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NAPD 2026 We The Defenders
We will update this page if there is any change in sessions and/or speakers. Please see the FAQ pages for any questions and take some time to save sessions to your schedule. 

Venue: West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19 clear filter
Tuesday, October 6
 

10:30am EDT

The Evolution of Criminal Defense Mitigation through the Voice of Practitioners: An Exploratory Research Study.
Tuesday October 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
*This session is eligible for NASW CEU Credit

Criminal defense mitigation and its main occupational outlet, the Mitigation Specialist, have evolved and expanded since Gideon v. Wainwright.  Employed by various names such as Forensic Social Worker, Dispositional Advisor, Mitigation Specialist, and more, these unique professionals and their roles are vital to the traditional operation and understanding of criminal defense. Despite its impact and growth, this occupation is often misunderstood and lacks foundation and research compared to other necessary criminal justice and legal roles inside and outside public defense. This session is based on a study that takes on this issue through a conducted exploratory study and purposive case study of 95 Mitigation Specialists from all over the United States.  The findings give depth to the positions amazing strengths, foundational gaps, and encourages dialogue toward a contemporary and evolved understanding of mitigation and the Mitigation Specialist profession.

Learning Objectives:
  • Attendees will learn about the history of the Mitigation Specialist.
  • Attendees will learn the evolved and various definitions of the Mitigation Specialist.
  • Attendees will understand what national practitioners define and describe the Mitigation Specialist position as.
  • Attendees will be enlightened about the common national struggles of the Mitigation Specialist, its common duties, and takeaways towards its positive future.

Tuesday October 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19

1:00pm EDT

Employee Bill of Rights
Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
R. E. S. P. E. C. T.
A Discussion for & about Core Staff in Public Defense Offices

Office dynamics, especially between attorney and non-attorney staff members, can be a challenging topic to address.  Join this workshop where we identify standards and basic rights for the workplace and have a candid  and constructive conversation about the realities of the Core Staff experience.  Participants will leave this session with a clearer vision of a healthy workplace as well as metrics to assess successes and failures.  The objectives of this session are to provide a framework to define success, identify practical steps forward, and approach the topic of workplace inequities in an action oriented manner with a focus on shared values and team cohesion

Tuesday October 6, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19

2:15pm EDT

CV Workshop: Psssst…It’s Not a Resume!
Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Have you ever noticed that cops love to talk about their “training and experience”!?! This workshop will discuss the rationale for building a witness’s credibility and apply it to criminal defense investigators and mitigation specialists. You have a lot of training and experience of your own to share. We will identify CV red flags, the elements of a solid CV, and start the process of working up or refreshing your CV. We will also cover some of the credibility building questions that you can expect upon direct examination.
Tuesday October 6, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19

3:30pm EDT

Cell Phone Location Mapping
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Use of cell phone location activity based on proximity to cellular towers is increasingly common in representation of criminal defendants. This presentation will provide an overview of how cellular phones communicate with the network, the way in which this information is retained by the cellular provider, and examples of how this data may translate into mapping for your cases. It will also include strategic litigation ideas for gathering this information independent of prosecutorial involvement to assess potential alibis as well as examples of various mapping platforms that you may see depending on your jurisdiction.


Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19
 
Wednesday, October 7
 

9:00am EDT

Human Performance Toxicology: Determining Driver Impairment
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Human performance, when it comes to driving or operating any vehicle, is important in assuring the safety of individuals. When it comes to determining impairment, there are many things to consider. This webinar will give the participant a better understanding of the test involved in determining impairment, the classes of drug that are evaluated in the test and the analysis of the biological evidence.
Highlights
• History of SFSTs
• Standard Field Sobriety test: in-depth look
• Drugs and Driving-Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DEC)
• Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)
• Drug classes involved with DRE testing
• Analysis of biological evidence in the lab
• Questions to ask concerning analysis
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19

10:15am EDT

Spoonful of Sugar: The Art of Effective Communication
Wednesday October 7, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Step into the whimsical world of Mary Poppins to discover the secrets of effective communication. This session uses the charm and wit of Mary Poppins as a backdrop to explore strategies for navigating conversations with empathy, clarity, and impact. Whether working with clients or handling challenging discussions, participants will gain insights into building trust, tailoring communication styles, and fostering meaningful dialogue.
Wednesday October 7, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19

11:30am EDT

Kaizen for PD Offices
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Being a public defender is already hard work, but outdated or inconsistent workflows can make the job harder than it needs to be. This session introduces Kaizen, a simple and practical approach to continuous improvement that helps teams reduce frustration, eliminate wasted effort, and create smoother, more consistent processes. We'll explore real PD examples and discover how small,  staff-driven changes can significantly improve efficiency, communication, and client outcomes—without new technology or major system overhauls.
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19

2:45pm EDT

The Multi-Generational Workplace
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19

4:00pm EDT

Workshop for Mid-level Managers and Division Heads
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Managing in public defense is different. This participant-driven meetup offers a space for mid-level leaders to compare notes, troubleshoot challenges, and leave with concrete ideas for their teams. Perfect for managers and leaders who:
  1. feel stuck in the middle;
  2. were promoted from within their own team; and
  3. are expected to lead without being taught how.
Wednesday October 7, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19
 
Thursday, October 8
 

9:00am EDT

Defense In Detail: Why What We Find Changes Everything
Thursday October 8, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Every case tells a story—but the details determine how that story is told. Defense in Detail highlights the critical role of investigation and mitigation in uncovering facts that shape outcomes, strategies, and lives. This session explores how thorough investigative work goes beyond reports and records—it reveals context, exposes bias, and uncovers truth that can shift the entire trajectory of a case. Participants will gain insight into how even the smallest findings can change everything from plea negotiations to sentencing, and why attention to detail is the foundation of real justice.

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19

10:15am EDT

Navigating the Transition to Investigator/Paralegal Leadership
Thursday October 8, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
This class will cover strategies in transitioning from a traditional investigator/paralegal to leading your unit. The techniques will be applicable whether your unit covers a single county or a multi-county district. Topics will cover both state and federal investigator/paralegal leadership challenges and how best to implement these concreate skillsets to create a team environment. Whether your challenge is a growing district or maintaining morale amid challenges, this discussion will grow your investigator/paralegal leadership. The topics will cover the initial challenge we face in our new role to ethical responsibilities, personnel matters, leadership styles, and redefining success in your investigator/paralegal units.
Thursday October 8, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
West Wing Harrison Hall Conference 19
 
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