APDA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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8:15am MST

The Defender's Toolbox for Public Speaking

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

Explore your potential as a confident and effective speaker with "The Defender's Toolbox for Public Speaking." This is a lively, interactive session that will utilize exercises and approaches to performance that are designed to boost your public speaking skills in a supportive, playful environment. Whether you're gearing up to testify, leading your team, or just looking to spice up your communication abilities, this session is crafted to fit your needs. You'll walk away with useful tools for a variety of speaking settings, a boost to your confidence, and new perspectives on public speaking.

Speakers

Jeni Benavides

Office Staff, National Association for Public Defense

Jeni Benavides is thrilled to work with the NAPD as an Executive Assistant. She previously served as the Training Coordinator with NAPD helping to organize training events and is excited to now apply those skills to the organization as a whole.

Prior to her work with NAPD her background focused on theatre, education, and activism. Jeni served as the Education Director at a local community theatre, and taught introduction to theatre part time at the University of Kentucky. She earned her bachelor’s in theatre performance... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Small Wins, Big Results: Sustainability for Public Defenders

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

Public defenders operate in a uniquely high-stress, high-caseload environment that demands consistent performance under chronic time pressure. This course translates evidence-based principles from Atomic Habits by James Clear and Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness into practical, attorney-specific systems for building sustainable habits, improving daily rhythm, and avoiding burnout. Participants will learn how to design friction-less routines, manage energy, and implement small, durable changes that compound into better courtroom performance, decision-making, and long-term career sustainability.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: The Weight We Carry: Stress, Trauma, and Resilience in Criminal Defense Practice

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

This class explores the psychological and emotional challenges as well as the ethical and practical realities of criminal defense practice. We will discuss how factors such as heavy workloads, secondary trauma, and imposter syndrome contribute to burnout and unhealthy coping behaviors. Participants will learn to recognize warning signs of stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse while learning evidence-based strategies for resilience and self-care. We will also review related ethical rules and how attorneys can best help a struggling colleague.

Speakers

Ross Carponelli

Attorney, Mohave Co. Public Defender

Ross S. Carponelli is a Deputy Public Defender in Mohave County, Arizona, where he represents clients in all types of felony matters. His practice emphasizes strategic motion work, jury-focused advocacy, and disciplined trial decision from pretrial through sentencing.Ross regularly develops and presents tr... Read More →

Dawnese Hustad

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Dawnese Hustad is a Capital Trial Attorney for the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. Before moving to trial work, Dawnese spent 8 years doing felony and capital appeals. Dawnese has represented indigent felony defendants in Maricopa County for all but one of her 19 years... Read More →

Meghann St. Thomas

Attorney, Jeffrey Gil Law

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: No Fluff. No Woo. Stay Sane in the Practice of Law

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This is a practical introduction to mindfulness designed for defenders navigating real stress, real clients, and real deadlines. You’ll learn how your brain works under pressure—and how to work with it instead of against it. We’ll break down simple, science-backed tools to help you manage stress, reduce reactivity, and create more space between what happens and how you respond. Skills you can use immediately—in court, in conversations, and in your day-to-day practice. We'll meet you as you are, and you'll leave with something that helps.

Speakers

Courtney Collins

Attorney, Boyd Collins Law

Courtney Boyd is a dedicated defense attorney holding various defense contracts across the valley. Through the practice of mindfulness, she has transformed her legal career, enhancing both her professional effectiveness and personal well-being. Her experience demonstrates how mindfulness... Read More →

Elizabeth Maupin

Attorney, Alcock and Associates

Elizabeth has practiced for 14 years, beginning as a prosecutor and now serving as the lead misdemeanor attorney at a defense firm. She has worked extensively in mental health treatment courts and is committed to advocating for vulnerable populations.Outside the courtroom, Elizabeth... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Supporting Attorneys with Different Working Styles

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This course is designed for legal staff and support professionals who work closely with attorneys. The audience will learn how attorneys approach deadlines, feedback, and technology differently, and how to best work side by side with them. Get to know your attorneys' expectations, preferences, and needs so you can best support them. By sharing our own observations and approaches it will help other legal staff and support professionals to create stronger working relationships, clearer communication, and overall get a new perspective.

Speakers

Arleene Ojeda

Legal Secretary, Yuma Co. Public Defender

My name is Arleene Ojeda, and I am a Legal Secretary III with the Yuma Co. Public Defender’s . I have been with Yuma Co. for five years. Prior to joining the Public Defender’s , I worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Yuma for two years as a secretary to the Major... Read More →

Alba Marron

Legal Secretary, Yuma Co. Public Defender

I am a Lead Legal Secretary with the Yuma Co. Public Defender’s and have dedicated ten years to public service with Yuma Co.. I began my career at the Co. Attorney’s , where I worked for two and a half years before transitioning to the Public Defender’s .I am currently a participant... Read More →

Mary Sainz

Legal Administrative Specialist, Yuma Co. Public Defender

I am a Legal Administrative Specialist with the Public Defender’s in Yuma, Arizona, where I have nearly eight years of experience supporting attorneys. I hold a bachelor’s degree in public administration, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree. I also serve as a volunteer... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Professional Development