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!
2025 IDS Forensic Science Education Series – Part 2
IDS and the Mecklenburg Public Defender’s Office offer FREE, regular continuing education to criminal defense and parent attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists across North Carolina.
Inside the State Crime Lab: Forensic Testing Explained
July 24: Drug Chemistry – Forensic Scientist Manager Amanda Venable
Aug. 7: Toxicology – Forensic Scientist Supervisor Danielle O’Connell
Sept. 4: Trace Evidence – Forensic Scientist Manager David Freehling
Sept. 18: Mobile Device Examinations and Audio/Video Examinations – Forensic Scientist II Sterling Hunt
Oct. 2: Forensic Biology – Forensic Scientist Supervisor Wendell Ivory
Nov. 6: Firearms – Forensic Scientist Manager Jennifer Slish
Dec. 4: Latent Evidence – Forensic Scientist Managers Summer Maffett and Karen Morrow
IDS Mental Health and Education Series
Monthly sessions are held on the third Thursday of each month from 1-2 p.m. EST.
Topics Include:
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – July
- Trauma Stewardship for Self and Others – August
- Suicide Prevention – September
- Stress Management for the Holidays – October
- 6 “R”s of Trauma-Informed Care – November
- Perinatal Mental Health – December
- This event has passed.
2023 Higher-Level Felony Defense Training
We are pleased to announce that the 2023 Higher-Level Felony Defense Training, cosponsored by the School of Government and the Office of Indigent Defense Services, will take place on September 12-14, 2023, at the School of Government.
PARTICIPANTS: This program is for attorneys interested in handling higher-level felony cases at the trial level. Topics will include preparing for serious felony cases, eyewitness identifications, habitual felons, self-defense, client relations and rapport, sentencing law and advocacy, and mitigation investigation. The program consists of a mix of lectures and intensive small-group workshops. Due to the program’s interactive nature, participants must attend all sessions.
AGENDA AND REGISTRATION: The agenda is posted on the course page linked below. To register, visit the course page at https://www.sog.unc.edu/courses/higher-level-felony-defense. The course registration deadline is Wednesday, August 30, at 5:00pm, but seats may fill quickly, and capacity is limited, so do not wait to apply!
The Office of Indigent Defense Services has agreed to fund registration for all participants, including contract attorneys and private assigned counsel (although they remain responsible for the cost of their travel, lodging, and meals other than lunches and snacks provided during the training).
Due to the expected level of interest, the intensive nature of the training, and limits on seating capacity, the program is capped at a total of 36 participants. You must take the following steps BEFORE you can register.
- If you are in a public defender’s office, you must obtain the approval of your Chief Public Defender to register. Because of limited space, each office is allotted one slot.
- If you are a contract attorney or private assigned counsel, you must currently represent appointed felony clients to register.
CLE COURSE CREDIT: We have applied for 12.25 hours of CLE credit (including 1.0 hours of ethics credit). The total final amount of attorney CLE credit is subject to change based on approval from the North Carolina State Bar.
HOTEL INFORMATION: A block of rooms is available at $113/night at the Tru by Hilton Chapel Hill (1742 Fordham Blvd Chapel Hill, NC) from Monday, September 11, through Thursday, September 14. You can make online reservations here. To contact the hotel directly, call 984-291-7200 and mention the group code “HLF” or “Higher Level Felony Defense.” The rate includes complimentary breakfast, parking, and free WiFi. The hotel reservation deadline is August 21, 2023.
CONTACT: We look forward to seeing you in September. If you have any questions or need further information, contact Program Manager Kayla Fowler at [email protected]. If you have content questions, contact Teaching Assistant Professor Phil Dixon, Jr. at [email protected].
The School of Government is committed to equality of educational opportunity. The school does not discriminate in offering access to its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. If you have a disability and need accommodation to participate in any School of Government program, please let us know.
