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.
Holistic Wellness Event
Does your criminal defense work have you stressed, frazzled, and overwhelmed?
Looking for an option that is accessible and can provide immediate relief?
Research shows that mindfulness-based practices can improve overall health and well-being in a relatively short period of time.
In the midst of our striving, achieving, tending to the needs of others, we rarely find time to slow down and make time for ourselves. You work long hours, in an adversarial system, often skip meals, and rarely have time for a break. While this helps you excel in your role, this takes a toll on your body.
Working long hours, meeting client needs, multi-tasking, a competitive work environment, irregular eating habits, sedentary lifestyle and poor sitting postures lead to high stress, tension, sickness and takes a toll on your mental and physical health. In fact, an international report by the World Health Organization found that depression is the most disabling illness for professionals, second only to cardio-vascular diseases.
Life outside of work can also be busy and stressful and many people have a hard time finding time for regular practice.
For this reason, we have designed a program for you to make time for your wellness!
Soon, yoga and meditation sessions will be offered.
Learn more about Patrice here and join us on Friday, March 15th from 12:45pm-1:45pm to meet your instructor and provide feedback on what is important for you to participate moving forward.
Date and Time: Friday, March 15th from 12:45pm-1:45pm
Link: https://nccourts.webex.com/weblink/register/re68bb2175ebf57b7963d9f9cbc5af358
This program is grant-funded through the support of NC IOLTA
