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.

  • Spring Public Defender and Investigator Conference

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

    This year’s conference will be offered remotely through a Zoom meeting platform. Registrants will receive a unique link to view the program live, which we encourage you to attend if you are able so that you can ask questions and participate in any discussions or activities. If you are unable to participate in all live […]

  • Summer Criminal Law Webinar

    North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts 901 Corporate Center Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina
  • Defender Trial School

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

    Participants will use their own cases to develop a cohesive theory of defense at trial and to apply that theory through all stages of a criminal trial, including voir dire, opening and closing arguments, and direct and cross-examination. This program is open to public defenders and private attorneys who perform a significant amount of appointed […]

  • Parent Attorney Conference

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