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.
2023 Defender Trial School
We are excited to announce that the 2023 Defender Trial School, cosponsored by the UNC School of Government and the North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services, will be held Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14 at the School of Government.
Participants will use their own cases to develop a cohesive theory of defense at trial and apply that theory through all stages of a trial, including voir dire, opening and closing arguments, and direct and cross-examination.
IDS will be offering several scholarships to the 2023 Defender Trial School. This is one of the best programs at the SOG for criminal trial attorneys and we would love to have you! Please be aware that you must commit to being present for each day of the school, from Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14.
If you are interested in a scholarship, please email Tucker Charns by April 14: tucker.charns@nccourtsorg
In that email, please include the following:
- A brief statement about your trial experience;
- A brief statement as to why you would like to attend;
- A commitment to attending the training; and
- Put SOG TRIAL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP in the subject line.
PARTICIPANTS
The Defender Trial School is open to public defenders and, space permitting, private attorneys who perform a significant amount of appointed work.
AGENDA AND REGISTRATION
The agenda will be posted on the course page soon, and we will send out an announcement once registration is available. You can also go to the course page and click on the link to sign up to receive notice. Until then, please save the dates if you are interested in attending!
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION
The program will offer approximately 29 hours of general CLE credit and qualifies for NC State Bar criminal law specialization credit.
CONTACT
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Program Manager Kayla Fowler at [email protected]. If you have content questions, please contact Bob Burke at [email protected].
