APDA Conference 2026: Full 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.

Faculty

Jeni Benavides

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
Dolores

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Special Action Crash Course

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

Dolores

A general overview of special actions. The course will go over the recently amended rules of procedure for special actions and provide helpful tips. In particular, we will cover when to file, what to file, how to file, and ways to improve the chances the court will take jurisdiction.

Faculty

Grahame McNevin

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Appellate attorney at the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office.

Zachary Stern

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Zach is a defense lawyer at the Maricopa County Public Defender's where he has been employed for 4 years. He co-wrote with Grahame an article on Rule 7 changes after 2018. He has (tried to) litigated Rule 7 issues in the court of appeals.

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

Motion Practice

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Ethics Game Show and Updates

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

Dolores

Join us for a discussion using hypotheticals focusing on ER 1.2-1.4 and a lawyers' willful ignorance of "bad facts".

Faculty

Sarah Howard

Attorney, Yuma Co. Public Defender

Sarah Howard is a law school graduate of Capital University Law School. She brings a multidisciplinary background to legal education, informed by prior military service, public service, and hands-on legal practice across criminal, appellate, and child welfare settings. Before entering... Read More →

Micah Friedman

Attorney, Micah Friedman Law

Shannyn Collins

Attorney, Yuma Co. Public Defender

Shannyn Collins, Deputy Yuma Co. Public DefenderEducation: Bachelor of Arts from Miami University (Ohio), Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)Admitted to practice law in Arizona in 2025As a newly admitted attorney, I have taken the MPRE as well... Read More →

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

Holistic Representation

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

APDA Conference 2026

8:15am MST

Jeni Benavides

10:00am MST

Grahame McNevin

Zachary Stern

3:15pm MST

Sarah Howard

Micah Friedman

Shannyn Collins

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