Monthly Attorney Orientation
For Lawyers who are New to Indigent Defense
Beginning August 1, IDS staff will provide orientation for new attorneys on the first Friday of each month from 1-2 p.m.
Topics will include a guided tour of the IDS website, information on training and CLE opportunities, access to wellness resources and more. You will also be able to connect with other defense attorneys for future collaboration!
2026 IDS Forensic Science Education Series
IDS and the Mecklenburg Public Defender’s Office provide regular continuing education to dozens of NC criminal defense and parent attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists who attend the IDS Forensic Science Education Series.
In 2026, we will offer monthly 90-minute webinars on various aspects of forensic evidence. These webinars will take place typically at 12:30 pm on the first Thursday of each month. Click here to view the 2026 Schedule.
The first six sessions of 2026 will focus on understanding and advocating for neurodivergent clients.
- This event has passed.
2026 Felony Defender Training
The 2026 Felony Defender Training, co-sponsored by the UNC School of Government and the Office of Indigent Defense Services, is now open.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW, DATES, AND LOCATION: The Felony Defender Training will be held at the UNC School of Government on Wednesday, February 4, through Friday, February 6. Topics will include discovery and investigation, suppression and other superior court motions, lab reports, preserving the record, sentencing, and trial skills—including conducting voir dire—necessary to handle felony cases from start to finish. The program is comprised of plenary sessions and intensive small-group workshops.
You can access the agenda here.
FEE: The registration fee for private assigned and managed assigned counsel is $575. There is no fee for IDS state employees.
SCHOLARSHIPS: A limited number of scholarships are available for private assigned and managed assigned counsel. If you are interested in applying, complete the scholarship application as soon as possible. If you receive a scholarship, the registration fee is waived. The scholarship deadline is on Friday, January 16. Please refer to the scholarship website for additional information.
REGISTRATION: Register here for the Felony Defender Training. The registration deadline is on Friday, January 23.
CLE CREDIT: This program will offer up to 17.75 hours of continuing legal education credit, including one hour of ethics credit, subject to Bar approval.
HOTEL INFORMATION: A block of rooms is available at Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham (6121 Farrington Rd, Chapel Hill, NC) with a rate of $119 plus taxes and fees valid for stay dates of February 3-6. The hotel reservation deadline is Tuesday, January 13. The rate includes complimentary breakfast, parking, and free internet. Upon arrival, the front desk agent will give you a code to enter after scanning the QR code to validate your parking along with the license plate number. To reserve a room, please refer to the hotel’s website or call the hotel directly at (919) 403-8700 and mention group code “902” or “Felony Defender Training.”
TRAVEL INFORMATION: Contact Shannon Simmons, IDS Accounts Payable Supervisor, at [email protected] or (919) 890-1660. Please note that travel reimbursement forms must be submitted to IDS Financial Services by the end of the month following the travel, or reimbursement will be denied.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need further information, contact Program Manager Kayla Fowler at [email protected].
