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.
2026 Child Support Enforcement Course
The 2026 Child Support Enforcement course, co-sponsored by the UNC School of Government and the Office of Indigent Defense Services, is now open.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW, DATE, AND LOCATION: Child Support Enforcement will be held at the School of Government on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Topics will include civil and criminal contempt; trending issues involving incarceration; practical tips for attorneys who represent respondents in enforcement proceedings; appeals; and more.
We will announce the final agenda soon.
FEE: The registration fee for private assigned and managed assigned counsel is $200. 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 5:00 PM on Monday, February 2, 2026. Please refer to the scholarship website for additional information.
REGISTRATION: Register here for the Child Support Enforcement course. The registration deadline is 5:00 PM on Monday, February 9, 2026.
CLE CREDIT: The final CLE credit hours are subject to NC State Bar approval and the final agenda. This program will offer up to 5.0 hours of continuing legal education credit, including 1.0 hours of ethics credit.
HOTEL INFORMATION: A block of rooms is available at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham (6121 Farrington Rd., Chapel Hill, NC) for $114 plus tax. The hotel reservation deadline is 5:00 PM on Monday, February 2, 2026. To reserve a room, please refer to the hotel’s website here or call the hotel at (919) 403-8700 and ask for room block “90Y” or “Child Support Enforcement”.
TRAVEL INFORMATION: Contact Shannon Simmons, IDS Accounts Payable Supervisor, at [email protected] or (919) 890-1660. IDS shall directly reimburse the travel expenses of all IDS employees who attend education programs as participants or invited speakers in accordance with State and IDS rules and regulations governing such reimbursements. 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 Brooke Cale at [email protected].
