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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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

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

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 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 Co. of the Public Defender

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

Courtroom Advocacy

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 Co. Public Defender’s 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 team, and... Read More →