Public Defense Training Programs

In far too many regions of the country, training for both publicly-employed defenders and private counsel providing public defense services by court assignment or contract is grossly inadequate, undermining the ABA’s Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System. In order to support public defense and with grant support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, NACDL creates free national training programs for public defense providers and offers online resources to make those programs accessible nationwide.

The national training program established by NACDL offers jurisdictionally specific training curricula and programs are aimed at addressing specific regional and local needs.

The online resources available through this page help support ongoing training efforts and deliver technical support by disseminating resources, training curricula and selected materials, as well as videos and webinars that enable other public defense providers to adopt best practices. Videos of training programs are only available for informational reference and not for CLE credit.

Webinars:

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RECENTLY ADDED & UPCOMING

  1. The Champion
    March/April 2025 Cover

    March/April 2025

    What are the evidentiary implications of field sobriety tests in marijuana cases? Does the odor of marijuana give officers probable cause to search a vehicle?

  2. Amicus Brief
    March/April 2025 Cover

    Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP v. Executive Office of the President

    Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and New York Council of Defense Lawyers as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment.

  3. News Release

    Nation’s Defense Bar Reiterates Opposition to Actions Against Law Firms – Washington, DC (March 18, 2025)

    The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) remains deeply concerned over recent executive orders targeting law firms, most recently Paul Weiss and Perkins Coie, and repeats its call to uphold the right to counsel and the independence of the legal profession. Despite a ruling blocking the action against Perkins Coie, the administration has continued to target law firms representing disfavored clients and positions, threatening the right to a zealous defense.

  4. Live Event
    2025 Forensic Science & Technology Seminar Cover

    2025 Forensic Science & Technology Seminar

    "Making Sense of Science: Forensic Science, Technology & the Law"

    LOCATION: Sahara Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
    DATES: April 24-26, 2025

  5. Trials, Technology, and the Fourth Amendment: Case Law Review [Engage & Exchange]

    EXCLUSIVE NACDL MEMBER BENEFIT
    WHEN:
    Tuesday, April 29, 2:00-3:30pm ET / 11:00am-12:30pm PT
    CLE CREDIT: not available
    COST: Free