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| TRAINING PROGRAMS |
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| Welcome
to our training page. The programs described below are Training Branch events
designed for appointed counsel, and other professionals who assist appointed
counsel, in federal criminal cases. Registration for each of these programs
is free. The page is divided into programs for panel attorneys, programs
for federal defender staff (which are coordinated through the Federal Judicial
Center), and programs for both panel attorneys and federal defender staff.
In addition, at the bottom of the page we have included links to training
events offered by Federal Defender or Community Defender organizations,
and organizations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. |
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Panel Attorney Programs
Combined Federal Defender Staff and Private CJA Practitioners Programs
Federal Defender Programs
Death Penalty & Habeas Programs
Training Programs Offered by Other Organizations
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| PANEL ATTORNEY PROGRAMS |
| PERSUASIVE WRITING WORKSHOP |
| SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 1, 2012 |
| Contact: Jenna_Shepard@ao.uscourts.gov |
| Final Agenda |
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This hands-on workshop will have participants making use of brainstorming and principles of storytelling and persuasion to craft fact driven written advocacy that persuasively integrates the facts of one's case with relevant legal principles in a way that makes the writing enjoyable and enhances one's chances of winning. Two participants from last year's workshop described their experiences this way:
"Excellent workshop," and "Best course ever." This workshop immediately precedes our Winning Strategies Seminar and is taking place in the same hotel. Registration is limited to 36 participants.
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| WINNING STRATEGIES SEMINAR |
| SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - FEBRUARY 2-4, 2012 |
| Contact: Jenna_Shepard@ao.uscourts.gov |
| **REGISTER HERE** |
| Final Agenda |
The Winning Strategies Seminar brings together a dynamic group of attorneys, professionals and judges, speaking on a wide variety of topics, all specifically designed to keep Panel Attorneys abreast of the most recent and important developments in federal criminal defense. This two-and-a-half day program provides attendees with the opportunity to delve into a host of topics which most often confront federal criminal defense attorneys. Sessions include both large plenary lectures as well as smaller
"break-out" lectures that meet the specific needs of the advanced practitioner and the less experienced attorney alike. Sessions will include such topics as new sentencing strategies in a post-Booker world, neutralizing and using experts, immigration-related defenses and the new
Padilla requirements, understanding and defending computer crimes, persuading judges to move away from over-dependence on the Guidelines, how to attack notices pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 851, defending gun cases, recurring issues in drug cases, how to best take advantage of proffers and cooperation, Supreme Court updates, and ethics.
An additional one-day program, the Fundamentals of Federal Criminal Defense (Fundamentals Track) will be offered at the same time as the Winning Strategies Seminar on Thursday, February 2. Specifically designed for criminal defense attorneys who are new to the CJA panel, it will offer sessions on topics that every new practitioner should master. Please see the Fundamentals listing on this page below for more information.
Please note that we are currently planning to offer the Winning Strategies Seminar again in
May 2012 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. See below on this page for further details. |
| FUNDAMENTALS OF FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE |
| SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO - FEBRUARY 2, 2012 |
| Contact: Jenna_Shepard@ao.uscourts.gov |
| **REGISTER HERE** |
| Draft Agenda |
The Fundamentals of Federal Criminal Defense Program (The Fundamentals Track) is a one-day program specifically designed with the new practitioner in mind. Despite your years of practice in other areas of law, if you are new to the world of federal criminal defense this program will introduce you to a number of vital areas which are essential when providing effective representation in federal criminal court. Unlike more advanced programs, attendees will have the luxury of learning, asking questions and working with other attendees who are likewise new to this difficult area of practice. The Fundamentals Track is a rare opportunity for new CJA panel attorneys, and those seeking to join the Panel, to hear a dynamic group of attorneys, professionals and judges, speak on a wide variety of topics most vital to providing robust and effective representation.
Best of all, the Fundamentals Track is offered on the first day of our Winning Strategies Seminar. This allows attendees of the Fundamentals Track to join in with Winning Strategies attendees for one-and-a-half days after the Fundamentals Track is concluded. Since both programs are offered at the same location attendance in both programs is easy and encouraged. A perfect mix for the new federal criminal defense attorney wishing to get a day of basics and a great look at more complex areas during later sessions.
Participants must register for the Winning Strategies Seminar and the Fundamentals Track separately.
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| WINNING STRATEGIES SEMINAR II |
| MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 10-12, 2012 |
| Contact: LaVerne_Mott@ao.uscourts.gov |
The Winning Strategies Seminar brings together a dynamic group of attorneys, professionals and judges, speaking on a wide variety of topics, all specifically designed to keep Panel Attorneys abreast of the most recent and important developments in federal criminal defense. This two-and-a-half day program provides attendees with the opportunity to delve into a host of topics which most often confront federal criminal defense attorneys. Sessions include both large plenary lectures as well as smaller "break-out" lectures that meet the specific needs of the advanced practitioner and the less experienced attorney alike. Sessions will include such topics as new sentencing strategies in a post-Booker world, neutralizing and using experts, immigration-related defenses and the new Padilla requirements, understanding and defending computer crimes, persuading judges to move away from over-dependence on the Guidelines, how to attack notices pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 851, defending gun cases, recurring issues in drug cases, how to best take advantage of proffers and cooperation, Supreme Court updates, and ethics.
An additional one-day program, the Fundamentals of Federal Criminal Defense (Fundamentals Track) will be offered at the same time as the Winning Strategies Seminar on Thursday, May 10. Specifically designed for criminal defense attorneys who are new to the CJA panel, it will offer sessions on topics that every new practitioner should master. Please see the Fundamentals listing on this page below for more information.
Registration for this program will open in early 2012.
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| FUNDAMENTALS OF FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE |
| MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 10, 2012 |
| Contact:
LaVerne_Mott@ao.uscourts.gov |
The Fundamentals of Federal Criminal Defense Program (The Fundamentals Track) is a one-day program specifically designed with the new practitioner in mind. Despite your years of practice in other areas of law, if you are new to the world of federal criminal defense this program will introduce you to a number of vital areas which are essential when providing effective representation in federal criminal court. Unlike more advanced programs, attendees will have the luxury of learning, asking questions and working with other attendees who are likewise new to this difficult area of practice. The Fundamentals Track is a rare opportunity for new CJA panel attorneys, and those seeking to join the Panel, to hear a dynamic group of attorneys, professionals and judges, speak on a wide variety of topics most vital to providing robust and effective representation. Best of all, the Fundamentals Track is offered on the first day of our Winning Strategies Seminar. This allows attendees of the Fundamentals Track to join in with Winning Strategies attendees for one-and-a-half days after the Fundamentals Track is concluded. Since both programs are offered at the same location attendance in both programs is easy and encouraged. A perfect mix for the new federal criminal defense attorney wishing to get a day of basics and a great look at more complex areas during later sessions.
Registration for the Fundamentals Track will open in early 2012.
Participants must register for the Winning Strategies Seminar and the Fundamentals Track separately.
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| LAW AND TECHNOLOGY SERIES: ELECTRONIC COURTROOM PRESENTATION WORKSHOP |
| MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JULY 19-21, 2012 |
| Contact: Shemiah_Schuler@ao.uscourts.gov |
The Law and Technology Series: Electronic Courtroom Presentation Workshop focuses on the use of modern technology to improve the persuasiveness of courtroom presentations. This workshop is an intensive program where participants will learn to use TrialDirector and PowerPoint products to sharpen their courtroom skills. Attendees will enhance their direct-examination, cross-examination, and opening/closing argument abilities with detailed application and use of these litigation tools. Today, many federal courtrooms will accommodate the latest computer programs, and this technology has proven to be an effective and persuasive addition to lawyers' arsenals. Participation in the Electronic Courtroom Presentation Workshop is particularly valuable for federal criminal defense attorneys. General presentations and demonstrations are supplemented by concentrated small group workshops. In the smaller breakout groups, attendees receive hands-on guidance to apply the information presented in the plenary sessions using facts from a mock case file. Each participant will practice direct and cross-examination, and opening/closing arguments, using Trial Director and PowerPoint software.
In order to participate in this program, participants are required to provide their own laptop computers. g>IntereInterested participants are required to complete a short skill set survey, before their registration request is completed. NOTE: the litigation support software programs in this workshop are designed to work on Windows operating systems
(as opposed to Mac). If accepted, you must bring a laptop running Windows, or a Mac laptop running a virtualized copy of Windows.
Registration for this program will open in early 2012.
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| COMBINED FEDERAL DEFENDER STAFF AND PRIVATE CJA PRACTITIONERS PROGRAMS |
| SENTENCING ADVOCACY WORKSHOP |
| REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 29-31, 2012 |
| Contact: Lauren_Billups@ao.uscourts.gov |
| Draft Agenda |
| **REGISTER HERE** (WAITLIST ONLY) |
| Financial Assistance Application |
The Sentencing Advocacy Workshop focuses on an often neglected, yet extremely important area of practice. Since approximately 97% of federal criminal cases proceed to the sentencing phase, participation in the Sentencing Advocacy Workshop should not be missed. The program presents a comprehensive approach to sentencing advocacy. Participants will learn a process for the development of a persuasive, fact-based sentencing theory and the advocacy skills necessary to advance that theory in writing and during sentencing hearings. Among other subjects, presentations and demonstrations will address changes in federal sentencing law, judging at sentencing, storytelling and persuasive writing. The workshop consists of plenary sessions and small group breakout sessions. In the small groups, participants will use a pending case of their own to brainstorm facts, develop a theory and theme, tell a story, persuasively write a portion of their sentencing memo and discuss what to present and how to conduct the sentencing hearing.
Registration for this workshop is limited to approximately 60 federal defenders
and CJA panel attorneys who have not previously participated in this workshop.
Early registration is encouraged..
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| TRIAL SKILLS ACADEMY |
| SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 22-27, 2012 |
| Contact:
Jenna_Shepard@ao.uscourts.gov |
| Draft Agenda |
| **REGISTER HERE** |
| Financial Assistance Application |
The skills-based Academy has been a tremendous success. This program focuses on (1) the use of a trial advocacy process to facilitate development of a persuasive, fact-based theory and supporting themes, and (2) the advocacy skills necessary to persuasively advance that theory and those themes throughout the trial. The program is conducted by very experienced and skilled faculty as a series of plenary sessions and workshops. The elements of effective litigation advocacy skills are presented in the plenaries and participants then engage in hands-on practice of those skills and receive feedback in small group workshops.
Participation is limited to 60 attendees, with a majority of participants accepted being CJA panel attorneys. Trial Skills Academy is intended for participants with limited recent jury trial experience. Registrants will be placed in a WAITLIST status and sent a Supplemental Information form. In order to be considered for acceptance to the program, registrants must complete and return that form. Those accepted for the program will receive notification in early March 2012.
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| PARALEGAL AND INVESTIGATOR SKILLS WORKSHOP |
| SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 28-30, 2012 |
| Contact: Jenna_Shepard@ao.uscourts.gov |
The Paralegal and Investigator Skills Workshop is a hands-on program providing intensive training in several skills (e.g., interviewing, writing, case management/organization, locating records and witnesses, analyzing documents) that are essential to the daily work of paralegals and investigators in federal defender offices or assigned to CJA panel cases. The program is designed to give participants the opportunity to learn by doing, using a combination of plenary sessions and interactive small group breakouts. In the small groups, participants practice the skills introduced in the plenary sessions, using the facts of a model case.
In this year's workshop, a small number of participants will also use electronic case management techniques (through CaseMap and Adobe) in working on the model case.
Please note that, due to the workshop format of this program, participants will be required to attend all sessions. Registration will be limited to 70 participants. Approximately 6 of the 70 will be selected in advance of the program to participate in a small group that will integrate techniques in electronic case management into their small group skills exercises.
Participants of all experience levels are welcome, but please note the following eligibility requirements for this program: (1) participants must be employees with paralegal and/or investigator duties in a federal defender office, or regularly perform such duties in conjunction with CJA panel attorney appointments; and (2) participation will be limited to those who have not attended this workshop in the past.
Registration for this program will open in early March 2012.
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| MULTI-TRACK CRIMINAL DEFENSE SEMINAR |
| CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 23-25, 2012 |
| Contact: Jenna_Shepard@ao.uscourts.gov |
The Multi-Track Federal Criminal Defense Seminar offers in-depth instruction in a variety of substantive areas of federal criminal defense practice. Sessions in each substantive area are grouped into tracks. In the past, tracks have included areas such as experts/forensics, immigration, trial skills, and sentencing. The tracks will be presented in distinct time blocks of four or more one-hour sessions. All sessions will be repeated over the three-day program, allowing participants the opportunity to complete two to three separate tracks over the course of the seminar. This design will enable each participant to identify his or her individual educational needs from among the offered tracks, and to pick and choose those that will best help round out the attorney’s individual practice. The tracks are presented in “break-out” sessions that are conducted in smaller classroom settings, permitting a greater degree of interaction between attendees and lecturers.
In addition to the offered tracks, the seminar includes larger plenary sessions. These sessions will address topics of general interest and importance to most criminal defense practitioners.
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| FEDERAL DEFENDER PROGRAMS |
| SEMINAR FOR FEDERAL DEFENDER INVESTIGATORS AND PARALEGALS |
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 18, 2012 |
| For more information regarding this program, including registration materials, contact Chuck Arberg at the Federal Judicial Center at (202) 502-4050 or e-mail him at carberg@fjc.gov.
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| This seminar for federal defender investigators and paralegals is held annually in conjunction with the National Defender Investigator Association (NDIA).
This year, the NDIA's National Conference will take place on April 19-20.
The NDIA programming includes a variety of topics of interest to those working on federal criminal cases.
See www.ndia.net for more information on, and to register for, the NDIA's National Conference.
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| NATIONAL SEMINAR FOR FEDERAL DEFENDERS (aka "Advanced Federal Defender Seminar") |
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 30-JUNE 1, 2012 |
| For more information regarding this program, including registration materials, contact Chuck Arberg at the Federal Judicial Center at (202) 502-4050 or e-mail him at carberg@fjc.gov.
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| This seminar is held annually and is designed for federal defenders and assistant federal defenders who have been practicing criminal law a minimum of three years. It includes a mix of topics on substantive federal criminal law, trial tactics, appellate practice, evidence, computer technology, ethics, and sentencing issues. The topics are presented in both plenary and breakout sessions.
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| APPELLATE WRITING WORKSHOP FOR FEDERAL DEFENDERS |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - SEPTEMBER 5-7, 2012 |
For more information regarding this program, including registration materials, contact Chuck Arberg at the Federal Judicial Center at (202) 502-4050 or e-mail him at carberg@fjc.gov |
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Through a mix of lectures and small group exercises, this seminar provides in-depth instruction in legal writing. Each participant writes a brief in advance of the program using a provided sample case file. A particularly valuable segment of the program is a panel discussion with U.S. Court of Appeals judges in which they provide guidance on what they find persuasive in appellate advocacy.
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| TRAINING PROGRAMS OFFERED BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS |
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Financial Assistance for Trial Skills Training
Association of Federal Defense Attorneys (AFDA)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
National Criminal Defense College (NCDC)
National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA)
National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA)
Western Trial Advocacy Institute (WTAI)
National Defender Investigator Association (NDIA)
20th Annual Seminar on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
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