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.
Defending Sexual Assault Cases Training
The Defending Sexual Assault Cases 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 program will be held at the UNC School of Government on Thursday, April 16, through Friday, April 17. Topics will include pretrial investigation, motions practice, theme and theory, common legal issues, forensic interviews of children, SANE exams, challenging experts and working with experts, SBM, registry, sentencing, consent, and psychosexual evaluation. The program is comprised of plenary sessions and a workshop where participants will be guided by experienced practitioners as they consider approaches in a sample case.
You can access the agenda here.
FEE: The registration fee for private assigned and managed assigned counsel, capital attorneys, private attorneys, and others is $350. There is no fee for IDS state employees.
REGISTRATION: Register here for the Defending Sexual Assault Cases Training. The registration deadline is 5:00 pm on Friday, April 3.
CLE CREDIT: This program will offer up to 12 hours of continuing legal education credit (pending State Bar approval).
HOTEL INFORMATION: A block of rooms is available at Hampton Inn & Suites Carrboro (370 E Main St Carrboro, NC) with a rate of $140 plus taxes and fees valid for April 15-17. The hotel reservation deadline is Tuesday, March 24. The rate includes complimentary breakfast, parking, and free internet. To reserve a room, please refer to the hotel’s website or call the hotel directly at (919) 969-6988 and mention group code “93B” or “Defending Sexual Assault Cases 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].
