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.
IDS Forensic Science Education Series
IDS Forensic Science Education Series
These opportunities are virtual events, the first Thursday of every month at 12:30 p.m. via Webex.
The series is open to any legal professional working on a criminal defense team. (This includes attorneys, private investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and legal assistants on criminal defense teams.)
*Click the following link for more information:
2023 IDS Forensic Science Education Series – Forensic Resources
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2023 Schedule:
Feb. 2, 2023: Quality Issues in Firearms Cases – Jordan Duhe Willetts and Kathleen Clardy
Mar. 2, 2023: Forensic Lab Quality Systems – Timothy Suggs and Jordan Duhe Willetts
Mar. 10, 2023: Whiskey in the Courtroom – Evolving Trends in Forensic Science: DNA Evidence (offered in-person only, separate registration required)
Apr. 6, 2023: Firearms 101 – Josh Wright
May 4, 2023: Challenging Firearms Evidence – Julia Leighton
June 1, 2023: Biomechanics and Head Injuries – Dr. Mireille Kelley
July 6, 2023: Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations – Dr. Sara Jennings
Aug. 3, 2023: Neuropsychology of Brain Injury in Criminal Contexts – What Attorneys Need to Know – Dr. Shawn Acheson
Sept. 7, 2023: Understanding the Role of Trauma in Offending and De-stigmatizing Psychopathy – Jan Tate, LCSW, MEd, CSOTP
Oct.-Dec. 2023: TBA
