The NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice preserves and promotes the core values of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American criminal justice system.
Support Us NowPublic Defense Scholarships
As a result of generous grant funding, NACDL is able to offer scholarship assistance to public defense attorneys to attend training programs.
As a result of generous grant funding, NACDL is able to offer scholarship assistance to public defense attorneys to attend training programs hosted by NACDL as well as other organizations. Scholarships are awarded in the form of full or partial reimbursement of the registration costs of the program. Limited travel reimbursement stipends may also be awarded to qualifying individuals to help defray the costs of travel and lodging.
Eligibility requirements for a registration and/or travel scholarship: Applicants must:
- Be a public defender, contract counsel, or private counsel receiving court appointments
- Demonstrate financial need
Do I need to be a member? You do not need to be a member to receive a scholarship for registration fees, but membership is required at the time of reimbursement for applicants awarded a travel scholarship.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning approxmiately 90 days before the start of the program. Applications received less than three weeks before the program will not be considered.
To Apply: Submit a completed Public Defense Scholarship Application via email to pdtscholarship@nacdl.org with “Scholarship Application” in the subject line, or fax the application to (202) 872-8690, Attn: Public Defense Scholarship.
Additional information about NACDL's Public Defense Scholarship
Questions about NACDL's Public Defense Scholarship Program should be directed to: pdtscholarship@nacdl.org
Upcoming CLE Programs
Participants will hear cutting-edge presentations regarding pretrial investigations, capital jury selection, new perspectives on discovering the story of the client and mitigation evidence. Register today!
If you are serious about being an effective DUI defense advocate, or if you're considering adding DUI defenses to your firms portfolio, you need to know the latest scientific and legal strategies to optimize your success at trial. The DUI seminar is held in the mornings only in conjunction with the drug seminar. Register today!
As the impact of the pandemic continues to fade, criminal drug trials are picking up once again, so come learn novel techniques and practices from the nation's leading experts. The Drug Seminar is held in the afternoons only in conjunction with the DWI seminar. Register today!
Defending charges of sexual assault and child abuse can be daunting — but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be. Every year, NACDL identifies the hottest topics and most pressing issues when defending these cases, and brings-in nationally-renowned lawyers and experts to help you prepare for battle. Register today!