NACDL - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Starting Your Membership Journey

We know being new may be overwhelming, so we have put together a list that may make it a little less so. First, update your member profile to help you network with others in the criminal defense industry.

Joining NACDLConnect

One of the many perks of being a member is access to NACDLConnect; a community where professionals like yourself go to share best ideas and engage 24/7. You start by creating your account then logging in to start interacting. Be sure to also download the connected community app for even more convenient access to the NACDL community - ask questions, share stories, contribute knowledge, grow your network, and collaborate on the challenges you face and how to tackle them.

Accessing NACDLConnect

Staying Educated

Your NACDL membership provides you with professional development at a discounted rate including NACDL’s top-notch CLEs, virtual training events and conferences. You can also tap into the mentorship opportunities through committee participation, practice specific events and our online community NACDLConnect. If you are threatened in any way for providing legal representation to a client and you're subpoenaed, cited for contempt, hit with a bar grievance or a motion to disqualify you from a case, the NACDL Strike Force will review your case, at no cost.

Numerous NACDL Membership Benefits to Save You Time and Money

Making the most of your NACDL membership starts with understanding all the benefits available to you like the access to the NACDL Resource Center for case-based tools, forensics resources, an expert database, and postconviction materials to aid you in your practice. You can also find exclusive videos dedicated to Starting Your Own Practice Resources.

NACDL Affinity Partners offer exclusive discounts that will save you money! Our partner programs are beneficial to you both personally and professionally. They can help you to recoup the cost of NACDL membership many times over. Receive discounts and exceptional savings on essential expenses like insurance, legal research, online databases, office supplies, and more.

Introduction to the Resource Center

Staying Informed and Connected

Be up to date with NACDL' s highly valued NACDL member benefit;  The Champion^® magazine which offers timely, informative articles written for and by criminal defense lawyers. Always be in the know on NACDL policy and legislative initiatives by signing up for Action Alerts. Get to know the movers and shakers in the industry and the trending topics in the community by downloading the latest episode of NACDL's podcast series "The Criminal Docket." Get familiar with NACDL’s resource counsel team as they can provide technical and substantive support to NACDL’s members in a variety of areas.Please contact resourcecenter@nacdl.org. 

Member to Member Directory

Gaining access to professionals, networking with likeminds in the industry is another membership perk at NACDL. This video shows how to access the member-to-member directory.

Mentor for a Moment Directory

In addition, the new Mentor for a Moment Directory provides an opportunity for 1:1 peer support with other NACDL members willing to share their expertise.

Free Law Student Membership

NACDL has made the law student membership free. This video is a step by step on how to take advantage.