APDA Conference 2026

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

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8:15am MST

So You Want to Be an Appellate Lawyer?

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

TBA

This presentation will discuss many of the challenges trial lawyers may experience moving from a pre-conviction caseload to an appellate one. It will also provide tips for lawyers preparing to make the transition to appellate work, and those potentially considering handling appeals and post-conviction relief matters in the future. Finally, it will provide information about the connection between the trial record and appellate work that will aid both sets of practitioners.

Speakers

Ian McCloskey

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defense Services

I am an Arizona native, a graduate of Arizona State University and the University of Arizona's James E. Rogers College of Law, and a career public defender. I spent six years in the felony trial unit at the Pima County Public Defender's Office, including four years specializing in... Read More →

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

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

ETHICS: The Benefits and Challenges of Being a Capital Litigator

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

TBA

Discussion of the benefits and challenges of being a capital litigator, including ethical issues relating to representation and suggestions for moving forward.

Speakers

Erika Warner

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

I have lost count of how long I have practiced law and how long I have been in Capital. I absolutely love OLD and the work that we do.

Gary Beren

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

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

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Hearsay for Humans

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

TBA

Remember the rules governing hearsay without struggle, lay foundation that is as powerful for the jury as it is for the Court, and establish your authority in the Courtroom. Learn a more relaxed approach to introduction of out-of-court statements that will achieve your trial goals without stressing you out and have your opponent on the ropes.

Speakers

Jeremy Zarzycki

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defense Services

I am a senior attorney for the Pima County Public Defender's office. I was previously in private practice for six years and have taught for both our own office and as a coach for University of Arizona Mock Trial

Victoria Otto

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defense Services

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

Courtroom Advocacy

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Justified - Proving Self Defense at Trial

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

TBA

A comprehensive overview of presenting self defense at a jury trial, including real world examples.

Speakers

Ian Service

Attorney, Service Law Group

Mr. Ian Service
Principal Attorney
Owner of Service Law Group PLLCMr. Service is an Arizona defense attorney who has vast experience both as a deputy prosecuting attorney and as a deputy public defender before founding his own firm Service Law Group in 2016. His unique experience from both sides gives him the knowledge a... Read More →

Jeff Cloud

Attorney, JCloud Law

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

Courtroom Advocacy

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

You call that a crime? (Spoiler Alert: Yes!)

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

TBA

We will provide an overview of the School to Prison Pipeline, focusing on cases generated from schools, including Terrorist Threat cases, and how to defend them. We will also discuss the collateral consequences of involvement in the juvenile justice system including services and placements and the impact on youth and their families.

Speakers

Sherri Colson

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Mary McGary

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

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

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Axon’s AI Integrations and the Future of Police Investigations

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

TBA

This course explores Axon’s “AI Era Plan” and its new tools, including Real Time Translation, Draft One, Axon Assistant, and Policy Chat. It examines how these technologies are transforming police investigations and the potential benefits and risks for defense attorneys and clients. Participants will gain practical strategies for addressing AI use in officer interviews and at trial.

Speakers

Emily A. Parker

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

Emily graduated from ASU Law School in 2022 and spent the next year clerking at the Court of Appeals (Division I) for Judge Furuya. She began her practicing career as an attorney in EDC with the Office of the Public Defender before transitioning to trial group with the Office of the... Read More →

Hannah M. Eaton

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Hannah graduated from ASU Law School in 2022 and spent the next year clerking at the Court of Appeals (Division I) for Judge Cattani. She also graduated from ASU with her Masters of Social Work, specializing in Children, Youth and Families. She has been an attorney at the Office of... Read More →

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

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

How to Obtain Legal Services for Your Indigent Client

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

TBA

The presentation will discuss the standards and methods for obtaining expert, investigative, and mitigation resources to help you defend your indigent clients. We will survey different processes from around the state and discuss what you can do to better your chances of having your request for an expert approved.

Speakers

Michael Bernays

Attorney, Maricopa Co. PDS

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

Holistic Representation

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

After the Verdict: Interviewing Jurors

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

TBA

Jurors will provide firsthand experience about what it is really like to sit on a jury. They will help attorneys understand what happens during deliberations, discuss how jury instructions are interpreted, provide insight into common juror misunderstandings and bias, and offer tips for successful courtroom presentations.

Speakers

John Champagne

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Christine Ortega

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Christine is an attorney at the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office. She has worked for the Office for approximately twelve years, handling all felony cases.

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

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Analyzing Duplicity and Multiplicity

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

TBA

Join me for the driest course of the summer! We'll be breaking down the legal frameworks that govern perhaps the two most confusing criminal law concepts – duplicity and multiplicity. If you enjoy listening to lengthy presentations on pure law, or simply can't remember the difference between duplicity and multiplicity to save your life, this course is for you!

Speakers

Scott Boncoskey

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

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

Motion Practice

CLE Hours 1.5
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8:15am MST

When Justice Isn't Served: Rule 8 and Service Violations

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

TBA

When clients are arraigned years after charges were filed or show up with a pile of outstanding warrants from local courts, the reason, more often than we expect, is faulty service. The Arizona Supreme Court requires the State to exercise due diligence in locating the defendant, and most service attempts in Justice and Municipal Courts fail to meet that standard. Courts routinely exclude this time from Rule 8, but these delays are Rule 8 violations when properly argued. This course will teach defenders how to spot service failures, how to investigate and document them, and how to dismiss cases where the delay has exceeded Rule 8 time.

Speakers

Eddie Zakreski

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Attorney, Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender- Justice Courts (12/2024-3/2026)- EDC (3/2026- )

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

Motion Practice

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Investigating and Defending Prison Cases

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

TBA

This course will provide an overview of Arizona Department of Corrections, rehabilitation and reentry (ADCRR). facilities, some of their policies and the unit that will investigate crimes committed while in prison. We'll discuss the classification of inmates, protective custody, security threat groups, gangs, and prison culture to help you represent a client involved in the prison system.

Speakers

Ralph McLaughlin

Private Investigator, Blue Line Research & Consulting

Mr. Ralph McLaughlin is the founder and co-owner of the private investigation firm, Blue Line Research & Consulting whose primary work involves criminal defense and mitigation services. Mr. McLaughlin has been employed by the Arizona Department of Corrections both as a line-level... Read More →

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

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

The Defender's Toolbox for Public Speaking

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

TBA

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

Executive Assistant, 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

Is Originalism Enough? Competing Theories of Law and Constitutional Meaning

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

TBA

Examines whether originalism provides an adequate framework for constitutional interpretation by exploring competing theories of law, including natural law, legal positivism, legal realism, and pragmatic approaches. Provides practical tools for understanding and advancing constitutional arguments grounded in broader jurisprudential traditions shaping how courts interpret the law today.

Speakers

Kevin Heade

Attorney, Pinal Co. Public Defender

Kevin Heade is a Defender Attorney with the Pinal County Public Defender office in Phoenix, Arizona. His work is focused on criminal appeals and other post-conviction matters. Kevin also serves as President of Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona, the chair of the Arizona Attorneys... Read More →

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

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Representing Foreign Nationals in Capital Cases

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

TBA

This session will explore challenges faced by defense teams representing foreign nationals in capital cases, offer strategies for overcoming hurdles, and opportunities to apply International Law.

Speakers

Alyssa Dormer

Attorney, Dormer Law / MCLAP

Harriet McCulloch

Attorney, Reprieve NGO

Harriet McCulloch oversees Reprieve’s regional death penalty work. Reprieve works with fellows and partners around the world to save our clients from execution – and in doing so challenges systems of injustice.

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

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Protecting the Rights of Disabled Parents in Child Welfare Proceedings

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

TBA

This presentation reviews the history and legal framework of the Americans with disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 as they apply to dependency cases, which allege that a child is neglected, abused, or without proper parental care. We'll provide practical strategies for advocating for reasonable accommodations for parents with Intellectual Disability Diagnosis (IDD), including guidance on filing appropriate motions. The presentation also explores legal remedies when the Department of Child Services (DCS) fails to meet its obligations under these laws, as well as the ethical considerations involved in representing parents with IDD.

Speakers

Maryvonne Harbulot

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Denise Carroll

Attorney, Law Office of Denise L. Carroll

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

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

What Every Criminal Defense Lawyer Should Know About Forensic Science

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

TBA

We'll discuss key areas of the field of forensic science that are ripe for challenging during the pretrial and trial stages.

Speakers

Josh Cooner

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

JamieLynn Cooner

Faculty: Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, Scottsdale Community College

JamieLynn Cooner is the Resident Faculty and Coordinator of the Forensic Science Department and Criminal Justice Studies at Scottsdale Community College. JamieLynn has a Masters of Science in Forensic Science and is completing her dissertation for her Doctorate in Education and Forensic... Read More →

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

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Demystifying Gang Cases: From Paper Trails to Prison Terms

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

TBA

This training examines how gang allegations impact criminal cases and equips public defenders with tools to challenge them at every stage. Participants will learn the legal framework, investigative methods, and strategies to contest gang evidence and expert testimony. The course also provides practical trial approaches to effectively defend clients and hold the state to its burden.

Speakers

Katie Gipson McLean

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Katie is an attorney at Maricopa County Public Defender. She has been with the office since 2017. Katie was born and raised in Central Phoenix and is a graduate of Camelback High School. She is a first-generation college student/graduate and has a B.A. in Secondary Education Social... Read More →

Danial Gomez

Investigator, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Danial is a felony trial division investigator at Maricopa County Public Defender. He previously worked for Maricopa County Sheriffs Office and specialized in gang/STG work.

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

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Immigration

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

TBA

This course will discuss the current landscape of Immigration bonds, Habeas, and Writs in a post

Matter of YAJURE HURTADO, 29 I&N Dec. 216 (BIA 2025)context. It will explore the possible ways to get your client back to court to finish their criminal case. It will discuss who is currently eligible and not eligible for immigration bonds and filing of federal Habeas claims and writs

Speakers

Keith Hilzendeger

Attorney, Federal Public Defender

Keith has been a lawyer with the Office of the Federal Public Defender in Arizona since 2008, and has handled direct criminal appeals and state and federal postconviction proceedings on behalf of both state and federal prisoners.

Michael Neufeld

Attorney, Neufeld Law Firm

Michael Neufeld of the Neufeld Law Firm PLC splits his practice evenly between Immigration and Criminal law focusing on the interplay between the two. He is the Chariman of the State Bar of Arizona Criminal Justice Section executive counsel. He previously served as Chairman of the... Read More →

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

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Tried Too Young: What Happens When Adolescence Meets Adult Punishment

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

TBA

This course will provide the law and practical knowledge you need to represent juvenile and young adult clients when they are facing adult felony charges, oftentimes very serious class 2 and 3 felonies, from the time they are charged to plea negotiations and trial. This course will also cover the basics of JTOP - Juvenile Transferred Offender Program - a treatment court program that these clients can participate in if they are given a probation sentence. Bonus material covers the post-conviction relief these clients enjoy in AZ that most other clients cannot take advantage of.

Speakers

Samantha McLaughlin

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Sam is an attorney in the Maricopa County Public Defender's office specializing in the representation of juvenile clients being charged as adults.

Amy Faerber

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Amy is an attorney in the Maricopa County Public Defender's office representing young adults in the JTOP program.

Jessica Jimenez

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Jessica is an attorney in the Maricopa County Public Defender's office who has experience representing adults in felony matters and is currently representing young adults in the JTOP program.

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

Juvenile in Adult Court

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Special Action Crash Course

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

TBA

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.

Speakers

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
TBA

Motion Practice

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

Die or DUI: Challenging Arizona's Arbitrary Limit on Justifications

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

TBA

For over two decades, Arizona courts have prevented defendants from asserting defense and necessity justifications if they are charged with offenses outside Title 13, meaning that defendants fleeing domestic violence cannot claim necessity for a DUI, and someone acting under duress has no defense for hunting violations or prison contraband. The restriction is based on a misreading of Arizona's justification statutes in State v. Fell, and this course will provide a roadmap and legal argument for challenging it.

Speakers

Eddie Zakreski

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Attorney, Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender- Justice Courts (12/2024-3/2026)- EDC (3/2026- )

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

CLE Hours 1.5

1:00pm MST

PLENARY: AI on Trial: Protecting Your Client from Digital Deception

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

AI is quickly being adopted by law enforcement and experts and used by witnesses and victims. Learn how you can tell what evidence is real and what has been altered or created with AI. Explores the dangers of AI in the criminal justice system and get practical tips to consider as AI adoption continues to grow.

Speakers

Brian Chase

Managing Director of Digital Forensics, Archer Hall

Brian Chase is the managing director of digital forensics at ArcherHall. He has worked as a criminal defense attorney and a digital forensics expert for over a decade, and has testified in over 45 matters in State, Federal, and Military courts. Brian also serves as an adjunct professor... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Child Sex Trafficking: Defense Strategies and Ethical Boundaries

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

TBA

This program examines Arizona’s newly enacted mandatory natural-life sentencing statute for adult defendants convicted of Class 2 child sex trafficking. Faculty will walk through statutory triggers, subsection analysis, charging and plea-negotiation strategies, early motion practice, jury-instruction warfare, and constitutional preservation techniques. Emphasis is placed on how defense counsel can restructure litigation around offense classification rather than sentencing ranges, and how to ethically and effectively advocate in cases where a single conviction results in automatic life imprisonment without release.

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 →

Robert Heieck

Attorney, Mohave Co. Public Defender

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

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Untimely and Successive PCRs after Anderson and Traverso

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

TBA

The Arizona Supreme Court has recently issued a handful of important decisions regarding the availability of relief to defendants raising claims in second or successive PCRs. Learn how to use these new decisions to ensure that your clients’ cases are heard on the merits and are not dismissed as being untimely or precluded.

Speakers

Randy McDonald

Attorney, RB McDonald Law

Zach Buchanan

Attorney, Federal Public Defender

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

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Believe It or Not: Current Issues in Capital Trial Cases

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

TBA

Teams involved in recent capital trials discuss unexpected or unusual issues that arose during the course of the proceedings, including third-party defenses, defense expert raw data, DNA issues, pretrial witness interviews, juror issues, and more.

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

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Dependency Updates

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

TBA

This course will provide a review of Dependency appellate cases from the past year and any changes to the current rules and statutes.

Speakers

Joseph Ramiro-Shanahan

Attorney, Law Office of Joseph C. Ramiro-Shanahan

Jessica Strain

Attorney, Law Office of Joseph C. Ramiro-Shanahan

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

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Forensic Firearms Identification

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

TBA

The following topics will be discussed: brief overview of relevant firearms terminology, general firearms knowledge for purposes of reconstruction, forensic firearms analysis for purposes of identifying firearms used in gun crimes.

Speakers

Deborah Stonebarger

Criminalistics Expert, Analytic Investigations

I am a criminalistics subject matter expert with 16 years of experience as a criminalist with the California Department of Justice. I was certified in Comprehensive Criminalistics by the American Board of Criminalistics and have expertise in crime scene and evidence collection, biology/DNA... Read More →

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

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Navigating Crypto: What Every Attorney Needs to Know About Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets

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

TBA

In an increasingly digital economy, cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are reshaping finance, commerce, and the legal landscape. This comprehensive course equips attorneys with the essential knowledge and practical tools needed to advise clients confidently in this rapidly evolving area of law.Participants will begin by mastering the fundamentals of Bitcoin and blockchain technology — including how cryptocurrencies are created, stored, transferred, and secured. The course will then explore critical legal considerations such as regulatory frameworks (federal and state), securities laws, tax implications, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, estate planning for digital assets, smart contracts, and the emerging landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi).

Speakers

Tom Klepper

Financial Cybercrime Investigator, Recon Forensics

Mike Fleischmann

Financial Cybercrime Investigator, Recon Forensics

Donald Ellsworth

Financial Cybercrime Investigator, Recon Forensics

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

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Ethics Game Show and Updates

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

TBA

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

Speakers

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 County 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... Read More →

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

Holistic Representation

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Intro to Autism

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

TBA

This class provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, emphasizing respectful terminology, early diagnosis, and the wide range of behavioral, social, sensory, and cognitive differences associated with autism. It examines the challenges autistic individuals and their families face in legal contexts, including communication barriers, vulnerability, family advocacy burdens, and interactions with schools, law enforcement, courts, and care systems. Through real-world case vignettes, the course highlights practical communication strategies and explores broader legal and social issues such as employment, privacy, family law, mental health proceedings, and the need for more tailored justice system responses.

Speakers

Eileen Spangrud

Partner, Davis Miles

Eileen Spangrud is a criminal and juvenile defense attorney at Davis Miles, PLLC, practicing law since 2007.

Ron Jones

Equity and Managing Partner, Davis Miles

Ron Jones is an equity and managing partner at Davis Miles, PLLC, practicing law since 1990.

Luke Finch

Attorney, Davis Miles

Luke finch is a commercial and civil litigation attorney at Davis Miles, practicing law since 2016.

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

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Humanizing Our Clients Through Mitigation

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

TBA

Over 90% of defendants plead or are convicted at trial. Given these statistics, there is no question that sentencing is the most important event in a criminal case. Getting our clients the best possible outcome at sentencing means presenting their story in the most compelling way to make a judge care. This translates to mitigation not just being necessary, but perhaps the most important part of a defense attorney’s job from day one. This presentation will provide an overview of how to collect mitigation in each of your client’s cases, as well as how to package it altogether to tell a compelling story.

Speakers

Teresa Boden

Social Worker, Pima Co. Public Defender

Teresa has been with the Legal Defender for three years. She works directly with clients to develop their social histories. She is particularly skilled at getting clients to open up and tell the most difficult aspects of their personal stories. Teresa takes that information and produces... Read More →

Cynthia Yializis

Attorney, Federal Public Defender

Cynthia Yializis is an assistant federal public defender for the District of Arizona in Tucson. Cynthia joined this office in March 2024, after having worked as an assistant public defender for Pima County for ten years. Prior to starting her career in indigent defense, Cynthia practiced... Read More →

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

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Probation: The Punishment That Follows You Home

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

TBA

Probation is often sold as leniency, but in practice it is one of the most invasive and least understood forms of punishment imposed on our clients. This course examines the real-world operation of probation in Arizona, breaking down standard and specialized probation terms and how they are routinely interpreted, and weaponized, against our clients. Attendees will explore the breadth of probation officer discretion, the lack of meaningful oversight, and the recurring ways probation practices erode constitutional and statutory rights. The course emphasizes practical defense strategies for counseling clients, challenging unlawful conditions, and responding to alleged violations.

Speakers

Kacie Nickel

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Kacie Nickel has been an attorney with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office for over eight years. She has worked in Early Disposition Court, the Trial Group, and currently serves in the Specialty Court Unit, where she assists clients navigating therapeutic courts. Kacie... Read More →

Katie Krejci

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Katie Krejci is an attorney with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. She earned her J.D. in 2014 from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and has spent her career litigating criminal cases on behalf of indigent defendants. Since 2017, Katie... Read More →

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

CLE 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 County Public Defender’s Office. I have been with Yuma County for five years. Prior to joining the Public Defender’s Office, I worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Yuma for two years as a secretary... Read More →

Alba Marron

Legal Secretary, Yuma Co. Public Defender

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

Mary Sainz

Legal Administrative Specialist, Yuma Co. Public Defender

I am a Legal Administrative Specialist with the Public Defender’s Office 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... Read More →

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

Professional Development

3:15pm MST

First Impact: A Crash Course in Vehicular Homicides and Aggravated Assaults

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

TBA

Apresentation focusing on a general introduction to vehicular homicide and aggravated assault cases for attorneys who haven't handled such cases in the past

Speakers

Alfonso Castillo

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

I have been an attorney for 26 years and a public defender for 25 years. I am cradle Catholic but a practicing Catholic for 37 years. I have always been interested in the confluence of Catholic faith and the law. This interest in the interplay between the law and belief led to my... Read More →

Aurelie Couturier

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

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

CLE Hours 1.5

APDA Conference 2026

From $11.18