Summary:

As laws surrounding pregnancy-related cases continue to evolve, criminal defense attorneys must be prepared to navigate the legal, medical, and forensic complexities involved in these prosecutions. This two-day interactive training will provide practical skills and trial strategies for defending cases where pregnancy outcomes or healthcare decisions become the focus of criminal charges.
Join experienced faculty and forensic experts for hands-on sessions designed to enhance courtroom advocacy, refine jury selection techniques, and strengthen cross-examination skills.

Who Should Attend?
•   Criminal defense attorneys representing clients in cases that may involve pregnancy loss.
•   Attorneys seeking to refine their trial skills through practical exercises in voir dire, expert testimony, and case strategy.
•   Legal professionals wanting a deeper understanding of forensic evidence, medical testimony, and shifting legal standards.

What You’ll Learn:
•   Theories of the Case in Pregnancy-Related Prosecutions – How to frame and develop a strong defense strategy.
•   Key legislative developments and case law trends impacting pregnancy-related prosecutions.
•   Voir Dire Techniques & Jury Selection – Strategies for identifying bias and selecting a fair jury.
•   Working with and Cross-Examining Forensic Pathologists – How to evaluate forensic evidence and effectively challenge expert testimony.
•   Storytelling in Openings & Closings – Craft persuasive narratives that connect with jurors.

Limited Spots Available – Register Now! This free training has limited capacity and will fill quickly. Secure your spot today to gain valuable trial skills and from leading defense practitioners.

LOCATION: The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX
DATE: May 16-17, 2025
COST: FREE (registration is required)
CLE Credit: Up to 14.5 credits where approved

Seminar Venue:
The University of Texas School of Law
727 E. Dean Keeton Street
Austin, TX 78705

Hotel Accomodations:
Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin
721 Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78701

Online Reservations: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/AUSCT/G-NACD
Discount Group Rate: $224 + applicable taxes and fees (expires April 25, 2025).

Agenda

The program agenda and faculty are subject to change.

Friday, May 16, 2025
8:30-9:00 am	Introduction and Overview
9:00-10:00 am	Legal Update
10:00-10:15 am	Break
10:15-11:15 am	Theories of the Case in Pregnancy Loss Cases
11:15 am -12:15 pm	Voir Dire Techniques and Strategies Lecture
12:15-12:30 pm	Demo with Mock Jurors
12:30-1:30 pm	Lunch Break
1:30-2:30 pm	Brainstorm: Things to Consider Based on Assigned Issue and Draft Questions
2:30-4:30 pm	Mock Voir Dire Practice
4:30-4:45 pm	Break
4:45-5:30 pm	Forensic Pathologist – Things to Consider in Pregnancy Loss/Abortion Cases
Saturday, May 17, 2025
8:30-10:00 am	Demo Cross of Forensic Pathologist & Working with and Cross-Examining Forensic Pathologists
10:00-10:15 am	Break
10:15-11:30 am	Lecture: Hiring and Working with Defense Experts
11:30 am -12:30pm	Breakout Session – Crossing Forensic Pathologists
12:30-1:30 pm	Lunch Break
1:30-3:30 pm	Breakout Session – Crossing Forensic Pathologists Continued
1:30-3:45 pm	Break
3:45-5:30 pm	Storytelling, Opening & Closings

Faculty

Susan Ely, Forensic Pathologist
Kevann Gardner, K. Gardner Law
Amy Hawes, Forensic Pathologist
Terence L. Kindlon, Criminal Defense and Civil Rights Attorney
Monica Milton, Counsel for Public Defense and Special Projects, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Joseph Phelo, D.O., Forensic Pathologist
Yveka Pierre, Senior Litigation Counsel, If/When/How
Cristina I. Ramirez, Criminal Defense Lead, Sissy Farenthold Reproductive Justice Defense Project, University of Texas School of Law
Christena Roberts, MD, Forensic Pathologist, Consultant
Blake Rocap, Project Director, Sissy Farenthold Reproductive Justice Defense Project, Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice
Laurie Shanks, Clinical Professor of Law, Albany Law School
Callie Glanton Steele, Chief Trial Deputy, Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office
Paul S. Uribe, MD, Forensic Pathologist
Deja Vishny, Criminal Defense Consultant and Trainer
Lisa Wayne, Executive Director, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Victor Weedn, MD, JD, Forensic Pathologist and Professor

Code of Conduct

NACDL endeavors to foster a working, learning, and social environment free of harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and insult. To that end, NACDL has adopted a Code of Conduct for Affiliated Persons that applies to all attendees and participants of any kind at all NACDL sponsored events.

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