000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup 09/19/2025 - Open Chat - 2:00 ET\, 1:00 CT\, 12:00 MT\, 11:00 PT
DESCRIPTION:We are going to get together and talk about what’s on your mind.    Including what’s been going with you\, your office and client’s.\nJoin us this Friday!!
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-09-19-2025-open-chat-200-et-100-ct-1200-mt-1100-pt/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/09/Inv-MU-Open-chat-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-09-19-2025-open-chat-200-et-100-ct-1200-mt-1100-pt/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250619T204214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T155345Z
UID:10000337-1758204000-1758209400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Building a Holistic Defense: Leveraging Special Education Law for Your Clients
DESCRIPTION:School Justice Project (SJP) uses special education law to ensure that older\, court-involved students with disabilities can access a quality education\, whether they are incarcerated or in the community. By integrating special education law into the criminal defense context\, special education attorneys can increase access to education\, decrease future court contact\, improve case outcomes\, and reshape the education and justice landscapes for older court-involved students with disabilities. Special education attorneys can play a critical role in preserving both the substantive education rights and liberty interests of young people. Having access to free special education legal services as part of a holistic defense team can disrupt the pipeline that funnels older court-involved students with disabilities from the juvenile system into the adult criminal system. \n  \nJoin this training to get an overview of how public defenders can leverage special education law for better client outcomes. Learn strategies for integrating a persuasive disability framework into defense advocacy. Gain skills in identifying various leverage points to advance a client’s education rights throughout the life of a criminal case. Learn strategies for developing special education-related mitigation and release plans in advance of sentencing. Finally\, there will be a focus on integrating education advocacy throughout the reentry process. \n  \nAubrey Dillon is the Managing Attorney at School Justice Project (SJP) where he leads a team of special education attorneys who represent system involved young people. In working with special education students\, SJP attorneys fight for access to education\, mitigate the harms of the criminal legal system\, and work to disrupt the deep end of the school to prison pipeline. Aubrey joined SJP after over twelve years as a public defender advocating for our most marginalized community members facing accusations ranging from traffic violations to homicide charges. He is a proud alum of Queens Defenders (formerly known as Queens Law Associates)\, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender and the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia\, where he served as a Supervising Attorney. He has handled dozens of jury trials\, hundreds of bench trials\, and has represented thousands of individual clients. He holds a B.A. summa cum laude in Women’s and Gender Studies and Political Science from the City University of New York-Hunter College and a J.D. from Berkeley Law School. Prior to law school\, Aubrey worked in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Aubrey is an attorney admitted to practice in DC\, Maryland\, and New York and speaks Spanish.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/building-a-holistic-defense-leveraging-special-education-law-for-your-clients/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/06/Holistic-defense-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/building-a-holistic-defense-leveraging-special-education-law-for-your-clients/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250918T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250911T182102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T185635Z
UID:10000453-1758204000-1758207600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Supervisors Discussion Meetup
DESCRIPTION:This meetup is for supervisors of social workers\, mitigation specialists\, sentencing advocates\, dispositional specialists\, etc. – for those supervising these and similar roles in public defense offices. This month’s discussion meetup will continue from our conversation in August. \nKevin Bishop\, LCSW\, is the Social Worker Coordinator for the Colorado Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel\, and Stephanne Thornton\, LICSW\, is the Social Work Training and Resource Coordinator for NAPD.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisors-discussion-meetup-2/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/09/SW-Supervisors-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisors-discussion-meetup-2/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250911T191025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T191253Z
UID:10000454-1758110400-1758114000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: Being Trauma-Informed and Trauma Sensitive In Our Work
DESCRIPTION:As we develop mitigation and begin to build rapport and a relationship with our clients\, we are constantly aware of the harms that have been done to them\, whether individually or on a macro level by communities or oppressive systems. Being trauma-informed and trauma sensitive helps us to not perpetuate those continued harms and abuses\, but what does that look like? How do we keep in balance being trauma sensitive while also asking really personal and probing questions? We will spend this meetup talking about that balance\, both from the perspective of the techniques we use as well as the moral quandary this poses for us in our work. \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-being-trauma-informed-and-trauma-sensitive-in-our-work/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/09/SW-Meetup-Trauma.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-being-trauma-informed-and-trauma-sensitive-in-our-work/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250910T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250910T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250908T173009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T173009Z
UID:10000451-1757512800-1757516400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Supervisor Meetup - Open Chat - 2:00 ET\, 1:00 CT\, 12:00 MT\, 11:00 PT
DESCRIPTION:Hi  investigators in a supervisory role\, \nit will be the second Wednesday of the month \, so let’s chat about how things are in your offices\, with your cases and clients. \nSee you Wednesday! \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-open-chat-9-10-25/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/07/Inv-Supv-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-open-chat-9-10-25/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250910T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250912T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250529T214212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250819T174807Z
UID:10000321-1757498400-1757682000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Defending Families\, Protecting Futures: The Frontlines of Defense Advocacy Skills Training
DESCRIPTION:The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) is excited to host its inaugural national Defending Families\, Protecting Futures: The Frontlines of Defense Advocacy Skills Training at the Hyatt Regency in Seattle\, WA\, from September 10th to 12th. This significant event is a collaboration between NAPD\, the Washington State Office of Public Defense\, and Akin Parents for Parents. \nThis national conference is designed to offer intensive skills training and valuable networking opportunities for all public defense professionals dedicated to working with families. Whether you are an attorney\, investigator\, parent peer\, social worker\, or dispositional advocate\, this conference is tailored to your needs. The dynamic agenda will feature a variety of learning formats\, including plenary sessions\, concurrent sessions\, and small group breakouts\, led by recognized experts from both national and local levels. \nA central theme of the conference will be the development of practical skills for client-centered representation in family defense. Attendees will gain and refine effective techniques to best advocate for parents\, acknowledging the comprehensive approach necessary for positive outcomes in child welfare cases. \nOur partnership with the Washington State Office of Public Defense emphasizes a shared commitment to excellence in public defense. Additionally\, Akin Parents for Parents\, an organization focused on reuniting and empowering families within the child welfare system\, will contribute crucial insights and a vital parent-centered perspective to our discussions. This collaboration highlights the significant role of parent allies and support in dependency actions. \nWe anticipate that attendees will leave the conference with enhanced practical skills\, innovative strategies\, and a strengthened network of colleagues committed to delivering high-quality\, client-centered representation and support to families navigating complex legal challenges in family defense and child welfare cases. \nSee the 2025 agenda here! \nRegistration\nDon’t miss this opportunity\, registration closes August 30\, 2025! \nNeed help with this registration process? Watch this video. \nBe sure to review NAPD’s Event Policies to learn more about our attendance and cancellation policies. \nCosts\n\nMember Early Bird: $350  (Early-bird registration ended on July 25\, 2025)\nMember Regular: $475\nNon-Member Early Bird: $500  (Early-bird registration ended on July 25\, 2025)\nNon-Member Regular: $600\n\nHotel Reservations\nWe have worked with the Hyatt Regency (the venue of the conference) to secure a block of rooms. Book your room using this link before 8/25/25. We recommend booking early! \nTransportation to & from the Airport\nRide-share\, door-to-door vans\, and airport shuttle services are available to passengers at the Ground Transportation Plaza on the third floor in the SEA Airport parking garage. Premier Airport Shuttle Seattle offers shared and private shuttle service starting from $34.35 per person to Downtown Seattle hotels and also offers regularly scheduled Seattle cruise ship transfers. Hotel courtesy shuttles pick up and drop off passengers on the 3rd floor of the airport parking garage at Islands 1 & 2. \nAdditional information can be found here – https://visitseattle.org/visitor-information/getting-around/ \n  \nView the NAPD 2025 Family Defense Conference schedule & directory.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/family2025/
LOCATION:Hyatt Regency Seattle\, 808 Howell St\, Seattle\, WA\, 98101\, United States
CATEGORIES:In Person Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/05/Families-In-Person-Conference.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250818T171509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250909T150845Z
UID:10000440-1757422800-1757426400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Racial Justice Meetup - September Edition
DESCRIPTION:Racial Justice Advocates\,\n\nThe RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP is back!  For the September 2025 edition\, Eyvin Hernandez will lead us  in a presentation entitled RESIST: A Meaningful Discussion on Defeating ICE & Fascism in the Interest of Racial Justice.\n\nJoin us for this timely meetup. Meetup flyer and agenda\, as well as the speaker bio\, will be posted on the listserv.\n\nNot on the Racial Justice listserv?  Send your request to be added to BGT\, DEIJ Coordinator\, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.\n\nSee you soon\, NAPD!
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/racial-justice-meetup-september-edition/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/RJ-Meetup-Sept2025-Flyer.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250909T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250613T191213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250827T230024Z
UID:10000333-1757422800-1757426400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Promoting Health and Well-Being among Justice-Involved Populations: A Call on Criminal Justice\, Forensic Mental Health\, and Legal Professionals to Become Lifestyle Medicine and Health Coaching Informed
DESCRIPTION:Justice-involved individuals are not only more likely than the general population to suffer from physical and mental health issues\, but these co-occurring conditions can increase the risk of future criminal behavior. Lifestyle medicine (LM) and health coaching are two promising approaches that can help improve short- and long-term outcomes for this population. Focused on building and maintaining overall health\, LM is composed of six pillars: (a) a diet centered on whole foods and plants\, (b) regular exercise\, (c) restorative sleep\, (d) effective stress management\, (e) minimal use of harmful substances (e.g.\, alcohol and drugs)\, and (f) ensuring positive social interactions. Complementing LM\, health coaching helps encourage behavioral changes with a patient-centered approach\, which is characterized by motivational interviewing techniques (e.g.\, active listening). Research shows LM and health coaching can help prevent\, manage\, and treat chronic illnesses and may also reduce the risk of recidivism during re-entry and community supervision (e.g.\, parole and probation). Designed for criminal justice and forensic professionals\, this training introduces how LM and health coaching can help address physical and mental health issues among justice-involved individuals. Attendees will learn how LM and health coaching can be integrated into biopsychosocial frameworks during intake\, screening and assessment\, case planning\, and treatment. Key learning objectives will be reinforced by highlighting case studies throughout this training.\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 is also the founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers\, professionals\, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)\, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)\, intellectual and developmental disabilities\, confabulation\, suggestibility\, sleep disturbances\, serious and persistent mental health disorders\, trauma and other life adversities\, alexithymia\, executive dysfunction\, criminal recidivism\, traumatic brain injury (TBI)\, and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry\, Exercise Prescription\, Dyslexia\, Neuroscience and the Law\, Neuropsychology\, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)\, Other Health Disabilities (OHD)\, and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021\, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023\, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently\, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod also holds a wide range of professional certifications and has completed several comprehensive training programs. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops\, webinars\, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters\, and previously co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf\, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines\, newspapers\, and other professional outlets and has appeared in two documentaries related to the topic of FASD. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/promoting-health-and-well-being-among-justice-involved-populations/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/06/PromotingHealth-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/promoting-health-and-well-being-among-justice-involved-populations/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250903T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250901T205659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250901T210448Z
UID:10000446-1756900800-1756904400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup\, The Client Meeting: How To Get Ready\, What To Ask
DESCRIPTION:This meetup will explore how we get ready for the client meeting (the first and subsequent)\, how we prepare\, what we bring\, how many meetings we schedule and the content of those meetings. This is a space for us to share what we ask\, share forms we may use\, ideas and tips on how we navigate difficult conversations\, and what we put into place to help conclude the meeting by being trauma-sensitive. \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-the-client-meeting-how-to-get-ready-what-to-ask/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/09/SW-Meetup-Client-meeting.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-the-client-meeting-how-to-get-ready-what-to-ask/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250902T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250902T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250618T170927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T215029Z
UID:10000334-1756818000-1756821600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Applying the Biopsychosocial Model in Criminal Justice\, Forensic Mental Health\, and Legal Settings
DESCRIPTION:The biopsychosocial model is an emerging multifaceted approach and framework with clear benefits for justice-involved individuals. This holistic framework considers the biological\, psychological\, and social elements that affect health\, well-being\, and behavioral health problems. As such\, the biopsychosocial model is particularly well suited to help address the diverse array of physical and mental health problems\, prenatal/postnatal trauma\, cognitive impairments\, unhealthy lifestyle practices\, and histories of health disparities commonly experienced by justice-involved individuals. Designed for professionals working in criminal justice\, forensic mental health\, and legal settings\, this training provides an overview of the biopsychosocial model and encourages its application in interactions with justice-involved clients. Key topics include how the biopsychosocial model can enhance and provide a valuable framework to use during the interviewing\, intake\, and screening processes\, goal and treatment planning (including court-mandated treatment)\, expert consultation and testimony\, sentencing\, community supervision (e.g.\, probation and parole)\, and case management. Research findings from the following fields of study\, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)\, attachment theory\, the first 1\,000 days of life\, lifestyle medicine\, neurocriminology\, and nutritional neuroscience\, will be incorporated throughout this training to provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of this approach. A primary goal of this training is to encourage criminal justice\, forensic\, mental health\, and legal professionals to become biopsychosocial model-informed. I invite you to think about how you can incorporate the biopsychosocial model into the work you are currently doing or are considering doing in the future. \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. He is the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has provided consultation services to caregivers\, professionals\, and organizations on topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)\, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)\, confabulation\, suggestibility\, trauma\, alexithymia\, executive dysfunction\, criminal recidivism\, traumatic brain injury (TBI)\, and youth firesetting. He holds four master’s degrees and graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry\, Exercise Prescription\, Neuroscience and the Law\, Neuropsychology\, Dyslexia\, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)\, Other Health Disabilities (OHD)\, and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021\, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023\, he obtained 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. He has conducted over 300 workshops\, webinars\, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters\, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf\, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf\, and has been quoted in various magazines\, newspapers\, and professional outlets. He is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/applying-the-biopsychosocial-model-in-criminal-justice/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/06/Biopsychosocial-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/applying-the-biopsychosocial-model-in-criminal-justice/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250829T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250829T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250822T160134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250822T162206Z
UID:10000442-1756476000-1756479600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Truth or Tech: Detecting and navigating AI generated evidence
DESCRIPTION:As technology advances\, the manipulation of digital content has become more sophisticated and accessible than ever. It is now easier to generate or alter photos\, videos\, audio recordings\, and even handwriting\, raising critical questions about the integrity of evidence presented in legal proceedings. With the rise of AI-generated content\, we must consider how these advancements can potentially compromise the reliability of evidence in court. \nBrian Chase is a consultant\, expert witness\, adjunct professor of law\, and attorney. He currently serves as ArcherHall’s Managing Director of Digital Forensics and eDiscovery\, where he provides expert testimony\, teaches 100+ CLEs a year\, and manages their team of over a dozen experts. \nMr. Chase has a diverse education and work background. While working as a network administrator for the University of Arizona\, he earned a Management and Information Systems degree from the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona\, a top-ranked program in the country. Mr. Chase went on to earn a law degree\, also from the University of Arizona. Brian has taught Trial Advocacy at his alma mater for over ten years and considers it one of the most rewarding things he does. \nBefore pivoting to digital forensics\, he worked as a trial attorney handling criminal defense and personal injury cases. Mr. Chase has worked as a digital forensics expert for over a decade and has testified over 45 times across the country as an expert in criminal and civil matters ranging from misdemeanors to murder to medical malpractice. \nMr. Chase has published and spoken on numerous technology-related issues impacting the law in the civil and criminal justice systems. He travels all over the country teaching law and technology\, digital forensics\, and evidence at a variety of legal and technical conferences. He is currently researching and presenting CLEs on AI technologies as they relate to the admissibility of evidence in both civil and criminal settings. \nHe was honored by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Arizona Daily Star with a “Tucson’s 40 Under 40 Award”\, which recognizes young leaders who are making an impact in the community with their professional and charitable work.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/truth-or-tech-detecting-and-navigating-ai-generated-evidence/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/TruthorTech-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/truth-or-tech-detecting-and-navigating-ai-generated-evidence/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250613T173310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T214018Z
UID:10000332-1756209600-1756213200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Criminal Justice System: A Neurocriminological Perspective
DESCRIPTION:Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when brain function is disrupted by an external force\, such as a blow to the head. Common causes of TBIs include sports collisions\, traffic accidents\, falls\, and physical assaults. TBIs are associated with an increased risk of impulsiveness\, aggressiveness\, and substance use. Consequently\, justice-involved individuals often present with a history of TBIs. This population may benefit from interventions that adopt a neurocriminological approach. This interdisciplinary field integrates methodologies and techniques from biology\, neuroscience\, psychology\, and other fields to better understand\, predict\, and prevent criminal behavior. This innovative training introduces the field of neurocriminology and explores how its concepts can help professionals better understand the relationship between TBI and crime. Attendees will learn how neurocriminology findings can inform screening and assessment\, interventions\, case management\, and goal planning. \nJerrod Brown\, Ph.D.\, M.A.\, M.S.\, M.S.\, M.S.\, is a professor\, trainer\, researcher\, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod is also the founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers\, professionals\, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)\, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)\, intellectual and developmental disabilities\, confabulation\, suggestibility\, sleep disturbances\, serious and persistent mental health disorders\, trauma and other life adversities\, alexithymia\, executive dysfunction\, criminal recidivism\, traumatic brain injury (TBI)\, and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry\, Exercise Prescription\, Dyslexia\, Neuroscience and the Law\, Neuropsychology\, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)\, Other Health Disabilities (OHD)\, and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021\, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023\, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently\, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod also holds a wide range of professional certifications and has completed several comprehensive training programs. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops\, webinars\, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters\, and previously co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf\, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines\, newspapers\, and other professional outlets and has appeared in two documentaries related to the topic of FASD. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-and-the-criminal-justice-system-a-neurocriminological-perspective/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/06/TBI-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi-and-the-criminal-justice-system-a-neurocriminological-perspective/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250808T141906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250808T141906Z
UID:10000432-1755784800-1755788400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Supervisors Discussion Meetup
DESCRIPTION:This meetup is for supervisors of social workers\, mitigation specialists\, sentencing advocates\, and dispositional specialists in public defense offices – it is for supervisors. The topic this month is how\, as a supervisor\, to navigate with supervisees the sometimes thorny rules and policies that guide defense-based social work (navigating mandatory reporting\, priority of the attorney’s license in decision making\, avoiding clinical work in defense-based settings\, etc.).
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisors-discussion-meetup/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/SW-Supv-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisors-discussion-meetup/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250810T151702Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T194617Z
UID:10000433-1755691200-1755694800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: The International Legal Foundation Social Work Fellows
DESCRIPTION:This social worker (mitigation specialist\, sentencing advocate\, dispositional specialist\, etc.) meetup will give us an opportunity to learn more about the work of The International Legal Foundation and the role of social work fellows performing international work. Megan Karnes will be joining from The International Legal Foundation and talking about the opportunities through the fellows program. More details on this below! \nThe International Legal Foundation (ILF) is offering an in-person opportunity for social workers to support the development of holistic\, rights-based legal aid in Myanmar. Embedded in ILF’s field office\, fellows work alongside local teams to strengthen defense practices and build culturally grounded\, client-centered systems. Fellows provide case-\nbased mentorship to empower local lawyers and social workers to become proactive\, strategic advocates. Join us to learn how holistic legal aid can take shape beyond Western frameworks—and how you can contribute to this transformative\, on-the-ground work. \nMeghan Karnes (she/they) is a social worker and HR leader committed to equity\, care\, and accountability in global nonprofit spaces. She serves as the Manager of Human Resources and Office Administration at the International Legal Foundation\, supporting the team through management\, team building\, and actionable operations. Meghan is currently working with the ILF Myanmar team to develop a Social Work Handbook that supports holistic legal aid through a culturally grounded lens. A fierce believer in radical transformation\, Meghan strives to be a change agent in reimagining systems toward justice and sustainability.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-international-legal-foundation-social-work-fellows/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/International-SW-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-international-legal-foundation-social-work-fellows/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250819T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250819T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250630T101439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250723T144934Z
UID:10000340-1755608400-1755615600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Unpacking the Impact of Microaggressions Within Public Defense: An Ethics and Policy-Driven Approach
DESCRIPTION:Microaggressions are rooted in implicit bias and adversely impact the work we do for our clients and with our colleagues. While microaggressions seem elusive to some\, their impact is felt by many. \nJoin the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania (PDAP) and National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) on Tuesday\, August 19\, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (EST) for a virtual training event to discuss the impact of microaggressions and their ethical implications. \nUsing real-life examples\, trainers Brittney M. Williams and Charles Fox\, Jr. will lead a solution-based conversation around (1) how to recognize microaggressions and (2) ways to both ethically and effectively respond to them. Improve yourself and your office culture by participating in this timely and impactful training. \nDon’t miss this special training! REGISTER TODAY! \nNAPD registration inquiries\, contact BGT\, Esq.\, DEIJ Coordinator. \n\nImportant Notes:\n\nAll attendees will receive a certificate of attendance to use for your professional development file or to apply for CLE or CEU credit!\nNote: You will receive the Zoom link 30 minutes before the webinar begins on 8/19/25\nRegistration will close 1 hour prior to the start of the webinar (noon EST).\nDISCLAIMER: By registering and purchasing a ticket for this webinar\, you\, as the registrant\, understand that the webinar link grants access to you only. Registrants are prohibited from sharing the webinar link with others or broadcasting it on a public platform. If webinar access is needed for multiple participants\, each person must register and purchase their own ticket.\n\n\nAbout the Presenters\nCHARLES FOX\, JR. (he/him) is the Director of Diversity & Development for the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County\, Inc. Since assuming this role in 2019\, he has developed training\, inclusive programs\, CLE’s and strategies in recruitment/ hiring to promote client centered equity within and outside of the organization. His work is concentrated on facilitating critical conversations focused on innovative approaches to fostering impactful diversity in the public defense/criminal legal space and the importance of fostering an inclusive and equitable environment as well as addressing lingering disparities and unconscious bias in the criminal justice system. \nHe has presented at conferences hosted by such organizations as The National Association for Public Defense\, The Color of Excellence®\, The Federal Defenders\, The Chief Defenders Association of New York\, The Nassau County Courts\, The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office\, The Suffolk Academy of Law\, The Amistad Black Bar Association\, and more. Mr. Fox was appointed to the Suffolk County Equal Justice in the Courts Committee in 2022.  \nPrior to working at the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County\, Inc.\, he worked for The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk County for over a decade. Mr. Fox Began his career working for SNAP Long Island. He received an associate’s degree in international studies/business from Suffolk Community College in 2003\, and a bachelor’s degree in political science & Africana Studies from Stony Brook University in 2005. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public policy in 2011\, also at Stony Brook. Charles has spent more than two decades immersed in not for profit/community work. \nCharles is a married father of two. He enjoys spending time with his family\, traveling\, sports\, film/theater\, reading\, writing\, and landscaping. \nCharles is a well-known and respected voice in NAPD’s DEIJ space.  He’s led multiple DEIJ Meetups\, and led both a breakout session and Get Rooted Roundtable at NAPD’s Racial Justice Conference. He continues to serve as a member of NAPD’s Racial Justice+ Committee. \n  \nBRITTNEY M. WILLIAMS (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker\, and leads the Advocacy\, Intervention\, & Mitigation Division (AIM) at the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office. Her work with AIM largely centers on mitigation\, and utilizes storytelling and evidence-based research to present clients in a way which compels consideration of their full life experiences.  \nBrittney is especially passionate about advocating for the needs of people of color\, LGBTQ+ individuals\, older adults\, and those living with mental illness. She is a two-time alumna of the University of Michigan\, where she studied sociology and social work\, and is currently pursuing a PhD in social work at Wayne State University. Brittney is an avid reader\, a true crime junkie\, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority\, Incorporated. \nBrittney is a sought after speaker with the National Association for Public Defense.  She is a member of its Racial Justice+ Committee and had led the Racial Justice Meetup. Additionally\, Brittney has led breakout sessions and Get Rooted Roundtables at NAPD’s Racial Justice Conference\, she has co-lead a plenary session as well.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/unpacking-microaggressions/
CATEGORIES:Webinar,Webinar (with certificate)
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250814T151949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T151949Z
UID:10000437-1755180000-1755183600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Defender Wellness Collective
DESCRIPTION:Following the initial meet up we will now have an open discussion about the NAPD 10 principles of sustainability and how they show up in our work spaces. \nJoin us for a discussion of the wellness and sustainability in the public defense workspace facilitated by the NAPD Wellbeing Resource Coordinator; Corey Dewayne Smith
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defender-wellness-collective/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Wellness-collective-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defender-wellness-collective/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250124T182437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T193151Z
UID:10000277-1755180000-1755183600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Unseeing the Prosecution's Case
DESCRIPTION:In this presentation we will discuss the way to approach developing a defense from the beginning of your representation of your client. You will learn how to move past the Discovery and expand the information you have to lay the groundwork to developing a proper theory of defense. We will discuss strategies to control the evidence which is presented to the Jury so the Facts of the Case are those which best support your Theory of Defense. \nAndre Vitale (Jersey City\, NJ). Andre has served as a public defense lawyer for over 25 years as a trial lawyer\, training director\, educator\, and mentor. He currently works as the First Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the Essex Trial Region of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Andre previously served as a Special Assistant Public Defender and Training Director with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office (Rochester\, NY) and as the Assistant Training Director with the King County Department of Public Defense (Seattle\, WA). Andre has extensive trial experience taking more than 100 cases to verdict\, while handling some of the most complex matters. He has developed an expertise in defending homicide and sex cases\, with a proficiency in contesting forensic and other technical evidence\, including DNA\, fingerprints\, CSAAS\, and eyewitness identification. Andre authored an article: Fighting Racial Prejudice through Suppression Litigation\, which was published in July 2021 edition of the CHAMPION
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/unseeing-the-prosecutions-case/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/01/UnseeingProsecution-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/unseeing-the-prosecutions-case/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250813T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250813T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250810T230245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T005356Z
UID:10000434-1755093600-1755097200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup for Supervisors - Work/Life balance
DESCRIPTION:While we have our usual grind of caseload\, managing others and a home life\, let’s talk about the balancing of these parts of our lives.  Come join us for finding how best to accomplish this daily feat for ourselves and our teammates.  Looking forward to you being part of this conversation.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-for-supervisors-2025-08-13/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/07/Inv-Supv-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-for-supervisors-2025-08-13/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250808T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250808T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T044536
CREATED:20250804T192329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250804T194529Z
UID:10000430-1754661600-1754665200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Defending While Drowning: The Urgent Need for Self-Care in Public Defense Investigation
DESCRIPTION:Public Defender Investigators are the quiet backbone of the justice system—relentlessly seeking truth\, advocating for fairness\, and shouldering the emotional weight of other people’s crises. But what happens when the people doing this critical work are overwhelmed\, burned out\, or emotionally depleted? This presentation confronts the reality many investigators face: the feeling of drowning while still trying to defend. We’ll explore the psychological and physical toll this demanding role can take\, the professional and personal consequences of neglecting self-care\, and practical\, accessible strategies for protecting your well-being. This is not about adding more to your plate—it’s about learning how to stay afloat\, stay effective\, and stay human in a system that too often forgets the humanity of its helpers. \nSharronda Wheat\, J.D. is a Public Defender Investigator II at the Office of the Public Defender in Contra Costa County. A proud Bay Area native born and raised in Oakland\, California\, Sharronda brings deep regional insight and a steadfast commitment to justice to her work. She holds a Juris Doctor from John F. Kennedy University\, College of Law\, along with a Certificate in Mediation from The Congress of Neutrals. Sharronda also earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration\, with an emphasis in Corrections and a minor in Sociology\, from California State University\, East Bay. With a strong foundation in law\, investigation\, and conflict resolution\, she is dedicated to serving her community and advocating for equity within the criminal justice system.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defending-while-drowning/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Defending-While-Drowning-Inv-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/defending-while-drowning/
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END:VCALENDAR