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!

Click HERE to sign up.

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.

Click HERE to sign up.

  • NCBA – 2026 Criminal Justice Section Annual Program

    As a courtesy to our friends at the NCBA, we are sharing this information about their upcoming Criminal Justice Section CLE. NOTE: Resources and training opportunities from outside IDS are shared for informational purposes only. IDS does not endorse the content of third-party programs, nor do we guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or effectiveness of the […]

  • 2026 Felony Defender Training

    The 2026 Felony Defender Training, co-sponsored by the UNC School of Government and the Office of Indigent Defense Services, is now open. PROGRAM OVERVIEW, DATES, AND LOCATION: The Felony Defender Training will be held at the UNC School of Government on Wednesday, February 4, through Friday, February 6. Topics will include discovery and investigation, suppression and […]

  • Vaya Health LME/MCO Information Session

    Vaya Health LME/MCO Information Session for the following counties: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Caswell, Chatham, Cherokee, Clay, Franklin, Graham, Granville, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Person, Polk, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Swain, Transylvania, Vance, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey   Date/Time: Wednesday, January 21st @ 1pm Registration: here https://nccourts.webex.com/weblink/register/rf1f20ad9b7eb313e05f8843f45752c87 There is no […]

  • Parent Rep Basics

    What you need to know about the Child Welfare System Friday, December 19 8:45 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! CLICK HERE TO VIEW FLYER This training is good for 6 hours of CLE.

  • Parent Representation Basics

    December 19, 2025 Parent Representation Basics: What You Need to Know About the Child Welfare System Location: Jury Assembly Room Haywood County Courthouse 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. To sign up, email [email protected]

  • Perinatal Mental Health

    The 7th and final course in the 2025 Mental Health and Education Series  Perinatal Mental Health Presented by Roxanne Rosenberg, LCMHC, QS, PMH-C Description: This 1-hour training introduces participants to perinatal mental health and its importance in legal matters. The spectrum, etiology, and incidence of perinatal mental health conditions will be discussed. The intersections of […]

  • 2025 Winter Criminal Law Webinar for Indigent Defenders

    Registration for the Winter Criminal Law Webinar is now open. Thanks to the support of the Office of Indigent Defense Services and the UNC School of Government, we are pleased to announce that there is no registration fee for indigent defenders who meet the eligibility criteria described below.   2025_Winter Criminal Law Update_Agenda   The […]

  • 2025 Bridging the Gap Mitigation Conference

    North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina

    Registration is now open for the Bridging the Gap IX Mitigation Conference. The Seminar will be a live in person conference in Raleigh at the AOC Building in Raleigh. (901 Corporate Center Drive) The dates are December 2-4, 2025. The agenda here: BRIDGING THE GAP IX MITIGATION CONFERENCE iiii   REGISTRATION: The registration fee is […]

  • Mitigation for the Noncapital Client – A Series!

    Mitigation for the Noncapital Client – A Series!

    The Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office and the Federal Defender for the Western District of North Carolina are hosting a FREE-to-attend Mitigation for the Non-Capital Client Series, either in person at the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office or through Webex. Each session is 90 minutes (from 12:30-2pm) and is approved for 1.5 hours of other […]

  • The 6 “Rs” of Trauma-Informed Care

    2025 Mental Health and Education Series: Session 6 The 6 “Rs” of Trauma-Informed Care Presented by Carla Huff, LCSW   This session is approved for 60 minutes of CLE Credit.   Schedule: The webinar will be held on Thursday, November 20th from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Please plan to sign on 15 minutes before […]

  • 2025 Misdemeanor Training

    UNC School of Government 400 South Rd., Chapel Hill, United States

    The 2025 Misdemeanor Defender Training, co-sponsored by the UNC School of Government and the Office of Indigent Defense Services, is now open.   PROGRAM OVERVIEW, DATES, AND LOCATION: The Misdemeanor Defender Training will be held at the UNC School of Government on Wednesday, November 12 through Friday, November 14. Topics will include impaired driving, stops […]