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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260206T160802Z
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SUMMARY:Investigator Supervisor Meetup: Promoting Within- "Friends Supervising Friends"
DESCRIPTION:Navigating the shift from colleague to supervisor can be challenging\, often filled with uncertainty and concerns about relationship dynamics. This mini session will focus on balancing professionalism with existing connections to foster fairness\, consistent treatment\, and open communication. \nLaTorya Blackwell has over 23 years’ experience working with the public defender community. A native of North Carolina\, LaTorya is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and completed the Criminal Investigation Certificate Program (CICP) at the North Carolina Justice Academy. Since January 2014\, she has been working as an investigator for the Federal Public Defender Office in the Western District of North Carolina. As of December 2022\, she was promoted to be the Legal Chief/Chief Investigator within the office. Before transitioning to the Federal Public Defenders office\, she was an investigator at the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office in\nCharlotte\, North Carolina for a decade. Prior to that\, her background includes working closely with the Department of Juvenile Justice and local area Mental Health as a residential treatment counselor for at risk youth. LaTorya has facilitated the Paralegal and Investigator Skills Workshop sponsored by Defender Services Training Division and most recently served as faculty at the Federal Defender Investigator and Paralegal Seminar\, the Race in the Federal Court Conference\, and several virtual training sessions.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-promoting-within-friends-supervising-friends/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260128T201735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T133025Z
UID:10000599-1770728400-1770732000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Discussing My Book Chapter: Race Theories\, Anti-Racism\, and Applications for Health with Dr. Sharon Duncan-Jones
DESCRIPTION:Discussing My Book Chapter: Race Theories\, Anti-Racism\, and Applications for Health.\nWhen we know what harms and what heals\, neutrality becomes a choice—and justice becomes a responsibility.\n \nPresented by Dr. Sharon Duncan-Jones (Eversley)  \nMy chapter\, Race Theories\, Antiracism\, and Applications for Health\, in The Oxford Handbook of Health and Society\, powerfully reframes race as a social\, political\, and policy-constructed exposure with measurable health consequences—and calls for antiracist accountability in science\, policy\, and practice. \nThe three (3) goals for the NAPD’s Racial Justice / DEIJ Virtual Session on February 10\, 2026: \nGoal 1: Reframe Race as a Determinant of Exposure—Not Biology\nParticipants will gain clarity on how race operates as a social classification system embedded in law\, policy\, institutions\, and practice\, rather than a biological risk factor—reshaping how health inequities are understood and addressed. \nGoal 2: Equip Participants With Antiracist Analytical Tools\nParticipants will learn how race theories\, antiracism\, social epidemiology\, and legal epidemiology can be applied to:\nIdentify harmful policies and practices\nExpose structural drivers of illness and premature death\nShift from deficit-based narratives to accountability-based solutions \nGoal 3: Inspire Justice-Centered Action Across Disciplines\nParticipants will leave empowered to apply antiracist frameworks in their own roles—whether as scholars\, practitioners\, advocates\, policymakers\, faith leaders\, or community members—recognizing that justice is a public health intervention. \n  \nWebinars are offered free to members and $50 for non-members.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-racial-justice-webinar-series-2/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-Headshot-Dr.-Sharon.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20250804T212140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T175719Z
UID:10000431-1770642000-1770645600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:The Dark Tetrad: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
DESCRIPTION:The Dark Tetrad is a constellation of four interrelated personality traits: narcissism\, psychopathy\, Machiavellianism\, and sadism. These four traits are typified by grandiosity\, manipulativeness\, lack of empathy\, and indifference to the well-being of others. The Dark Tetrad is linked to a diverse array of negative outcomes\, including poor social relationships\, career instability\, and problematic or criminal behaviors. Research suggests that these traits are influenced\, at least in part\, by prenatal and postnatal neurobiopsychosocial factors. As such\, neurocriminology provides a critical pathway for understanding the role of brain structure\, brain function\, and biochemical and genetic factors in the etiology of the Dark Tetrad. Further\, forensic neuroscience can apply these neurocriminological findings to evaluate key psycholegal concepts and processes. Designed for criminal justice\, forensic mental health\, and legal professionals\, this training explores the characteristics and causes of each Dark Tetrad trait through the lenses of forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology. Attendees will learn how these approaches can help enhance understanding\, prevention\, screening and assessment\, interventions\, and management of these traits. Cutting-edge research findings and compelling case studies will be presented throughout to illustrate key topics. \n\nJerrod Brown\, Ph.D.\, M.A.\, M.S.\, M.S.\, M.S.\, is a professor\, trainer\, researcher\, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers\, professionals\, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)\, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)\, confabulation\, suggestibility\, trauma and other life adversities\, alexithymia\, executive dysfunction\, criminal recidivism\, traumatic brain injury (TBI)\, and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in 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\, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently\, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences.Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops\, webinars\, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters\, and recently\, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf\, 2018) with ErvWeinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines\, newspapers\, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-dark-tetrad-a-forensic-neuroscience-and-neurocriminological-perspective/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/The-Dark-Tetrad-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-dark-tetrad-a-forensic-neuroscience-and-neurocriminological-perspective/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260204T181349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T181416Z
UID:10000610-1770386400-1770390000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator meetup - Open Chat
DESCRIPTION:We are going to get together and talk about what’s on your mind.    Including what’s been going on with you\, your office and client’s. \n  \nJONATHAN “Jon” LYON is currently the Investigator Resource Coordinator\, past Member Support Coordinator and the national survey investigator for National Association for Public Defense. Since the pandemic he has led roughly 200 meetups for investigators both nationally and internationally. Jon is the president of Lyon Legal Logistics to help attorneys in and out of court with Discovery and technology and has assisted attorneys in multiple federal court jurisdictions (www.lyonlegallogistics.com/).\nHe is also a legal investigator for McClain Investigations. Jon began his investigative background working in a PI firm and then for 12 years for the Office of the State Appellate Defender of Illinois. His primary focus has been on post-conviction death penalty cases. In addition\, Jon worked for LexisNexis as an award-winning national trainer of the Case Map suite of software. He also worked for Lockheed Martin as a contractor supporting government attorneys and investigators with software and electronic discovery support needs. He is a Certified Defense Investigator through DePaul’s Center for Justice in Capital Cases and a Certified Trainer through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. He has taught at the Clarence Darrow Death Penalty Defense College\, Cardoza\, DePaul\, Kent\, Iowa\, and University of Michigan law schools.\nHe has also taught at the National Defense Investigator Associations Annual Conferences\, National Association of Legal Investigators annual conference\, National Association for Public Defense\, The Innocence Project\, NACDL\, Federal Defender’s winning strategies conferences\, Life in the Balance\, American Society of Criminology\, US Army\, Intellenet and numerous state and county public defender conferences. It is not unheard of for Jon to be invited back to conferences. Jon was most recently interviewed on “Public Defenseless” episode #99. Jon is the Creator/Webmaster for the internationally utilized website www.internetsleuth.net.\n  \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-open-chat-8/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/04/Events-Icons-webinar-1-edited-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T173000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20251202T223511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T183839Z
UID:10000477-1770220800-1770226200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Emotion-First Practice: Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Missing Infrastructure in Public Defense
DESCRIPTION:NAPD is co-sponsoring this webinar with Dr. Cherise Fanno Burdeen\, Alison Bloomquist\, and Professor Ieshaah Murphy\, as the first training in an NAPD series on Emotional Intelligence in Public Defense. The next session is scheduled for July 15th with Dr. Lori James and Dr. Pam Love; further details are forthcoming.\nPublic defenders operate in an emotional ecosystem shaped by scarcity\, hierarchy\, racism\, and chronic trauma. These conditions make self-protectionism adaptive and cause even promising reforms to wither. Yet unlike other helping fields\, we rarely recognize how critical emotional intelligence (EI) is in countering these dynamics and sustaining meaningful change. \nJoin Dr. Cherise Fanno Burdeen\, Alison Bloomquist\, and Professor Ieshaah Murphy for a webinar introducing their new book\, Emotion-First Theory & Practice\, where they break down why EI is the missing infrastructure in public defense and how rebuilding our emotional ecosystem makes liberatory\, client-centered advocacy possible. \n  \n\nDr. Cherise Fanno Burdeen is a community psychology and justice systems reform expert whose career spans pretrial justice\, public defense\, government leadership\, and applied research on equity and well-being. She has led complex organizations\, shaped national reform strategies\, and guided systemic transformation efforts to advance fairness\, accountability\, and community safety. Her experience bridges the federal government\, national nonprofits\, and state and local jurisdictions\, where she has collaborated with policymakers\, defenders\, and advocates to drive justice innovation. \nAlison Bloomquist\, Esq. is a racial justice educator\, strategic leader\, and public defender with two decades of experience advancing equity in the criminal legal system. A Certified Racial Justice Trainer and faculty member at the National Criminal Defense College\, she has led national initiatives on anti-racist practice and systems reform at NLADA and in Connecticut’s public defense system. She continues to serve as a Special Public Defender and a scholar on race and merit in legal practice. \nIeshaah Murphy\, Professor Ieshaah Murphy is an Assistant Professor of Law at Howard University School of Law\, where she teaches Evidence\, Criminal Law\, and Criminal Procedure. Her work in antiracist training in public defense offers a critical perspective on current practices and unresolved issues in the field.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/emotion-first-practice-why-emotional-intelligence-is-the-missing-infrastructure-in-public-defense/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/12/Emotional-intel-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/emotion-first-practice-why-emotional-intelligence-is-the-missing-infrastructure-in-public-defense/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260127T224000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T224000Z
UID:10000499-1770220800-1770224400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-4/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260127T203630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T204012Z
UID:10000496-1770206400-1770210000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Work Meetup: Elizabeth Loebman\, LCSW\, talks about work with clients around parole preparation and more
DESCRIPTION:Elizabeth Loebman\, LCSW\, will join this meetup to talk about work with clients around parole preparation\, reentry support\, and prison conditions. Elizabeth’s discussion on these projects will help us better understand ways we can support our clients so join this meetup to learn and hear more! \nElizabeth Loebman\, LCSW\, is the Director of Client Services at the Office of the Appellate Defender (NY) \n  \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-elizabeth-loebman-lcsw-talks-about-work-with-clients-around-parole-preparation-and-more/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-elizabeth-loebman-lcsw-talks-about-work-with-clients-around-parole-preparation-and-more/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260202T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260114T180032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T124742Z
UID:10000489-1770039000-1772118000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Online Course: Public Defense Leadership Essentials
DESCRIPTION:Strengthen Your Leadership. Support Your Team.\n4 Week Course begins: February 2nd\, 2026 \nWeekly 90 minute small groups – You Choose what works best for you:  \n\nMonday 1:30 pm ET | 12:30 pm CT | 11:30 am MT | 10:30 am PT\nWednesday 3:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm CT | 1:00 pm MT | 12:00 pm PT\nThursday 1:30 pm ET | 12:30 pm CT | 11:30 am MT | 10:30 am PT\n\n(The Monday class will be shifted to Tuesday on the week of February 16th\, because of the Presidents’ Day holiday.) \nPrice;  $350 NAPD Members / $450 Non Members   You will continue to have access to the entire course after the completion of the small group sessions. \nRegistration Deadline – January 28\, 2026 \nWhether you’re a new supervisor or a seasoned leader\, this four-week online course from the National Association for Public Defense will help you lead more effectively\, build a client-centered culture\, and foster a thriving team environment in your office. Designed specifically for public defense professionals of all job types across the country\, this course provides practical tools\, proven frameworks\, and real-time support to elevate your leadership. \n\nWhat to Expect\nOn-Demand LearningEach week\, you’ll gain access to 1–2 hours of video content through our learning platform. Watch at your own pace as you explore key leadership topics that prepare you for deeper engagement during the live workshops. \nFacilitated Small Group WorkshopsJoin a 90-minute zoom based workshop each week (4 total)\, led by experienced facilitators who understand the challenges of public defense leadership. Through peer collaboration\, real-world scenarios\, and guided discussion\, you’ll apply what you’ve learned and learn from others.Workshops are offered at multiple times—choose the one that fits your schedule. \n\nTopics Covered\n\n\nClient-Centered LeadershipPrioritize your clients while balancing the needs of your team and organization. \n\n\nReframing Your Office Using the Four Frame ModelExplore structural\, human resources\, political\, and symbolic lenses to better understand and improve your office dynamics. \n\n\nGiving Effective FeedbackLearn practical strategies for delivering feedback that supports staff development and fosters growth. \n\n\nNavigating Challenging ConversationsBuild the confidence and skills to have honest\, productive conversations with your team. \n\n\nCreating Office CultureShape a positive\, inclusive\, and mission-driven culture that supports staff and advances justice. \n\n\n\nWho Should Attend\nThis course is for anyone in public defense leadership—whether you manage a small team or oversee an entire office. You’ll leave with tools you can use right away\, plus new insights to strengthen your impact and better support your staff. \n\nFaculty\nLori James\, Ph.D.\, MSW\, LCSW-C is a nationally recognized executive leader\, scholar\, ordained minister\, and sought-after speaker with more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of leadership development\, social justice\, criminal legal reform\, and faith-based advocacy. She currently serves as Executive Director of the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD)\, where she leads a national organization representing more than 27\,000 public defense professionals across the United States and U.S. territories\, advancing equity\, excellence\, and systemic reform in public defense. Dr. James earned a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies (2025). Her dissertation\, Chains of Grace: The Church’s Call to Minister to Previously Incarcerated Individuals\, examines the theological\, pastoral\, and psychosocial responsibilities of the Church in responding to mass incarceration and reentry. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Morgan State University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Clinical (LCSW-C) and is pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Tulane University\, focusing on women in executive leadership. A certified John Maxwell Trainer\, Coach\, and Speaker\, Dr. James is also the President and CEO of Expand-NOW\, LLC\, where she provides executive coaching\, leadership development\, organizational consulting\, and faith-informed training to justice-centered organizations nationwide. A recipient of the Gideon Hero Award and recognition as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women (2015\, 2025). Dr. James is widely respected for leading with clarity\, courage\, compassion\, and conviction—consistently advancing dignity\, restoring humanity\, and equipping leaders to serve boldly at the margins. \nPatrice A. Fulcher is a distinguished trainer\, law professor\, author\, thought leader\, and litigator with over 30 years of experience challenging systemic inequality and defending the rights of the marginalized. Her career has been dedicated to building values-based training programs for public defenders\, mentoring future legal advocates\, and supporting organizations committed to justice and systemic reform. Known for her unwavering encouragement and deep knowledge of the criminal legal system\, Patrice is a trusted leader and advocate. She is the current Director of Training for the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD).  She came to NAPD from the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD)\, where Patrice led the Training Division for more than a decade. Prior to her tenure at MOPD\, Patrice made history as the first Black woman to earn tenure as an Associate Professor at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.  Patrice’s litigation career includes serving as a Senior Staff Attorney with the Georgia Capital Defender\, the Fulton County Public Defender\, and the Fulton County Conflict Defender. She represented clients in capital and serious felony cases\, and earlier in her career\, she worked with the DeKalb County Juvenile Court advocating for abused and neglected children\, and with the Southern Center for Human Rights challenging unconstitutional jail conditions. A founding Core Faculty Member of Gideon’s Promise\, Inc.\, Patrice also serves on the faculty of the National Criminal Defense College and the Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy Workshop. She has trained defenders across the country through engagements with organizations including the Public Defender Service for D.C.\, the Kentucky Death Penalty Institute\, the Mississippi State Public Defender\, the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD)\, the ABA/NACDL National Defender Training Program\, NLADA\, the Black Public Defender Association\, and the Neighborhood Defender Service of Detroit. She has also presented for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund\, Southern Poverty Law Center\, and Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Patrice holds a J.D. from Emory University School of Law and a B.A. from Howard University. She is licensed to practice in Georgia and Maryland. \nDr. Pamela Love\nPresident of DP Love Enterprises and founder of the Finishers Network\, who is an internationally renowned speaker\, author\, and coach. With a PhD in social work and a MBA\, Dr. Love has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their highest potential. She has been on faculty with NAPD for over 5 years.\n \nCathleen L. Bennett recently moved to Anchorage\, Alaska from Boston\, Massachusetts where she was a public defender with the Committee for Public Counsel Services (the Massachusetts Statewide Public Defender) for 30 years. She was the Criminal Defense Training Director at CPCS for 17 years. As a trial lawyer trial lawyer in the CPCS Public Defender Division\, she defended clients charged with murder and other serious felonies. She now works as a training consultant for the National Association for Public Defense\, and she intends to accept appointments to represent criminally accused people in the Alaska Courts soon. Cathy is on the faculty and the Board of Trustees of the National Criminal Defense College. She is a Core Faculty member of Gideon’s Promise (formerly the Southern Public Defender Training Center)\, which was the subject of the award-winning HBO documentary “Gideon’s Army\,” and she has taught for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and criminal defense training programs across the country. She received the Thurgood Marshall Award from the Committee for Public Counsel Services in 2007\, the Scholar-Mentor Award from Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education\, Inc. (MCLE) in 2008\, the Outstanding Faculty Award in 2011 and the Stephen B. Bright Award in 2018 from Gideon’s Promise\, and the Gideon Award from the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2017.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/online-course-public-defense-leadership-essentials-feb2026/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Online Course
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Leadership-essentials-Online.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260130T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260127T200755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T231839Z
UID:10000495-1769781600-1769785200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup: What kinds of training would we like?
DESCRIPTION:We will be joined by Amber Kaset to talk about what sort of training as investigators would be needed and wanted. Just like in A.I. it’s all about the prompting\, so we will provide some ideas and look forward to yours as well. Let’s plan what is needed together! \n\n\n\nAmber Kaset is widely recognized for her leadership in criminal defense investigations and investigator training\, with more than 20 years of experience as a private investigator and mitigation specialist. She founded AK Investigations in 2010 after seven years at the Metropolitan Public Defender in Nashville\, where she worked as a criminal defense investigator and interpreter.\n\nThroughout her career\, Amber has worked on more than 1\,000 cases spanning a broad spectrum of criminal and civil matters. Her experience includes serious felony cases across a wide range of offenses\, including sex crimes\, homicides\, and federal prosecutions\, with work at both the trial and post-conviction levels in capital and non-capital cases. She has participated in numerous death penalty cases across multiple states\, including cases involving foreign nationals from Latin America\, and partners with the Mexican Capital Legal Assistance Program (MCLAP)\, local innocence organizations\, the National Innocence Project\, public defender offices\, and private defense attorneys to support clients facing the most serious charges.\n\n\nWhat began as a one-woman practice has grown under Amber’s leadership into a multi-investigator firm with diverse skills and specialties. In addition to casework\, Amber provides investigative services\, training\, and consulting nationwide\, helping defense teams and investigators strengthen case development and elevate investigative standards. She regularly teaches and presents at national conferences and trainings for investigators\, attorneys\, paralegals\, and defense teams\, and has taught investigative practice to law students and other audiences at universities including Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee\, Knoxville. She is known for delivering thoughtful\, high-quality\, defense-centered support tailored to the unique needs of each case. \n\n\n\nAmber is the founder of AK Investigations and the creator of The Investigative Expert Method\, an online training platform for criminal defense investigators and other members of the defense team. \n\n\n\nFor more information\, visitwww.akinvestigations.com andwww.investigativeexpertmethod.com. \n\n\n\nJONATHAN “Jon” LYON is currently the Investigator Resource Coordinator\, past Member Support Coordinator and the national survey investigator for National Association for Public Defense. Since the pandemic he has led roughly 200 meetups for investigators both nationally and internationally. Jon is the president of Lyon Legal Logistics to help attorneys in and out of court with Discovery and technology and has assisted attorneys in multiple federal court jurisdictions (www.lyonlegallogistics.com/). \n\n\n\nHe is also a legal investigator for McClain Investigations. Jon began his investigative background working in a PI firm and then for 12 years for the Office of the State Appellate Defender of Illinois. His primary focus has been on post-conviction death penalty cases. In addition\, Jon worked for LexisNexis as an award-winning national trainer of the Case Map suite of software. He also worked for Lockheed Martin as a contractor supporting government attorneys and investigators with software and electronic discovery support needs. He is a Certified Defense Investigator through DePaul’s Center for Justice in Capital Cases and a Certified Trainer through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. He has taught at the Clarence Darrow Death Penalty Defense College\, Cardoza\, DePaul\, Kent\, Iowa\, and University of Michigan law schools. \n\nHe has also taught at the National Defense Investigator Associations Annual Conferences\, National Association of Legal Investigators annual conference\, National Association for Public Defense\, The Innocence Project\, NACDL\, Federal Defender’s winning strategies conferences\, Life in the Balance\, American Society of Criminology\, US Army\, Intellenet and numerous state and county public defender conferences. It is not unheard of for Jon to be invited back to conferences. Jon was most recently interviewed on “Public Defenseless” episode #99. Jon is the Creator/Webmaster for the internationally utilized website www.internetsleuth.net.\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-what-kinds-of-training-would-we-like/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2023/12/Events-Icons-webinar-1.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-what-kinds-of-training-would-we-like/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260127T223829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T223853Z
UID:10000498-1769616000-1769619600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-3/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260128T194700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T194909Z
UID:10000587-1769605200-1769608800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ/Racial Justice Meet Up: Open Space
DESCRIPTION:Facilitated by Dr. Lori James
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-racial-justice-meet-up-2/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260121T164022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T164022Z
UID:10000493-1769095800-1769099400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Trainers Meet Up
DESCRIPTION:A weekly meetup where public defender trainers come together to connect\, share ideas\, talk through training challenges\, and exchange best practices. It’s a space to support one another\, learn from each other\, and strengthen training\, mentorship\, and advocacy across offices.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/trainers-meet-up/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/Trainers-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/trainers-meet-up/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260115T224656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T231618Z
UID:10000490-1769090400-1769094000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Work Supervisors Meetup and Discussion
DESCRIPTION:This is a meetup and discussion for social worker supervisors who supervise social workers\, mitigation specialists\, sentencing advocates\, or dispositional advocates in public defender offices; this is for the supervisors. This month we will have an open topic for supervisors and map out conversations for the year. \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-work-supervisors-meetup-and-discussion-26-01/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/SW-Supv-Meetup-Needs.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-supervisors-meetup-and-discussion-26-01/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260127T221815Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T183109Z
UID:10000497-1769011200-1769014800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260119T170251Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T193823Z
UID:10000492-1769011200-1769014800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/Policy-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T153000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20251117T205212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T232122Z
UID:10000475-1769004000-1769009400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Pozner on Cross: One and Done; Efficiently drafting Chapter Method cross-examinations.
DESCRIPTION: One and Done sets out the most efficient method of studying discovery and filtering facts into draft Chapter Method cross-examinations. Using the techniques of One and Done\, we can rapidly study discovery in the most fruitful order and simultaneously filter relevant facts and their sources into potential chapters of cross-examination. \n\nThe One and Done techniques enable us to quickly see our best areas for cross-examination. These methods clearly reveal potential impeachments by inconsistent statements\, or by omission\, disagreements among prosecution witnesses\, incomplete investigations\, and other potential chapters of cross-examination. The facts we can use in constructive cross -examination or asymmetrical cross-examination are easily documented \, giving us great confidence in our Chapters.\nThe One and Done method of review and writing provides draft chapters of cross in a form that is immediately useful in trial.\n\n\nLarry Pozner is a nationally recognized trial lawyer\, lecturer\, and author. His book\, Cross Examination: Science and Techniques (Lexis\, co-authored with Roger Dodd) is now in its 3rd edition and continues to be America’s bestselling book on cross. Reviewers have described the book in words such as “long\,” and “in English.” \nLarry’s lectures are built around the newest tools for understanding how to motivate jurors to award us the verdict we seek\, the advanced techniques of cross that can immediately result in an advantage in trial\, and how we can all become quicker at crafting the cross examinations that win cases. \nMastering the science of cross-examination is essential for the skilled litigator. Veteran trial lawyer and author Larry Pozner teaches the key elements of effective cross: how to factually dominate the trial with substance\, train witnesses\, shape jurors’ perceptions\, put facts in the best context\, derail opposition\, and ultimately win cases. Focus on the power of leading questions\, how to control witnesses one fact at a time\, and goal-oriented questioning sequences that block escape. \nLarry began his career in the Colorado Public Defender system. He later formed a criminal defense firm\, and a subsequent firm handling both plaintiff and defense sides of document-intensive civil matters for businesses large and small\, but if we are being blunt\, mostly large. For many years\, Larry defended the Denver Broncos franchise in trials including the lawsuit challenging Pat Bowlen’s purchase of the team. Larry won\, which is why he could remain in Colorado.\n​\nLarry is a Past-president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company litigation\, and in Criminal Defense\, both White Collar and Non-White Collar crimes.\nHe has lectured in 48 states throughout Canada\, and strangely\, Brazil. As a teacher at the University of Denver College of Law he was voted Best Professor. But that may have been due to his “nobody flunks” policy. \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/pozner-on-cross-one-and-done-efficiently-drafting-chapter-method-cross-examinations/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/11/Pozner-on-cross-Webinar2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260115T231817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T231817Z
UID:10000491-1768996800-1769000400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: What Do You Need in 2026?
DESCRIPTION:In this first meetup for 2026\, we will talk about what we need. Are you looking for resources or efficiencies? Training ideas\, research articles\, or collaborations? Case consults? What is it that we need to bolster our work in 2026? Join the meetup and share what you need\, and you may get some ideas and solutions in turn! \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-what-do-you-need-in-2026/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/SW-MU-1st-2026-needs-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-what-do-you-need-in-2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260116T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260112T195502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T205136Z
UID:10000486-1768572000-1768575600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup: What do we need for our new year?
DESCRIPTION:Let’s meet and chat about what’s on your mind\, how things are in your office and what is in needed to make it a better year? \nBring your top 3 things that you would like to see as improvements in your casework! \nUPDATE: We will also go over the Investigator policy from NY state\, that is great template for all of us.  If you’d like a copy please join our listserv here:  Investigators+subscribe@NAPD.groups.io \n  \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-2026-01/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-INV-MU-1st-needs.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-2026-01/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20251211T205201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251211T223801Z
UID:10000482-1768489200-1768492800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Celebrate Gideon's Anniversary with a Concert for Indigent Defense
DESCRIPTION:Join us to learn how you and your office can very easily create an impactful and energizing Gideon Day with a Concert for Indigent Defense in your region.\n\nThis webinar will explain the simple steps for easily and successfully presenting a Concerts for Indigent Defense in your jurisdiction in March 2026\, to defend the constitutional right to counsel:\n\nThrough your defender staff\, identify a local band that would call their mid-March show a Concert for Indigent Defense\nPublicize the show\, issues\, and musicians through legal\, mainstream\, music\, and social media\nInvite your team to join the celebration!\n\n\nHear from defenders from across the country about how they successfully presented a Concert for Indigent Defense in their jurisdictions\, and secured valuable media support for the right to counsel. And how you can get all the support you might want to make it work for your office\, too.\n\n\nStephen Saloom\, Founder and longtime organizer of Concerts for Indigent Defense\nLindsey Hortenstine\, Communications Director\, Orleans Public Defenders\nTaylor Critchell\, Colorado Defender\, Band Member\, and Concert for Indigent Defense presenter\nAnd more…
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/celebrate-gideons-anniversary-concert/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/12/Concert-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/celebrate-gideons-anniversary-concert/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20260112T201545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T201618Z
UID:10000487-1768399200-1768402800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Supervisor Meetup - Make it better - FIRST one of the year!
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! \nFirst one of the year\, how can we make it better in your office?
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-make-it-better-2026/
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-make-it-better-2026/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20251202T202128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T230839Z
UID:10000476-1768312800-1768316400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Permission to Pause: The Guilt-Free Guide to Self-Care and Making You a Priority
DESCRIPTION:Public Defense isn’t just a job\, it’s a calling. But constantly showing up for clients\, colleagues\, and the mission can leave you running on empty\, disconnected from your own needs\, and feeling like there’s no end in sight. Now add in family responsibilities\, and it’s a wonder you can breathe. This training recognizes that your well-being is not optional; it’s essential. I know\, I was a Public Defender for 17+ years. \n\n\n\nIn this session\, you’ll discover practical\, realistic ways to carve out time for yourself—even when your schedule never lets up. You’ll learn how to reclaim short pockets of time\, protect them from interruptions\, and use them in ways that actually restore your energy\, focus\, and resilience. The truth is\, you don’t need hours—just 15 minutes a day can make a real difference when you know how to use it well. \n\n\nYou’ll walk away with:\n Clear\, actionable strategies for protecting time for self-care\n Learning to carve out those pockets of time in even the busiest days\n Tools to make your 15-minute resets meaningful and restorative\n The confidence to prioritize yourself all without guilt or hesitation\n\n Practices for treating yourself with self-compassion \n\n\n\nThis training meets you where you are\, in the reality of high stakes\, heavy workloads\, and back-to-back responsibilities. Because you give so much\, it’s time to give some of that care back to yourself. \n\n\nYou matter. Your energy matters. And you are worth the time it takes to care for yourself.\n\nMarie Sennett\, certified yoga teacher and transitional life coach\, works 1:1 with her clients designing a yoga and meditation plan tailored to their needs for a healthy body and mind\, making them absolutely ready to Live their Dream Retirement.\n\nA yoga practitioner since 1997\, Marie struggled as a busy civil rights lawyer and Public Defender for decades to make the time needed to make her body strong and flexible and her mind relaxed and focused so she could be ready to live the dream retirement she always wanted. She became a yoga teacher to assist her clients in making that transformation to their Dream Retirement.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/permission-to-pause-the-guilt-free-guide-to-self-care-and-making-you-a-priority/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/12/Permission-pause-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/permission-to-pause-the-guilt-free-guide-to-self-care-and-making-you-a-priority/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20250707T163023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T193135Z
UID:10000346-1768222800-1768226400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): A Call on Clinical Behavioral Health
DESCRIPTION:Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (e.g.\, household dysfunction\, abuse\, neglect\, witnessing violence in the home or community) are traumatic events occurring prior to the age of 18 and are related to long-term negative cognitive\, developmental\, behavioral\, social\, and physical health outcomes. Designed for professionals working in clinical behavioral health\, criminal justice\, forensic psychological\, and legal\, this training provides attendees with an overview of the ACEs research and its implications for justice-involved populations\, and screening\, intake\, intervention\, supervision\, and management. This includes a review of practical tips\, strategies\, and solutions that can be utilized when working with clients impacted by various types of adverse childhood experiences. Other relevant topics of interest discussed include prenatal trauma\, maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adverse birth outcomes\, complex and developmental trauma\, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)\, complex PTSD (CPTSD)\, toxic stress\, alexithymia\, mentalization deficits\, attachment problems\, executive functioning limitations\, sleep disturbances\, self-regulation problems\, theory of mind (ToM) limitations\, language development issues\, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation\, suicidality\, shame\, empathy\, resilience\, and trauma informed care strategies. All aforementioned discussions are grounded in empirical research findings. \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\, 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\, 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/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-a-call-on-clinical-behavioral-health/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/07/Adverse-Childhood-Experiences-ACEs-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-a-call-on-clinical-behavioral-health/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260109T163000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20251203T171133Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251218T151949Z
UID:10000478-1767970800-1767976200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:The National Workload Study – Driving Public Defense Reform
DESCRIPTION:This 90-minute webinar will review recent litigation and other developments in the wake of the publication of the National Public Defense Workload Study (NPDWS). \nLeading experts and practitioners from different jurisdictions will share their experiences and insights\, demonstrating how the workload study  is being used to advocate for systemic change\, establish constitutionally sound staffing levels\, and ensure effective assistance of counsel. \nKey Topics and Speakers:\nToby Marshall: Discussing a Washington appellate case involving declaration of unavailability and state supreme court caseload standards. \nSteve Hanlon: Reviewing the landmark workload study and its implications in Oregon\, including a recent case regarding the constitutionality of state contract provisions. \nMalia Brink: Examining how various jurisdictions are utilizing the study’s findings to push for reform. \nAnthony Benedetti: Discussing the practical impact of systemic changes on public defender workloads in Massachusetts.\nThe presentations will be followed by an extended Q&A and discussion session\, moderated by Nora Christenson (Criminal Defense Representation Chief at the New York State Office of\nIndigent Legal Services (ILS)\, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers on strategies for workload management and securing resource parity. This is an essential session for public defenders\, policymakers\, and advocates committed to guaranteeing the Sixth Amendment right to counsel.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-national-workload-study-driving-public-defense-reform/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/12/Workloads-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-national-workload-study-driving-public-defense-reform/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20251212T183241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251213T043832Z
UID:10000483-1766066400-1766070000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Supervisors Discussion Meetup
DESCRIPTION:This meetup is for the supervisors who supervise social workers\, mitigation specialists\, dispositional advocates\, sentencing advocates\, etc. The supervisors meetup and discussion will continue the conversation this month focusing on middle managers and influence as supervisors. \nStephanne Thornton is the NAPD Social Work Training and Resource Coordinator\, and Kevin Bishop is the Social Worker Coordinator for the Colorado Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisors-discussion-meetup-3/
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-3/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20251212T230318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T230318Z
UID:10000484-1766059200-1766062800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Thursday Social Worker Meetup: Support and Advocacy for Noncitizen Clients
DESCRIPTION:On this special Thursday Social Worker Meetup (for social workers\, mitigation specialists\, dispositional advocates\, sentencing advocates\, and others in similar roles) we will talk about the ways we can emotionally provide support and tangibly provide advocacy and link to resources noncitizen clients who are being stigmatized and targeted by virtue of their citizenship status and intersection with the criminal legal system. This meetup will also offer a space for us to share the difficulties and heartache that we may be experiencing from bearing witness to these harms to our clients. \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/thursday-social-worker-meetup-support-and-advocacy-for-noncitizen-clients/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/12/SW-Meetup-Noncitizen.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/thursday-social-worker-meetup-support-and-advocacy-for-noncitizen-clients/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251216T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251216T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20250812T161317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T144629Z
UID:10000435-1765886400-1765890000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Reconceptualizing Preservation of the Right to Self-Defense in Jury Trials
DESCRIPTION:The right to self-defense is one of the oldest and most universal concepts in Anglo-American criminal law and criminal procedure. Nonetheless\, trial judges across the country are being absolved of erroneously denying the accused’s valid request for a substantiated self-defense jury instruction based on personal opinions\, prejudices\, and biases about the credibility of the accused’s case. \nAnjali Pathmanathan\, visiting lecturer and former public defender\, studied this phenomenon and wrote a law review article\, “Directing Unconstitutional Verdicts: Discussing Strategies to Combat When Judges Become Jurors on Self-Defense.”  She came to the conclusion that these trial judges are essentially directing verdicts of guilt against the accused. So what can trial counsel do to combat this practice and stop trial judges from usurping the jury’s role in this unconstitutional manner? \nThis webinar will offer a reconceptualization of how trial counsel can argue and preserve their client’s right to the jury’s consideration of their self-defense claim\, while\, hopefully paving the pathway for more fair jury trials and\, if needed\, subsequent appeals. \nREGISTER to attend this informative and advocacy-focused NAPD webinar.  Registration is free for NAPD members. \nAnjali Pathmanathan is a Visiting Lecturer in Law\, Criminal Legal System Advocacy Fellow\, and Associate Research Scholar in Law at Yale Law School. Prior to joining Yale\, she was an Assistant Professor of Legal Writing at St. John’s University School of Law and an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Law at Brooklyn Law School. \nBefore she began teaching\, Pathmanathan was a Senior Appellate Counsel for the Center for Appellate Litigation\, where she represented incarcerated individuals in all aspects of their direct appeals and post-conviction claims before the New York State courts. She also previously served as a Program Associate for the former Center on Immigration & Justice at the Vera Institute of Justice\, after beginning her legal career as a Staff Attorney for the Criminal Defense Practice of the Legal Aid Society of New York. \nAs an experienced public defender\, her scholarship focuses on issues related to due process and the criminal legal system\, and has been published in the Georgia Criminal Law Review\, International Criminal Law Review\, The Harbinger of The N.Y.U. Review of Law & Social Change\, and the New York Law Journal. \nShe holds a J.D. from Boston College Law School and a B.A. from New York University.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/self-defense-in-jury-trials/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/08/Reconceptualizing-Preservation-of-Self-Defense.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/self-defense-in-jury-trials/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251215T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251215T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20250701T192837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251017T152643Z
UID:10000341-1765803600-1765807200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Intrafamilial Homicide: A Neurocriminological and Forensic Psychological Perspective
DESCRIPTION:Family or domestic homicide is an extreme form of domestic violence where a household member or significant other is murdered. Intrafamilial homicides can take several different forms\, including the murder of newborns\, infants\, siblings\, children\, parents\, significant others\, or other family members. Motivations for acts of intrafamilial homicide vary by the nature of the relationship between the perpetrator and victim (e.g.\, spouse-spouse\, parent-child\, or child-parent) and a host of other factors. Survivors impacted by these events are left to suffer grave consequences\, including serious trauma and the loss of a loved one. We understand the profound effects these traumatic events have on individuals\, families\, communities\, and professional organizational settings. Our goal is to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to help better understand and hopefully prevent these tragedies from occurring in the future.\n\nThis training course aims to provide attendees with an understanding of the different manifestations of family homicide as well as its causes\, consequences\, and risk factors. Intervention\, screening\, and prevention strategies will also be explored. Other topics explored in this training will include adverse life experiences\, attachment problems\, abnormal brain structures and chemistry\, blood sugar imbalances\, central nervous system dysfunction\, unhealthy nutritional practices\, HPA axis dysfunction (a system that controls reactions to stress and regulates many body processes)\, psychiatric comorbidity\, substance misuse\, stalking\, rumination\, dysfunctional interpersonal dynamics\, possessiveness\, estrangement\, coercive control\, brain injury\, strangulation\, abrupt life changes (e.g.\, job loss)\, self-regulation deficits\, victim-offender dynamics\, executive dysfunction\, self-destructive behaviors\, and humiliation to name a few. Research findings from the fields of neurocriminology and forensic psychology will also be used throughout this training to further enhance our understanding of these complex topics.\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 family violence\, 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\, Neuroscience and the Law\, Neuropsychology\, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)\, Other Health Disabilities (OHD)\, Dyslexia\, 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/intrafamilial-homicide-a-neurocriminological-and-forensic-psychological-perspective/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/07/Intrafamilial-Homicide-Webinar.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/intrafamilial-homicide-a-neurocriminological-and-forensic-psychological-perspective/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251215T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20250414T134831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T154453Z
UID:10000297-1765789200-1765976400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:We the Defenders 2025 (Social Work Track)
DESCRIPTION:Registration Deadline: We’re in the holiday spirit so we’ve extended registration to December 5th at 5:00 pm! That’s the absolute last day\, though! If you register after the original deadline (11/24)\, we can’t guarantee you’ll receive a shirt\, though!\nThis registration page is for the SW track only – if you want to register for the other track go here) \nThis December 15 – 17\, 2025\, in Indianapolis\, Indiana\, NAPD will bring together the pivotal workers in defense-based systems. “We the Defenders” is the essential conference for public defense investigators\, mitigation specialists\, social workers\, paralegals\, and other core staff – all roles except attorneys – who play a critical role in defense-based work. Social workers\, mitigation specialists\, dispositional advocates\, and others in similar roles will have a separate track focused on case development to hone your skills\, enhance your expertise\, and provide you tools for professional development – this is the registration page for social workers\, mitigation specialists\, dispositional advocates\, etc. \nPricing before September 8\, 2025   $595 NAPD Members\, $695 Non Members \nPricing September 9 and beyond  $645 NAPD Members\, $745 Non Members \n  \nNeed help with this registration process?  Watch this video.   \nRoom block for $133 plus taxes and fees at Indianapolis Marriott Downtown\, 350 West Maryland Street\, Indianapolis\, IN 46255.  Click here to book room by December 5th! \nWe know you may need to convince someone else to approve you joining us.   Check out our Convince Your Boss Resources for a sample letter and other information. \nClick here for the Agenda!\nPlenary Speaker: Daryl Green\n\nhttps://people.com/darryl-green-deep-forgiveness-man-forgave-brothers-killer-exclusive-7506937\nRead more about Daryl here: https://www.deepforgiveness.com/bio \nPlenary Speaker: Eddie Ellis\n \nRead more about Eddie here: https://cfsy.org/meet-the-team/ \nPlenary Speaker: Cynthia Roseberry\nRead more about Cynthia here: https: //www.aclu.org/bio/cynthia-w-roseberry \n  \nFrom past participants: \nThe NAPD “We The Defenders” conference is a “Must Attend Event!” I’ve attended twice (Indianapolis 2017 & Albuquerque 2023)\, and each time I walk away with new resources\, new ideas\, new contacts and a renewed sense of enthusiasm to share what I learned with co-workers and excited to implement knowledge gained to better assist my clients! It’s inspiring to meet others who are also “TEAM DEFENSE!” We stand together and make our voices heard! \n‘WTD’ has ignited a fire in me to be more actively involved overall. I certainly want to attend everything NAPD has to offer. Until the next time I attend\, I will take advantage of any opportunities provided to increase my knowledge in mitigation to better serve our people. Learning never stops in my book! Thank you NAPD for this feeling of empowerment. \nMy first NAPD conference and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I returned to work inspired and rejuvenated – I didn’t even realize I needed rejuvenating. It was wonderful to be in a sea of professionals who do the same work I do. I felt seen and heard\, especially when discussing some of the challenges we face. It was a wonderful conference\, and I am happy I went.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/we-the-defenders-2025-social-work-track/
LOCATION:Indianapolis Government Center South\, 302 W Washington St\, Indianapolis\, IN\, 46204\, United States
CATEGORIES:In Person Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/04/WTD-SWTrack-In-Person-Conference.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251215T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20250414T132829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T183618Z
UID:10000298-1765789200-1765976400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:We the Defenders (for all but the social work track)
DESCRIPTION:Registration Deadline: We’re in the holiday spirit so we’ve extended registration to December 5th at 5:00 pm! That’s the absolute last day\, though! If you register after the original deadline (11/24)\, we can’t guarantee you’ll receive a shirt\, though!\n  \nThis registration page is not for  the SW track only – if you want to register for the SW track go here \nThis December 15 – 17\, 2025\, in Indianapolis\, Indiana\, NAPD will bring together the pivotal workers in defense-based systems. “We the Defenders” is the essential conference for public defense investigators\, mitigation specialists\, social workers\, paralegals\, and other core staff – all roles except attorneys – who play a critical role in defense-based work. Social workers\, mitigation specialists\, dispositional advocates\, and others in similar roles will have a separate track focused on case development to hone your skills\, enhance your expertise\, and provide you tools for professional development (this registration page is not for the social worker\, etc. track – use the social work registration page instead).  This is a celebration of the diversity\, skill\, and dedication that you bring to the public defense community and an acknowledgment that every member of the team is vital. \nPricing before September 8\, 2025   $595 NAPD Members\, $695 Non Members \nPricing September 9 and beyond  $645 NAPD Members\, $745 Non Members \n  \nRoom block for $133 plus taxes and fees at Indianapolis Marriott Downtown\, 350 West Maryland Street\, Indianapolis\, IN 46255.  Click here to book room no later than December 5! \nNeed help with this registration process?  Watch this video.   \nWe know you may need to convince someone else to approve you joining us.   Check out our Convince Your Boss Resources for a sample letter and other information. \nClick here for the Agenda!\nPlenary Speaker: Daryl Green\n\nhttps://people.com/darryl-green-deep-forgiveness-man-forgave-brothers-killer-exclusive-7506937\nRead more about him here: https://www.deepforgiveness.com/bio \nPlenary Speaker: Eddie Ellis\n \nRead more about Eddie here: https://cfsy.org/meet-the-team/ \nPlenary Speaker: Cynthia Roseberry\nRead more about Cynthia here: https: //www.aclu.org/bio/cynthia-w-roseberry \n  \nFrom past participants \nThe NAPD “We The Defenders” conference is a “Must Attend Event!” I’ve attended twice (Indianapolis 2017 & Albuquerque 2023)\, and each time I walk away with new resources\, new ideas\, new contacts and a renewed sense of enthusiasm to share what I learned with co-workers and excited to implement knowledge gained to better assist my clients! It’s inspiring to meet others who are also “TEAM DEFENSE!” We stand together and make our voices heard! \n‘WTD’ has ignited a fire in me to be more actively involved overall. I certainly want to attend everything NAPD has to offer. Until the next time I attend\, I will take advantage of any opportunities provided to increase my knowledge in mitigation to better serve our people. Learning never stops in my book! Thank you NAPD for this feeling of empowerment. \nMy first NAPD conference and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I returned to work inspired and rejuvenated – I didn’t even realize I needed rejuvenating. It was wonderful to be in a sea of professionals who do the same work I do. I felt seen and heard\, especially when discussing some of the challenges we face. It was a wonderful conference\, and I am happy I went.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/we-the-defenders-for-all-but-the-social-work-track-2/
LOCATION:Indianapolis Government Center South\, 302 W Washington St\, Indianapolis\, IN\, 46204\, United States
CATEGORIES:In Person Conference
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/09/WTD-Not-SW-In-Person-Conference.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251212T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251212T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T193545
CREATED:20240503T150109Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T211338Z
UID:10000157-1765548000-1765551600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Investigator Meetup: Last one of the year! - Open Chat
DESCRIPTION:It’s our last meetup of the year\, Let’s chat about whatever is on your minds\, your cases\, and your lives.  It last one of the year\, let’s end the year together in a lively chat! \n 
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/meetup-inv-12-12-25/
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2025/09/Inv-MU-Open-chat-Meetup.png
LOCATION:https://publicdefenders.us/event/meetup-inv-12-12-25/
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR