The Defender Wellness Collective MeetUp
2026-09-10 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-13 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-09 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Together, We Are the Culture
As we build this community, remember that culture is not imposed; It is grown.
“You are essential. You are worth sustaining.”
You’re not alone.
Let’s walk this road together, building a culture of wellness for everyone in public defense.

Link the NAPD 10 Principles of Sustainability

DEIJ/Racial Justice MeetUp featuring Guest Presenter
2026-09-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-11 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-14 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-09 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
Details TBA. Meetup events are exclusive to NAPD members.

DEIJ/Racial Justice Meet Up
2026-08-26 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
Details TBD

Reviewing Minor Records: Was it Child Maltreatment?
2026-08-25 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/84599314108?pwd=[REDACTED]
Description
Medical records can be intimidating and tedious for any criminal attorney or investigator to review, especially when it comes to possible child abuse. This session will be an overview of the various types of child maltreatment, as well as other medical conditions that mimic abuse.
Key areas on the body that are highly indicative of abuse and discrepancies to look for will be discussed, as things that you should consider when looking at the medical records. To make this presentation relevant and interesting there will be multiple case studies.
Learning Objectives

1. Be able to recognize common areas of the body that are highly suspicious for child abuse.
2. Know the different types of child maltreatment.
3. Identify children at a higher risk of abuse.
4. Recognize markings that are common with cultural healing practices.

Presenter(s)

Kahli Ellis MS, BSN, RN Forensic Nurse Expert
Kahli graduated in 2014 with a BSN from a small college in St. Louis, MO and has been a nurse since 2014. In 2017 she graduated with honors from Arkansas State University with a MS in disaster preparedness and emergency management. Kahli has clinical experience in pediatric and adult critical care, as well as public health. She is one of Godoy Medical Forensics’ child abuse experts.

Lead Exposure and Criminality: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-07-20 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/lead-exposure-and-criminality-a-forensic-neuroscience-and-neurocriminological-perspective/
Exposure to lead, a neurotoxin, can have devastating consequences on organ systems, including the brain and heart. For instance, lead exposure during the prenatal period and early childhood can impair the development of brain structures and functions (e.g., cerebral cortex and hippocampus). Consequences may include cognitive deficits (e.g., poor decision-making), learning disabilities, and behavioral problems (e.g., impulsivity) that can persist across the lifespan. These behavioral problems may manifest as aggression, delinquency, and other criminal behaviors. This link is supported by research findings, including (a) elevated crime rates among individuals with lead exposure and (b) associations between brain imaging data and criminal behavior. Designed for forensic mental health, criminal justice, and legal professionals, this innovative training offers an overview of the physical, cognitive, affective, and behavioral symptoms and consequences of lead exposure, particularly during prenatal development and early childhood. Participants will also gain an advanced understanding of the scientific literature pertaining to prenatal and postnatal lead exposure in relation to possible future problematic, concerning, dysregulated, and anti-social behaviors. Insights from cutting-edge forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology research will also be emphasized throughout the training to support critical learning objectives.
Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., 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) and founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today. 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 six separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, 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. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
2026-06-24 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-17 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-10 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-03 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-27 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-20 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-13 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical, working session—not a webinar. Together, we will:

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

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) and the Criminal Justice System: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-06-15 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome-wks-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a serious brain condition due to a thiamine deficiency (i.e., vitamin B1) that is primarily caused by chronic alcohol consumption and malnutrition. WKS consists of two stages. First, the acute phase (i.e., Wernicke’s encephalopathy) is characterized by confusion, indifference, and delirium. Second, the chronic phase (i.e., Korsakoff’s syndrome) is marked by memory problems (e.g., amnesia and confabulation), executive function deficits (e.g., decision-making), and disinhibition. These symptoms increase the risk of problematic behaviors and involvement in the criminal justice system. Because these symptoms also make it difficult to navigate legal processes (e.g., waiving legal rights, participating in one’s defense, and complying with the court conditions), greater awareness of WKS among criminal justice and mental health professionals is imperative. Developed for professionals in criminal justice, legal, and forensic settings, this innovative training introduces the symptoms, causes, warning signs, co-occurring conditions, and consequences of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Attendees will learn evidence-based practices and approaches for interviewing, screening and assessment, and intervention and management of individuals with WKS. Cutting-edge research in forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology will be highlighted throughout the training to reinforce key learning objectives.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., 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) and founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today. 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 six separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, 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. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs. Email: Jerrod01234Brown@live.com

Sleep: Understand and Unlock Your Superpower
2026-06-11 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/sleep-understand-and-unlock-your-superpower/
Description
Dr. Matthew Walker, aka the Sleep Diplomat, writes that “Human beings are the only species that deliberately deprive themselves of sleep for no apparent gain. Many people walk through their lives in an underslept state, not realizing it.” Join Lisa in an interactive session to learn about why sleep is so important, what happens to our bodies and minds when we sleep, what happens when we don’t get enough and what we can do to prioritize and improve our sleep. Also, consider a few ways that offices can promote an office culture that supports well-rested staff.

Learning Objectives

1. Teach what happens when we sleep
2. Provide space for self-reflection on participants’ sleep routines and how they are connected to energy
3. provide (and solicit) ideas to improve overall sleep routines

Presenter(s)

Lisa Lunt, BA, JD, Certified ACC Coach by the International Coaching Federation

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

Event Details
Check out last year’s agenda.
Participants spend the week working on their own pending cases as well as learning from some of the most prestigious capital defense trainers in the country. Each day, participants engage in various learning activities, including small group sessions, lectures, role playing, and strategy demonstrations for guilt/innocence and penalty phases.
Small group sessions are designed to provide constructive feedback and encouragement while also brainstorming the case and doing actual case preparation for the capital trial. These sessions are followed by lectures and demonstrations for smaller groups or plenary sessions for all participants. Evenings are primarily unscheduled, allowing participants to explore all that Iowa City has to offer.
This unique training offers participants the choice of two intensive tracks:

The Traditional Track: Teams work collaboratively on their own pending cases, focusing on the mitigation strategy for both the guilt/innocence and penalty phases of a capital trial. Solo practitioners without an active case are also welcome to attend. This track includes small group sessions that provide constructive feedback, brainstorming, and hands-on case preparation, supplemented by lectures, role-playing, and strategy demonstrations.
The Intellectual Disability (ID) Track: Designed for those seeking advanced training on investigating and litigating intellectual disability claims, this track equips defense teams with the tools needed to ensure no one with intellectual disability is executed. Participants will delve into the nuances of identifying and presenting evidence of ID, guided by experts in law, psychology, and mitigation. This track is geared toward intermediate and experienced practitioners but welcomes beginners seeking to develop these essential skills.

The program is held in honor of the late Professor David Baldus, whose thorough, groundbreaking capital punishment research significantly impacted the death penalty defense community and legal community as a whole. Professor Baldus is best known for “the Baldus study,” cited by the United States Supreme Court in McCleskey v. Kemp, although his research extends far beyond.
Intensive Intellectual Disability Track
Intellectual disability is an absolute bar to the death penalty, making this a necessary area of investigation in every capital case. There are no exceptions.
This intensive training introduces participants to the nuances of investigating and litigating intellectual disability claims and features strategies for overcoming common barriers to identifying and effectively presenting evidence of ID. This course is geared towards intermediate and experienced capital practitioners. Beginners are welcome to attend, but the material is advanced.
It is our mission to ensure that no one with intellectual disability is ever executed. We are dedicated to equipping all members of the defense team with the tools needed to discover, investigate, and effectively litigate intellectual disability.
Intellectual disability can be difficult to detect. Often, clients go to great lengths to hide their disability due to shame and embarrassment, even when it can save their life. Unlike common stereotypes, those with intellectual disability cannot be identified based on their appearance or superficial interactions. Clients may appear “normal” in the context of school, work, family or when we first encounter them as the defendant in a capital prosecution. Education is crucial to overcome these stereotypes.
This training will offer the most up-to-date legal and scientific information concerning ID and provide hands-on opportunities to practice skills needed to screen effectively for ID. Students will learn how to work with mental-health experts and how to develop and provide the detailed life-history information needed for an effective evaluation. Instructors will include psychologists, lawyers, and mitigation specialists who are experts on the subject.

Comments from past participants –
“Without question this was the best conference / educational trainings I have ever attended. The quality of the experts and the access that we had to them was unprecedented in my experience. The small group sessions were so helpful. I also love that this is not designed to be a one and done event. The opportunity to return and continue to work on cases is really helpful.”
“The ID conference played a major role in my ability to formulate a compelling, fact based motion as to my client’s ID issues and adaptive functioning deficits. It was also beneficial to be able to explain the various IQ tests, how they work, what they test for and how the Flynn Effect impacts standardized testing. I was able to compare and contrast those issues with the State and reach and the outcome of death being taken off the table.”
“OUTSTANDING! Lifechanging information and access to experts”
“I have been to many Capital trainings. this one has been one of the best for getting useful information relevant and applicable to our cases.”
“These were, by far, the most professional, relevant and motivating training sessions I have ever been a part of. My practice has already improved greatly, and I feel that I have tools I need as I transition into a capital practice.”
“Great location. I loved the student hosts. I felt this training was for people serious about the work and not just interested in traveling to a conference. Great opportunity to hear from experts and to gain insight from more experienced lawyers.”
“This was an INCREDIBLE conference. Every expert, attorney speaker, leader of our small groups, etc. brought so much knowledge, insight, and experience. It was packed with content–I filled up an entire notebook and sent daily emails reporting back to the team I was working on with information and to-dos immediately applicable to cases.”

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

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

NAPD Policies
NAPD Events and Cancellation Policy
By registering for this training, I am affirming that today I am neither a prosecutor, nor attending this training with the purpose of aiding the prosecution of any criminally accused. I further affirm that I am dedicated to the ideals of the criminal defense practitioner, and am committed to the causes of effective and zealous defense of those charged with crimes, the protection and assertion of constitutional rights afforded the criminally accused, and the recognition and preservation of human dignity of those charged with crimes. I further affirm that my use of the information provided by this training will not be used by me in any manner which would impugn the above set out ideals.

Social Worker Meetup
2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia, Colorado, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, and owner of Transform Legal, a consultancy focused on mitigation, training, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients, lawyers, social workers, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.

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

Early Bird Price – Members
$800.00

Early Bird Price – nonmembers
$950.00

Standard Price – members
$900.00

Standard Price – nonmembers
$1,050.00

Early Bird Deadline
By COB March 18th

What to Expect:
At the Institute, leaders will work on both a Case Problem designed to tackle common challenges faced in public defense offices and have the opportunity to discuss their unique issues outside of the case problem.
Small Group, Intensive Coaching:
Participants will work in small groups with expert facilitators and participants from across the nation, Facilitators will guide you through leadership models to explore the Institute Case Problem and address personal leadership challenges. This personalized, intensive coaching will help you develop solutions to both shared and individual issues.
Who Should Attend:
This training is ideal for both new and experienced leaders from all sectors of public defense—federal, state, county, contract, and assigned counsel systems. Leaders of investigators, social workers, administrators, and other public defense professionals are encouraged to attend. NAPD’s leadership trainings provide the practical tools you need to bring transformative change to your office, justice system, and community.
Leave the Institute with strategies to apply what you’ve learned, making an immediate impact when you return to your organization.

Check out some of the past event schedules:
Leadership Institute 2025 Schedule
Leadership Institute 2023 Schedule
Comments from past participants
“I thought the conference was great. The topics and presentations were relevant to my work and everyone who presented was a pro. They knew how to relay information in a dynamic way; they taught without being pedantic. They were funny! It’s also nice to be in a space where people are grappling with similar issues. I’ve been to trainings for managers that are meant to be helpful, but are designed for corporate offices or non-legal settings. This training was completely tailored to PD offices and NOT to corporate America.”
“This conference was very well tailored to our work and the experience I had this year compared to an earlier version of the conference was much improved! Instead of war stories, the faculty were poignant, appropriately vulnerable about their own pitfalls, and gave good practical advice for moving forward.”
“NAPD puts on a great conference. All of the plenary sessions were engaging and motivational. The addition of the small groups made the discussions at the plenary sessions come to life.”
Hotel Details
Each attendee is responsible for their own accommodations. Below are the details of the discounted rate associated with our event.
Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel
2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, Michigan 48226
Rate: $152.00 per night
Cut off date is April 24, 2026
Reservation Link: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotels/55399?checkInDate=05/18/2026&checkOutDate=05/22/2026&groupCode=051826NAP

Please review NAPD Event Policies regarding attendance and cancellations

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

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

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