BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//National Association for Public Defense - ECPv6.13.2.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:National Association for Public Defense
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://publicdefenders.us
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for National Association for Public Defense
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000511-1777478400-1777482000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-04-29/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T130000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260407T200639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T200850Z
UID:10000623-1777464000-1777467600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia\, Colorado\, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program\, and owner of Transform Legal\, a consultancy focused on mitigation\, training\, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor\, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients\, lawyers\, social workers\, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-6/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000510-1776873600-1776877200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-04-22/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260128T194505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T162634Z
UID:10000590-1776862800-1776866400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ/Racial Justice Meet Up
DESCRIPTION:Details TBD
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-racial-justice-meet-up/2026-04-22/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/DEI-RJ-Meetup.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000509-1776268800-1776272400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-04-15/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260325T162821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T171441Z
UID:10000601-1776171600-1776175200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ/Racial Justice MeetUp featuring Guest Presenter Lei Young
DESCRIPTION:Hope Amongst Ourselves:\nBIPOC Public Defender Shared Experience and Shared Resilience\n\nLei Young\nLei Young supervises the Disproportionality Unit at the Washington State Office of Public Defense\, where she works to challenge racial and social injustice in the legal system. Prior to that position\, she spent 17 years as an attorney with The Defender Association\, which is now a division of the King County Department of Public Defense. As a public defender\, she represented clients in a variety of practice areas\, including felony\, sex offender civil commitment\, and dependency cases. Her teaching experience includes serving as an Adjunct Professor at Seattle University School of Law. She received her J.D. from Cornell Law School. \nWelcome to an inspiring and impactful presentation!\nAs public defenders\, we are on the front lines of the fight for justice\, and we know firsthand that our criminal legal system is plagued with inequities. For many of us\, especially when it comes to racial injustice\, this isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a reality we witness every single day. \nThese persistent challenges can feel isolating\, but today\, we have the unique opportunity to come together\, share our experiences\, and strengthen our community. Right now is the time for us to uplift one another and build a united front in public defense. \nIn this engaging session\, get ready to connect\, reflect\, and strategize as we: \nShine a light on the biases BIPOC public defenders face in the workplace—and talk openly about real experiences; \nBrainstorm powerful strategies to build strength\, resilience\, and solidarity among BIPOC defenders; \nExplore how fostering our resilience will amplify our advocacy and create better outcomes for our clients.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-racial-justice-meetup-featuring-guest-presenter/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/DEI-RJ-Meetup.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T130000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260407T195607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T200618Z
UID:10000622-1776168000-1776171600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup
DESCRIPTION:Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia\, Colorado\, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program\, and owner of Transform Legal\, a consultancy focused on mitigation\, training\, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor\, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients\, lawyers\, social workers\, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-5/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000508-1775664000-1775667600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-04-08/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000507-1775059200-1775062800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-04-01/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T153000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260219T224154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T173459Z
UID:10000620-1774965600-1777044600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Story-Driven Advocacy: Crafting Case Narratives and Mitigation for Trial
DESCRIPTION:Description\nIn Story-Driven Advocacy: Crafting Case Narratives and Mitigation for Trial workshop\, all public defenders will learn to apply storytelling techniques to their own cases to create empathy and compel action for their clients’ behalf. This bring-your-own-case course is a weekly\, interactive workshop for attorneys\, mitigation specialists\, investigators\, and training supervisors. Whether you’re representing clients in court or advocating for their well-being\, this online workshop series from the National Association for Public Defense will help you leverage the power of storytelling to create empathy and compel action. Designed specifically for public defense professionals\, this four-week course provides practical tools\, proven frameworks\, and real-time support to elevate your advocacy and ensure your client’s story is heard and understood. \nDates: \nBegins March 30 week for 4 weeks. Each live workshop session is capped at 4 registrants (choose one date that works for your schedule).\nLive 90-minute workshop sessions are offered on:\n\nWednesday 4/1\, 4/8\, 4/15\, 4/22 2:00-3:30 pm EST\nTuesday 3/31\, 4/7\, 4/14\, 4/21 2:00-3:30 pm EST\nFriday 4/3\, 4/10\, 4/17\, 4/24 2:00-3:30 pm EST\n\nNOTE: ONLY WEDNESDAY GROUP SPACES REMAINING \nPrice:\n$325 NAPD Members / $425 Public \nRegistration closes on 3/23/26 at 5PM EST \n\nWhat to Expect\nOn-Demand Learning\nEach week\, you’ll gain access up and additional hour of video content through our learning platform. Watch at your own pace as you explore key storytelling topics that prepare you for deeper engagement during the live workshops. \nFacilitated Small Group Workshops\nJoin a 90-minute zoom-based workshop each week (4 total)\, led by Michael Ahn. Through peer collaboration\, real-world scenarios\, and guided discussion\, you’ll apply what you’ve learned to your cases and learn from others. We will poll registrants to set the workshop times each week —choose the one that fits your schedule. \nA similar course is also offered as in an on demand model without the workshops – click here to register  \n\nTopics Covered\n\nUnderstand how story creates juror bias in trials\nLearn the basic mechanism of storytelling used successfully at jury trials\nExplore how to apply storytelling technique to your case\nUse storytelling techniques to create empathy and action\n\n\nWho Should Attend\nThis course is for criminal justice workers representing clients from marginalized populations\, attorneys needing to argue a case before a jury or in mediation\, and social workers / mitigation specialists advocating for a client’s sentencing or creating mitigation memos. You’ll leave with tools you can use right away\, plus new insights to strengthen your impact and better support your clients. \n\nSmall Group Facilitator Bio\nMichael Ahn is a trial narrative consultant who helps attorneys use story techniques in mediation and jury trials. Since 2016\, Michael has consulted on hundreds of cases\, with an 80% success rate\, including acquittals on five trials where the client was facing a life sentence. Michael also creates damages narratives for personal injury cases and consults with social justice organizations on using story techniques in messaging on key issues. \n\nTestimonials\n“Michael’s trial consultation significantly contributed to a complete acquittal in a recent homicide trial. He discovers the truth of a case which allows attorneys to incorporate that truth into compelling narratives and archetypes during jury selection\, opening\, witness examination and closing. Michael receives my highest recommendation and I encourage any attorney trying a case to consult with him.” — Wil Rumble\, Deputy Public Defender\, Vista\, CA \n“Michael worked on a horrific sex case and was able to assist the defense in finding a way to present the client compassionately. Michael will help you to re-focus your case. He is the perfect “second chair” who understands the work but sees it as a non-lawyer. His input is priceless.” — Sloan Ostbye\, Supervising Attorney\, San Diego\, CA \n“Michael Ahn helped me distill my story into a powerful and persuasive narrative which enabled me to present a focused\, theory-centered presentation to the jury. Using Michael’s unique skills and techniques\, my case evolved into a story with clarity\, emotion\, and impact – everything necessary for a successful trial.” — Adam Hepburn\, Deputy Public Defender \n“Michael Ahn knows how to craft your client’s story so that it is presented in a compelling way to the jury. A great consultant prior to trial!” — Elliott H. Jung\, Deputy Public Defender \n“Michael’s storytelling techniques helped me focus the jury’s attention on what was important. Michael was especially useful for framing what originally seemed like weaknesses as some of our biggest narrative strengths.” — Matthew Cuthbertson\, Deputy Public Defender \n“Michael’s storytelling techniques helped me persuade the jury and ultimately won my case – my client was acquitted of all charges.” — Olesya Adams\, Deputy Public Defender
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/story-driven-advocacy-crafting-case-narratives-and-mitigation-for-trial/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Online Course
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/02/Story-Driven-Advocacy-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000506-1774454400-1774458000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-03-25/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T130000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260324T125642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T125643Z
UID:10000621-1774440000-1774443600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup
DESCRIPTION:In this social worker meetup (for social workers\, sentencing advocates\, mitigation specialists\, and others in similar roles) we will be talking about if and how (any why\, if so) we write to aggravators. Mitigation exists on its own\, but is developed in response to a case’s aggravators. This responsive approach is not always how we prepare or present mitigation. Are you writing to address and nullify aggravators? Why or why not? We will discuss this and more in our meetup this week! \nStephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia\, Colorado\, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program\, and owner of Transform Legal\, a consultancy focused on mitigation\, training\, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor\, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients\, lawyers\, social workers\, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-4/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260319
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260321
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20251110T175806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T194813Z
UID:10000470-1773878400-1774051199@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:NAPD Rise. Resist. Represent. 2026
DESCRIPTION:This event has concluded.  If you attended R3\, you are still able to purchase a Certificate of Attendance HERE.  Please be sure to confirm the name and email address of the recipient in the order notes.\nhttps://publicdefenders.us/product/r3-rise-resist-represent-2026/ \n  \n\nThe National Public Defense Virtual Training Event will provide over a dozen topic areas to provide to the wide variety of professions and practice areas in public defense across the country. There will be skills training\, but also opportunities to explore innovations\, systemic litigation\, development research projects – and to network with thousands of colleagues who champion the right to counsel and for the opportunity and dignity of their clients.\nRecordings will be available shortly after the conference. We will be recording at least 90% of the sessions. Those not to be recorded will be noted in the description.\nCheck out the full 2026 Agenda! \nClick here purchase tickets through Eventbrite\n  \nEARLY BIRD PRICING (Before Jan 19\, 2026) \n\n$90 NAPD Member Ticket\n$125 Standard Ticket (non-member)\n$65 each ticket – Bulk purchase of 5-100\n$40 each ticket – Bulk purchase of 101 and above*\n\nJan 19 -March 20\, 2026 \n\n$125 NAPD Member Ticket\n$175 Standard Ticket (non-member)\n$100 each ticket – Bulk purchase of 5-100\n$75 each ticket – Bulk purchase of 101 and above*\n\n*Bulk purchases of over 100 tickets are not supported by Eventbrite. To place a large bulk order\, please contact us at: events@publicdefenders.us \nCheck out some of the past conference schedules: \nR3 Conference 2025 Schedule \nR3 Conference 2024 Schedule \nR3 Conference 2023 Schedule \nR3 Conference 2022 Schedule
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/r3-2026/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Virtual Conference
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000505-1773849600-1773853200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-03-18/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000504-1773244800-1773248400@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-03-11/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260128T201607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260206T174854Z
UID:10000600-1773147600-1773151200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ/Racial Justice MeetUp featuring Guest Presenter
DESCRIPTION:Details TBA.  Meetup events are exclusive to NAPD members.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-racial-justice-webinar-series/2026-03-10/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/DEI-RJ-Meetup.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260211T152725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152726Z
UID:10000503-1772640000-1772643600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-2-2/2026-03-04/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T130000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260226T183207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T183208Z
UID:10000579-1772625600-1772629200@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: A discussion about Specialty Courts
DESCRIPTION:This week’s social worker meetup will explore the roles we play in Specialty Courts (Family Treatment Courts\, Recovery Courts\, Veterans Courts\, etc.) and the roles that Specialty Courts play in diversion and how they may either support or impact the clients with whom we work. Take a look at this blog post from the Prison Policy Initiative that examines some of the problems in specialty courts as these affect the persons involved in these court alternatives\, and we will discuss our experience and ways we may support clients to counteract the problems where possible. \nStephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia\, Colorado\, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program\, and owner of Transform Legal\, a consultancy focused on mitigation\, training\, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor\, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients\, lawyers\, social workers\, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-meetup-3/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T150000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260128T182152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260226T171041Z
UID:10000586-1772114400-1772118000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Supervisor Meetup and Discussion
DESCRIPTION:This meetup for social worker supervisors (supervisors of social workers\, mitigation specialists\, dispositional advocates\, etc. in defense organizations) discusses issues specific to supervision practices and needs. \nKevin Bishop\, LCSW\, is the Social Worker Coordinator for the Colorado Office of Alternate Defense Counsel\nStephanne Thornton\, LICSW\, is the NAPD Social Work Training and Resource Coordinator
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisor-meetup-and-discussion/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260127T225012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152644Z
UID:10000502-1772035200-1772038800@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
DESCRIPTION:This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical\, working session—not a webinar. Together\, we will:\n\nWorkshop active campaigns involving statutes\, rules\, budget advocacy\, and administrative reforms.\nExchange model bill language\, fiscal notes\, one-pagers\, and testimony templates.\nCoordinate strategy on messaging\, media engagement\, coalition building\, and storytelling from impacted communities.\nNavigate ethics constraints\, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.\nTranslate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive\, data-informed advocacy.\nShare tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/policy-and-legislative-meet-up-7/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260128T194959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T133258Z
UID:10000588-1772024400-1772028000@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:DEIJ/Racial Justice Meet Up: "Successful but Unfulfilled" with Dr. Crystal Currie
DESCRIPTION:“Successful but Unfulfilled”\nThis interactive session invites participants to pause\, reflect\, and explore the gap that often exists between professional success and personal fulfillment. While many leaders and professionals achieve external markers of success\, they may still experience a sense that something is missing or misaligned. \nThrough guided reflection and facilitated discussion\, participants will increase their awareness of why traditional measures of success do not always translate into deeper satisfaction and purpose. They will identify areas in their own careers where values\, passions\, or priorities may be out of alignment\, and gain clarity about what truly contributes to their sense of meaning and fulfillment. \nThe session will conclude with practical\, actionable strategies to help participants begin moving toward greater alignment and a more fulfilling professional and personal life—supporting sustainable success that honors both achievement and well-being. \nGoals \n\nIncrease awareness of why professional success doesn’t always lead to personal fulfillment.\nParticipants will identify what feels misaligned or missing in their own careers.\nLearn practical steps to move toward more fulfillment.”\n\n  \nDr. Crystal Currie\n \nDr. Crystal R. Currie is a licensed therapist and leadership consultant with over a decade of experience facilitating trainings and workshops for professionals and community groups. Known for her engaging\, compassionate\, and practical teaching style\, she helps individuals and teams understand how unresolved emotional patterns shape performance\, decision-making\, and relationships. Grounded in clinical practice and research\, her Heal • Become • Lead framework equips leaders and organizations with tools to reduce burnout\, strengthen emotional regulation\, and build human-centered cultures that support sustainable impact.
URL:https://publicdefenders.us/event/deij-racial-justice-meet-up-3/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://publicdefenders.us/app/uploads/2026/01/Dr.-Crystal-Curry-2-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260127T224636Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T152208Z
UID:10000501-1771430400-1771434000@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-6/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T130000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260128T181024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T181621Z
UID:10000578-1771416000-1771419600@publicdefenders.us
SUMMARY:Social Worker Meetup: Early Mitigation
DESCRIPTION:During this week’s social worker meetup we will talk about how we are using mitigation for early-stage case advocacy\, whether prepetition or predisposition. If we can be called in early to develop mitigation\, our mitigation information can be used in a compelling way by attorneys who seek to reduce charges\, avoid indictment\, and advocate dismissal and release. How are you using early development of mitigation – or how might you if given the chance? \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-2/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260127T224340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T151705Z
UID:10000500-1770825600-1770829200@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-5/
LOCATION:Virtual\, Virtual Event
CATEGORIES:Meetup
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T160000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
CREATED:20260206T160802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T191043Z
UID:10000611-1770822000-1770825600@publicdefenders.us
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
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:20260210T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260210T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T150000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
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:20260204T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
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:20260202T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260226T150000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
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:20260128T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T182722
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
END:VCALENDAR