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.
The IRP-Interdisciplinary Representation Program
Attention Parent Defenders:
The IRP-Interdisciplinary Representation Program essentially places contract social workers with parent attorneys (at their request) in the same manner that the DSS social worker is assigned to the child. The IRP social worker is considered a part of the attorney’s legal team and the attorney client privilege would extend to them while they are assisting the client with completing the requirements from their out of home service agreement.
If you have questions about this program, please feel free to reach out! The IRP Program is currently in Cleveland, Buncombe, Mecklenburg, and New Hanover counties. *The next round of applications for the IRP Program should be open around the summertime.
Point of Contact:
Sharice J. Zachary, MSW | Social Worker- Interdisciplinary Representation Program Manager
NC Office of Indigent Defense Services | Office of the Parent Defender
123 W. Main Street, Suite 308
Durham, NC 27701
919-354-7230