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.
‘Whiskey in the Courtroom’ 12: Neurodiversity
Indigent Defense Services and the Duke Law Center for Criminal Justice and Professional Responsibility are pleased to announce the twelfth annual CLE, “Whiskey in the Courtroom: Evolving Trends in Forensic Science.” Whiskey 12 will take place on March 6, 2026 at Duke Law School.
Forensic science experts and attorneys who have litigated cases involving complex scientific evidence will present on a range of topics to help attorneys understand the latest trends in forensic evidence, limitations to this evidence, and legal challenges that can be made. This year the program will have a special focus on Neurodiversity in the Courtroom.
The program is open to NC criminal defense and parent attorneys and their staff, investigators, mitigation specialists, and other defense team members.
The program will carry 6 CLE hours, including one ethics hour, one professional well-being hour, and one technology hour.
Use the following link for more information AND TO REGISTER:
2026 Symposium: Whiskey in the Courtroom | Duke University School of Law
We look forward to seeing you in March!
