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 Civil Defense Special Topic
The 2026 Civil Defense Special Topic, co-sponsored by the UNC School of Government and the Office of Indigent Defense Services, is now open.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW, DATES, AND LOCATION: This program will be held at the UNC School of Government on Thursday, March 19, through Friday, March 20. Sessions will focus on the various stages of a juvenile proceeding from preliminary procedures through post-disposition. Teaching methods include plenary lectures and small-group workshops, as well as an interactive Gallery Walk, where attendees will learn about the different service settings and programs commonly used with justice-involved youth. Throughout the Gallery Walk, attendees will rotate among several stations where they will gain insight into the programs and services that juveniles may interact with and have the chance to ask questions they have not had the opportunity to ask before.
The agenda is forthcoming.
FEE: The registration fee for private assigned and managed assigned counsel is $325. 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 Friday, February 27. Please refer to the scholarship website for additional information.
REGISTRATION: Register here for the Civil Defense Special Topic. The registration deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6.
CLE CREDIT: The program will offer approximately 12 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) 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 $140 plus taxes and fees valid for stay dates of March 18-20. The hotel reservation deadline is Wednesday, February 25. The rate includes complimentary breakfast and free internet. To reserve a room, please refer to the hotel’s website or call the hotel directly at (919) 403-8700 and mention group code “90X” or “Civil Defense Special Topic 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].
