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

Preserve, Present, Prevail: The Art of Criminal Lower Court Appeals in Arizona

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

This presentation will explore unique and creative ways to preserve the record. It will provide guidance on how to present the best lower court appeals presentations you can. Lower court appeals are a unique animal that requires different rules and different strategy.

Speakers

Rhonda Neff

Owner/Attorney, Law Offices of Rhonda Neff

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Appeals

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Capital Case Rule Amendments and Issues

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

Discussion of pending Rule 19.1 amendments, ex parte requests

Speakers

David Euchner

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defense Services / AACJ

David Euchner is the appellate unit supervisor and resource counsel of the Pima County Public Defender’s Office, professor of practice in criminal law and criminal procedure at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, and the co-author of the Arizona Criminal Practice... Read More →

Kerri Chamberlin

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Kerri L. Chamberlin is the Attorney Supervisor of the Capital PCR Section of the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Advocate. She has practiced criminal appellate and post-conviction law for 28 years. In addition to supervising Capital PCR attorneys and mitigation specialists, Chamberlin... Read More →

Raquel Centeno-Fequiere

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

Raquel Centeno-Fequiere started her legal career as an ADA at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. When she moved to Arizona in 2001 she joined the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Advocate as a defense attorney where she started capital work as a second chair in 2005. In 2011... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Capital

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

ETHICS: Representing Children and Parents in Juvenile Court

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

This course will review the duties and responsibilities under the Rules of Procedure for the Juvenile court placed on an attorney representing a child under Rule 306 and an attorney representing a parent under rule 307. We will examine how those responsibilities manifest in real-world situations and how they interact with the rules of professional conduct that apply to both attorneys and staff.

Speakers

Rachel Metelits

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Jeremiah Jensen

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

Erin Bevins

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

How To Fight Forensic Genetic Genealogy and Demonstrate DNA Debacles

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

This course provides defense attorneys with a practical understanding of forensic genetic genealogy (FGG) and how it is used in criminal investigations. Attendees will learn how FGG cases are built, where errors and assumptions can occur, and how investigative decisions—not just lab results—impact outcomes. The course will highlight common pitfalls in DNA interpretation, limitations in current methodologies, and areas where overstatement or misapplication of genetic evidence can occur. Participants will leave with strategies to critically evaluate FGG evidence and identify weaknesses for cross-examination and case development.

Speakers

Christine Burke

Expert, Strategic Intelligence Services

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Forensics

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Location Data - Is It as Reliable as Police Claim?

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

The use of location data by law enforcement continues to grow, but are they using it correctly? This CLE will cover the latest developments in law enforcement use of location data. You'll learn what's right, what's wrong, and how to challenge the data.

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Forensics

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

How to Be Legally Competent for Your LGBTQ+ Clients in the Changing Legal Landscape

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

This course will discuss defenders' responsibility to stay informed about legal changes affecting our LGBTQ+ clients so we can continue to develop our competency and best represent them. Issues such as challenges to the availability of gender-affirming care and accurate legal documentation, a renewed surge in acceptance of practices like conversion therapy, and the recission of agency policies that were formerly protective of LGBTQ+ people, and the real-world consequences of these changes will be discussed.

Speakers

Marshall Bryan

Paralegal, Pima Co. All OPDS Offices

Marshall has been a paralegal serving at the Pima County Public Defender's Office for 5 years. He holds two bachelor's degrees from Arizona State University (ASU), one in Religious Studies and another in the Philosophy of Morality, Politics, and Law. and a post-degree paralegal certificate... Read More →

Audrey Baumgartner

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defense Services

Audrey is originally from Minneapolis, MN. She attended Drake Law School in Des Moines, IA before moving to Tucson, AZ upon graduation. She started as a law clerk with the Pima County Public Defender's Office in August 2022 and transitioned to a felony trial attorney in November 2022... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Holistic Representation

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

ETHICS: Criminal Immigration Basics, Ethics, and Updates

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

This course will explain the basics of how to not get your client deported. We provide an introduction into the ethical obligations a defender owes to their client and explain the basics of the interplay between immigration and criminal law.

Speakers

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 →

Tracy Abastillas

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Tracy Abastillas is the Criminal Immigration Resource Attorney at the Office of the Public Defender in Maricopa County (MCPD). Mrs. Abastillas consults with attorneys throughout the MCPD regarding the immigration consequences of clients’ charges and plea offers. She conducts new... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Immigration

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

ETHICS: Juror Investigations by MCAO

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

In a homicide case, MCAO asked the court to strike for some potential jurors for cause, but the court did denied their request and did not strike them. MCAO then used their access to law enforcement databases to investigate those jurors solely for the purpose of gaining private information to be used in another attempt to have them removed for cause. We will discuss the litigation, the pleadings, the outcomes, and what it means for jury selection in the future.

Speakers

Victoria Washington

Attorney, Masada Law

Started with the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office in 1997, hung out there for a LONG time and wore a few hats. Went itno the Capital Litigation Unit in 2003. Left the Office, started her own firm where she is contract counsel with a Capital Defense and Major Felony Contract... Read More →

Kellie Sanford

Attorney, Kellie Sanford Law

Kellie also started out with the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office. She also has her own firm, has a Major Felony Contract and has recently completed a death penalty trial in Maricopa County.

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Jury

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

ETHICS: After Closing Argument / Post-Verdict / Post-Mistrial Practice

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

Mistrial declared, or your case came back on appeal, or bombshell information surfaces post-closing argument. Now what? A practical approach to post-closing argument litigation, pre-retrial strategizing, and the benefits that flow from active trial work; includes excerpts from Courtroom Audio / Video and ETHICS.

Speakers

Samuel Doak

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Attorney at The Maricopa County Office of the Legal Advocate for about 6 years. Prior to that, Sam was an attorney at the Maricopa County Public Defender for 5 years. He also has prior experience in Tucson and San Diego.

Kush Govani

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

Maria McKee

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Motion Practice

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Developing Your Reputation as a Non-Lawyer

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

Non-lawyers play an essential role in public defense, bringing unique perspectives and valuable skills to their teams and clients. In this session, we’ll discuss the opportunities and challenges non-lawyers face when shaping their professional reputation. Whether you’ve been in public defense for years or are just getting started, you’ll find practical strategies for presenting yourself authentically, building trust, and highlighting your strengths. This session will focus on real experiences and core values that help non-lawyers stand out as effective advocates and collaborators. Join us in a welcoming and supportive space to connect with others, share what works, and discover ways to develop your reputation with confidence and integrity.

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

ETHICS: Don’t give up: Processing Unexpected and Unfair Losses and Setbacks in Your Legal Practice.

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

The class is an open forum where the panel and attendees will share their personal experiences with unexpected unfair losses and setbacks and discuss their own processes for anticipating and assimilating in their practice.

Speakers

Alicia Dominguez

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Richard Randall

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

I've been an attorney for 33 years and a public defender for 20 years. I've been a practicing Christian for over 50 years. Faith based principles, practice, and study has been a core component of my legal career. I have written a number of criminal defense based articles addressing... Read More →

R.J. Parker

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

Professional Development

8:15am MST

Flow and Breathe: All Levels Urban Yoga Reset

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

The class will be gentle all levels movement (somatic movement and gentle stretch) followed by breathwork and techniques to apply it to self practice

Speakers

Amy Charles

Professional Yogi and Studio Owner, Urban Yoga

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Professional Development

8:15am MST

Prison as a Death Sentence: When the State Incarcerates Your Medically Vulnerable Client

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

This session examines how recent rulings, including Jensen v. Thornell, recognize systemic medical neglect in Arizona prisons and their impact on medically fragile clients. Participants will learn how to use these findings and proportionality arguments to challenge incarceration at sentencing. The course also provides practical tools to preserve the record for future clemency and commutation efforts.

Speakers

Jared Keenan

Executive Director & Chief Litigation Counsel, Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest

Jared Keenan is the Executive Director and Chief Litigation Counsel of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest, where he engages in impact litigation focused on government accountability, voting rights, and protecting the civil and constitutional rights of Arizonans. He... Read More →

Laila Ikram

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Olivia Hicks

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Olivia is a trial attorney at the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office. She has fiercely litigated numerous cases, earning positive plea and trial results. Olivia has unique experience working on high-profile media cases. Most notably she litigated high profile homicide cases... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Sentencing

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Oral Arguments: Preparing for the Podium

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

This course will explain the process of seeking oral argument in special actions and appeals. It will also focus on the importance of oral arguments and best practices.

Speakers

Grace Guisewite

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Grace Guisewite is a capital appeals attorney and attorney supervisor at the Maricopa County Office of the Legal Advocate. After graduating from Boston University School of Law, Grace worked as an associate for Dechert LLP, where she primarily practiced white collar and securities... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Appeals

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Representing Clients in Clemency and Parole Cases

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

The clemency and parole process may be the last resort for many people to obtain relief / release from incarceration. This session will focus on: (1) determining eligibility for clemency and parole, (2) preparing for these hearings, (3) representation in these hearings before the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency and what to expect, (4) the importance of a release plan, and (5) strategies if your case is recommended to the Governor. (Note: this session may go hand-in-hand with a course proposal regarding 603(L) orders and clemency eligibility within 90 days of sentencing).

Speakers

Katie Puzauskas

Attorney, Arizona Justice Project

Katie Puzauskas is the Development and Legal Strategy Coordinator for the Arizona Justice Project. Katie has been involved in post-conviction advocacy and litigation for more than 16 years, working with the Arizona Justice Project and as Legal Supervising Attorney for the ASU Law... Read More →

Tansha Harrell

Director of Social Work, Arizona Justice Project

Susan Stodola

Expert, Former Member of the Board of Executive Clemency

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Appeals

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

OPDS Updates for Capital Cases

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

Information relating to the capital cases and representation in Maricopa County cases.

Speakers

Rosemarie Pena-Lynch

Director, Maricopa Co. PDS

Steve Koestner

Director, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Capital

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Complex Ethical Issues in Dependency Cases

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

A dependency case is initiated by a state agency (like Child Protective Services) when a child is alleged to be abused, neglected, or abandoned. The court determines if the parent is unable to provide proper care, often resulting in court-ordered services, family supervision, or temporary removal of the child to ensure their safety. Join us for a discussion about the complicated ethical issues that arise in dependency cases, including the scope of Parent and Child Representation, and how to address them.

Speakers

Brian Strickman

Attorney, Strickman Law

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Westlaw, AI, and You

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

This course introduces new AI features in Westlaw that make our lives easier. Learn data security, best practices for using AI, how to avoid pitfalls.

Speakers

Abigail Smith

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Forensics

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: When Your Criminal Client Becomes a Victim of the Civil System

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

As Criminal or Juvenile attorneys, we often see the intersection of other agencies that have failed or hurt our clients. When does a criminal or DCS case turn into a civil case? This course will explore police brutality cases, sexual assault, and physical abuse cases. This will also explore real-life examples as well as time limits on reporting these types of cases.

Speakers

Caitlin Engstrand

Attorney, National Injury Attorneys

Leland Damner

Private Investigator, Outback Adjusting and Investigative Services

Leland Damner: Leland is licensed Arizona private investigator. Leland has worked in public defense work and privately as an investigator in civil and criminal cases.

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Holistic Representation

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Extradited Innocence - The Case of Javier Lorenzano-Nunez

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

Javier is a Mexican national who was kidnapped off the streets and Tijuana, extradited to Maricopa County and charged with a cold case homicide from 1998. Through extensive investigation, work, and motions, MCAO ultimately dismissed the case. Javier is innocent. We will discuss the egregious misconduct by both PPD and MCAO, what to watch out for in cold case investigations, what investigation you need to do yourself, and motions practice for an innocent client.

Speakers

Bill Daniels

Investigator, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Retired Homicide investigation from California, current homicide investigator at OLA

Jessica Valdivia-Luna

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Homicide Attorney, Office of the Legal Advocate

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Investigation

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Overview of Using Genetics in Mitigation

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

This course explores the growing use of behavioral and psychiatric genetic information in legal settings, including research linking genetic variants to disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and depression. It introduces key concepts like epigenetics and intergenerational trauma and their potential relevance to mitigation. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how this emerging science may be used in defense advocacy.

Speakers

Tennie Martin

Attorney, Federal Public Defender

After being frustrated as a CPA, Tennie went to law school to become a public defender and has never looked back, She was at the Maricopa County Public Defender Office where she rose to Chief of Appeals before going onto wok at the Capital Habeas Unit at the Tampa Feederal Defender... Read More →

Donna Lee Elm

Attorney, Federal Public Defender

Donna Lee Elm was in the Maricopa County Public Defender Office for 12 years before going to the Phoenix Federal Defender Office. She later was appointed to be the Federal DEfender for the Middle DIstrict of Florida. Upone retirement, Donna does fedeeral appeals.

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Mitigation

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Litigating Delay: Pre-Indictment, Post-Indictment, and Sentencing

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

This course will cover the basics of what you need to know about pre and post-indictment delay. There will also be a discussion of potential updates in the area of sentencing delay given the right to a speedy trial no longer applies post-conviction.

Speakers

Jesse Turner

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

I have 20 years of experience at the Maricopa County Public defender's Office, the last 9 in appeals.

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Motion Practice

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Prepare to Win: Pre-Trial Preparation

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

This class is designed for the purposeful, experienced attorney who approaches litigation with clarity, strategy, and relentless focus on results. It delivers a practical framework for mastering pre-trial preparation, from aggressive discovery tactics to thorough investigation, effective client and witness interviews, and precise witness preparation. Participants will refine the skills needed to build stronger cases, anticipate opposition, and enter trial fully prepared to win.

Speakers

Carissa Jakobe

Attorney, Law Office of Carissa A. Jakobe

Carissa has practiced criminal defense for 19 years, starting at Maricopa County Public Defender and Legal Defender and opening a private practice in 2012. Her focus is on major felony cases at the trial level, as well as PCR's and appeals.

Christopher Doran

Owner and Lead Attorney, Doran Justice

Chris Doran has been a practicing attorney in the Phoenix area for 9 years, doing primarily criminal defense and post-conviction relief. Chris started handling Set Aside and Restoration of Rights applications early on in his career, and he hasbeen handling Sealing and Marijuana Expungement... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Motion Practice

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Advanced Legal Assistant Training: From Support Staff to Strategic Partner

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

This program reframes the legal assistant role from task execution to strategic partnership. It focuses on anticipatory thinking, trial-ready preparation, risk awareness, mitigation development, and professional judgment. Providing the tools of how skilled legal assistants multiply attorney effectiveness and strengthen outcomes across criminal practice.

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Spanish for Gringos: Spanish Words for Defenders Representing Clients from Northern Mexico

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

Many of our non-citizen clients are from Northern Mexico which is a cartel stronghold. Learn about the geopolitical history of the area as well as words that are unique to the region.

Speakers

Daisy Bustamante

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defender

Twyla Haggerty

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defender

Twyla has been a bilingual crimmigration attorney in the Pima County Public Defender's Office for four years.

Ariana Adams

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defender

Originally from Florida, Ariana has been an attorney for a year and a half in the Pima County Public Defender's office. She has thrown herself into representing non-citizen clients. Originally from Florida, Ariana has been an attorney for a year and a half in the Pima County Public... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Challenging the Score: How to Identify Errors in the Presentence Report and Begin Breaking a Rigged System

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30pm MST

TBA

This presentation examines how presentence interviews and the FROST risk assessment tool influence sentencing outcomes. Participants will learn how scoring decisions are made, where errors or misunderstandings can inflate risk levels, and how to better prepare clients for the process. The course also offers practical strategies to challenge inaccurate reports and advocate for fairer sentencing outcomes.

Speakers

Julian Kanter

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender

Keenan Rambo

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender

Matt Warzynski

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30pm MST
TBA

Sentencing

CLE Hours 1.5

11:45am MST

AWARDS LUNCHEON

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 1:15pm MST

TBA

Thursday June 18, 2026 11:45am - 1:15pm MST
TBA

1:30pm MST

Habeas Refresher 2026

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

A review of how to file a federal habeas petition on behalf of a state prisoner, and recent developments in this area of the law.

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.

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Appeals

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Representing Veterans In Criminal Cases: A Deeper Dive

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

Military Veterans undergo an experience far removed from the vast majority of those who sit in judgment of them in the criminal justice system. The military experience, particularly if it involves combat, indelibly shapes the veteran and often has significant causal or mitigating implications. At core, as mandated by Porter v. McCollum, 558 US 30 (2009), the lawyer’s role and obligation in a veteran’s case is to investigate and tell that vet’s story -- to translate this uncommon experience into a human narrative that not only engenders the comprehension of a prosecutor, judge, jury but also evokes their compassion. This practical instruction will assist lawyers by exploring the veteran experience, the "typical" veteran, lawyer-veteran client interaction, acquiring and interpreting military records, interview techniques, and a discussion of an archetypical veteran mitigation brief and sentencing hearing.

Speakers

Art Cody

Director, Center for Veteran Criminal Advocacy

Captain Art Cody, USN (Retired) is the Director of the Center for Veteran Criminal Advocacy. His military career spans over thirty years and he has served worldwide. Art began his career as an Army helicopter pilot followed by a similar role in the Navy Reserve flying for a Strike... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Capital

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Case Law Update 2025-26

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

An annual review of important cases from Arizona state courts.

Speakers

David Euchner

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defense Services / AACJ

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Case Law

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

ETHICS: What You Don’t Say Matters: Strategic Silence in Objections and Cross-Examination

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

This session explores how deliberate restraint can strengthen your trial advocacy. Learn when silence is more persuasive than objection, when not to cross-examine, and how to avoid common pitfalls that weaken your case by saying too much.

Speakers

Ross Carponelli

Attorney, Mohave Co. Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Courtroom Advocacy

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

The Karen Read Trial: What Lessons Can Be Learned by Watching a Trial in Another Jurisdiction?

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

Watching the the Karen Read trial in Massachusetts taught me a lot about advocacy, what not to do, how to vet experts, the impact of legal commentators on YouTube, and the importance of advocating to preserve the record, even when it is hard. Join this lighthearted class to see what we can learn from watching other people's trials, even outside of Arizona. Plus, as a special bonus, learn why you should be checking YouTube to see if legal commentators are covering your case.

Speakers

Abigail Smith

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Courtroom Advocacy

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

ETHICS: The Do's and Don'ts of Juvenile Delinquency Trial Preparation

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

In a delinquency case, a child is accused of committing a criminal act. This Couse will discuss preparation for Delinquency Trials including Interviews; cross examination and investigation. We'll provide examples from trials in Juvenile Court to help you to develop your Juvenile Delinquency Practice.

Speakers

Colleen Engineer

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Terri Zimmerman

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

I belong to the Psychic Entertainers Association.

Mary McGary

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Delinquency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

How Immigration Law Can Affect Parents and Children in Dependency Cases

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

This class will give a basic overview of the intersection between dependency law and immigration law, but it will also cover the effect of a child’s immigration status on a dependency case; how an immigration determiner may affect a child or a parent who is involved in a dependency proceeding; etc. The class will focus not only on generalities, but also on specific ways that attorneys can facilitate reunification despite their client’s immigration status.

Speakers

Valentina Restrepo Montoya

Attorney, Always (Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services)

Marissa Anderson

Attorney, Always (Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services)

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Cellebrite and Cellphone Forensics

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

Cellphone data is everywhere. Attorneys need to understand the common issues, where challenges exist, and how to read the data from cellphone downloads. This CLE will cover the frequent legal issues and provide a live demonstration of how to read data from Cellebrite reports.

Speakers

Brian Chase

Managing Director of Digital Forensics, Archer Hall

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Forensics

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Easy Editing Techniques for Better Legal Writing

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

You don't need a writing lecture - you need tools you can use right now. This session teaches five fast, practical editing hacks that immediately make your writing clearer and more effective. You'll learn how to use simple Search & Replace patterns to fix passive voice, cut clutter, strengthen verbs, and improve clarity. These techniques are fast, easy to learn, and designed for lawyers who want to write better but don't have time to work on it.

Speakers

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

Motion Practice

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Homelessness and Vagrancy Laws: Issues and Strategies to Defender Unsheltered Persons

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

The criminalization of people who are homeless is an issue that evades review inthe justice system. Most offenses are misdemeanors and most defendants aredenied legal services. But conviction for even a minor offense to someone withoutincome, stability or housing can be devastating. We will discuss how to think aboutand defend your clients against crimes of homelessness and how you can helpdecriminalize poverty.

Speakers

Wendy White

Attorney, Southwest Center for Equal Justice

Gary Pearlmutter

Attorney, Southwest Center for Equal Justice

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Maiden Voyage into PD Work: How to Get the Most Out of Your First Year as a PD Without Burning Out

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

The first year of PD work is overwhelming. Reflecting on the first year has helped us identify strategies to check in with ourselves along the way and we have implemented many of these strategies into our normal practice. We hope to help new attorneys to succeed; and raise awareness of challenges that new attorneys face so those who work with and supervise new attorneys can help them succeed.

Speakers

Twyla Haggerty

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defender

Twyla has been a bilingual crimmigration attorney in the Pima County Public Defender's Office for four years.

Ariana Adams

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Retaining and Managing Experts: The Dos, Don'ts, and Never Agains

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

This course will discuss how to ask the right questions when interviewing the expert, clarify the financial aspect of the agreement with the expert, set parameters for the expert's work, and manage the expert through evaluation, pretrial, and trial.

Speakers

Nikolas Forner

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Maricopa County Public Defender's Office

Alicia Dominguez

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

Professional Development

1:30pm MST

The DUI Trial: Taking Names and Delivering Results

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

Learn how to attack the state's case and win a DUI trial.

Speakers

James Nesci

Attorney, Nesci and St. Louis

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Vehicular

3:15pm MST

Investigating, Litigating, and Winning in Post-Conviction Relief

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

Seth Apfel has won relief in post-conviction relief for countless clients in the last few years. Seth will go through the process. This course is valuable regardless of experience level.

Speakers

Seth Apfel

Attorney, Apfel Law Group

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Appeals

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Capital Case Law Update

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

Annual review of court decisions in capital cases.

Speakers

Jennifer Y. Garcia

Attorney, Federal Public Defender

Jennifer Y. Garcia is an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Arizona. She has been an attorney with that office since 2004, and also worked in the office as a legal clerk while attending law school. After... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Capital

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

The New Dangerousness Trials

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

Speakers

Sarah Kostick

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defender

Sarah Kostick has been an attorney with the Pima County Public Defender’s Office since 2014; she has handled all levels of felony matters, including capital cases, as well as Sexually Violent Person commitment proceedings. In July of 2021 she became a supervisor of a felony trial... Read More →

Adna Zeljkovic

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Ashley Blum

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

Courtroom Advocacy

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Dependency in the Real World: A Case Study in Complexity, Conflict, and Advocacy

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

A dependency case determines if a child is dependent on the state due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. This presentation will provide a start-to-finish case study of a complex dependency matter involving motion practice, settlement conference procedure, and significant challenges with high-conflict clients, placement, providers, and case management. The case also raised concerns regarding potential criminal exposure and shall discuss how to represent a dependency client with the specter of criminal charges hanging over the dependency proceedings. The presentation will focus on ethical considerations and practical advocacy strategies that ultimately led to reunification against all odds.

Speakers

Robert Casey

Attorney, Southwestern Legal

Robert Ian Casey is an Arizona attorney whose practice centers on child welfare, representing children and parents in dependency and termination proceedings, as well as handling juvenile delinquency and adult criminal matters. He practices in both trial and appellate courts and works... Read More →

Seth Draper

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Seth Draper has extensive experience in dependency cases at the trial and appellate level.

Jennifer Patterson

Parent Social Worker, Team-Based Parent Representation Program

Jennifer Patterson holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. With over 13 years of experience supporting families involved in the child welfare and court systems, she brings extensive knowledge and advocacy to her work. Jennifer... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Presenting and Challenging Forensic Evidence Ethically

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

The certainty of laboratory results is often inflated, and shortcomings of a particular test may be completely ignored or minimized by both experts and attorneys. This does a disservice to the court and the pursuit of justice. When encountering technologies that may have some anomalies in a specific case, consulting an expert to help navigate viable alternate interpretations can assist the attorney with their case and can help ensure that the evidence is presented fairly, ethically and in line with the underlying data.

Speakers

Anjali Ranadive

Expert, SciLawForensics

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ANJALI A. RANADIVE Anjali Ranadive is the President of SciLawForensics, Ltd, a forensic science and legal consulting firm in Phoenix, AZ. Ms. Ranadive serves as the DNA Expert Liaison for the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice, assisting with post-conviction appeals.Ms. Ranadive is an Advisory Commissioner on the American... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Forensics

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Psychopharmacology and the Law

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

A brief overview of medications used for restoration to competency, forced medications in Title 36 proceedings, and medications that are relevant to recidivism and other criminogenic analysis focusing on long term side effects and industrial externalities.

Speakers

Kai Henderson

Attorney, Navajo Co. PD

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Mental Health

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Humanizing Your Client Through Mitigation in Non-Capital Cases

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This course is designed to educate attorneys about rule 6.7 a which allows for mitigation to be paid for at county expense in non capital cases. It also delves into the purpose and scope of mitigation, statutory and non-statutory mitigation, when the best time is to bring a mitigation specialist into a case, and how clients and attorneys both benefit from mitigation.

Speakers

Sheri Castillo

Mitigation Specialist, On Your Side Mitigation

I started my career in 1995 when I began working as a surveillance officer with Maricopa County Adult Probation. After that I went to work as a Youth Corrections Officer at Adobe Mountain and then an Inmate Classification Counselor with the Maricopa County sheriff's Department before... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Mitigation

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Bounty Law

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

The ins and outs of extradition law along with information about the Interstate Agreement on Detainers.

Speakers

Catherine Parker-Williams

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Motion Practice

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Using Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) in Criminal Prosecutions

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This conversation will explore A.R.S. 12-751, Arizona's law prohibiting Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation ("Anti-SLAPP"), expanded in 2022 to apply in criminal prosecutions as well as civil matters. The statute permits a Motion to Dismiss in response to legal actions which are "substantially motivated by a desire to deter, retaliate against or prevent the lawful exercise of a constitutional right." We will discuss the statute's requirements, review some examples of its use over the past couple of years, and explore other possible applications in future cases. We hope to facilitate some greater awareness of A.R.S. 12-751's parameters and applications so the IR community can explore more creative ways to make use of its provisions.

Speakers

Danny Evans

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

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 →

Scott Boncoskey

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Motion Practice

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

The ABCs of EDC (Pre-Arraignment Court)

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

Join this discussion about the ethical issues that arise in EDC, all of which may also limit ability to conduct thorough conflict checks, defense investigations and negotiations. We'll discuss how to provide expert representation when we are presented with limited discovery, given a short time to discuss issues with clients, advise clients on decisions to be made before the plea offer expires, and conduct Donald advisements and preliminary hearings. This course is good for attorneys in trial group to learn why and how cases resolve in EDC, as well as attorneys in EDC to learn how you can best prepare a case to go to trial group.

Speakers

Allyson Primack

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

Allyson has been an attorney with the criminal justice system in Maricopa County for over 20 years. She has spent the last four years with the Maricopa County Office of Legal Defender in their EDC Bureau. Prior to that, she spent 15 years with the Maricopa County Office of Public... Read More →

Kaitlin Goodman

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

Kaitlin Goodman is currently at the Office of the Legal Defender and has worked in indigent criminal defense for 13 years, the past 6 in RCC/EDC.

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Pre-arraignment

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: The Ethics of Owning and Running Your Own Practice

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This course will be focused on potential ethical pitfalls of running a private law firm, especially targeted at indigent defense attorneys who are moving into the private sector for the first time. Particular focus will be on marketing, trust accounting, and managing client relationships.

Speakers

Omer Gurion

Attorney, Gurion Legal

Omer Gurion is a board-certified criminal law specialist in private practice practicing criminal defense. He has been in practice in Arizona for 15 years and has experience in government, private practice, and as a law firm owner.

Leah Schachar

Attorney, Schachar Law

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Peacekeepers: Mastering Conflict Prevention (De-escalation)

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This session is designed to equip participants with key strategies for handling conflict effectively and maintaining professionalism in tense situations. The goals of the course, include using strategic communication and empathy to defuse difficult scenarios. Participants will explore how to handle verbal abuse, while redirecting and adapting.

Speakers

Arlene Anderson

Trainer, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Arlene Anderson is a Trainer with the Office of the Public Defender in Maricopa County, Arizona. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. Arlene is recognized for her expertise... Read More →

Corey Dewayne Smith

Trainer, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Corey Dewayne Smith is a United States Army JAG Corps veteran who has transitioned into criminal defense social work and leadership training. He is passionate about developing others and volunteers with several organizations that provide support and resources to leaders. As a nationally... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: What's New in Sex Crimes Law and Legislation?

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

An update and discussion of sex crimes case law, legislation, and more.

Speakers

Brittany Lamb

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Attorney at the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office in a hybrid position in the sex crimes and juveniles charged as adults units.

Jerald Schrek

Attorney, The Schreck Law Firm

Jerry Schreck has been practicing criminal defense for approximately thirty years. During that time he has been involved in over one hundred jury trials, and represented well over a thousand persons charged with crimes ranging from misdemeanor to child molestations to murders. Schreck... Read More →

Thursday June 18, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Sex Crimes

CLE Hours 1.5

APDA Conference 2026

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