FD.org's Criminal Defense Topics (CDTs) can be accessed via the password protected side of FD.org. DSOTD has launched a new CDT: "…
Read Full SpotlightThe Defender Services Office Training Division (DSOTD), furthers the right to effective assistance of counsel by providing training and other resources to attorneys appointed under the CJA.
Spotlight
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DSOTD Launches New Criminal Defense Topic: CJA Funding
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2026 National Seminar for Federal Defenders (Advanced Defenders)
The 2026 National Seminar for Federal Defenders (Advanced Defenders) is an in-person, invite-only conference for Federal Defender attorneys, which will take place May 27-29, 2026 in New Orleans,…
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Charles Willson Appointed as Next Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit appoints Charles F. Willson as the…
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Featured Training Events
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May 20, 2026 (1:00PM–2:00PM)
Virtual
Women clients often have complex histories of trauma and abuse, normally at the hands of people in positions of authority or power. The…
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Jun. 17, 2026 (1:00PM–2:00PM)
Virtual
This presentation is about exploring creative approaches to reviewing and decoding not only the typical records gathered through scorched-earth…
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Jun. 23, 2026 (2:00PM) – Jun. 24, 2026 (6:00PM)
Virtual
Women are a powerful force within the federal defense community: from serving as receptionists, paralegals and investigators to mitigation…
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Latest News
A federal judge in Michigan was sentenced on Wednesday to six months of probation and ordered to pay $1,175 in fees and costs after he pleaded no contest on Wednesday to a misdemeanor drunken-driving charge, according to…
Read Full News PostThis Tenth Circuit case is interesting for two reasons. One, it accepts the government's concession that it's plain error to sentence an assault defendant more harshly simply…
Read Full News PostThe Justice Department said on Friday it was seeking to expand the use of the death penalty in federal capital cases and add the firing squad, electrocution and gas to lethal injection as methods of execution, according to…
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CLE Information Center
Information about general CLE regulations by state and how the DSO Training Division as a "Sponsor" facilitates CLE for its programs.
Featured Criminal Defense Topics
Other Resources
Featured Resource:
The Defender Services Office has established a partnership with National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) to provide training and resources to CJA practitioners around the country on immigration-related issues.