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

ETHICS: Representing Children and Parents in Juvenile Court

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

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.

Faculty

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
Palm Ballroom A&D

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Complex Ethical Issues in Dependency Cases

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

Palm Ballroom A&D

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.

Faculty

Brian Strickman

Attorney, Strickman Law

Thursday June 18, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
Palm Ballroom A&D

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Case Law Update 2025-26

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

Palm Ballroom A&D

An annual review of important cases from Arizona state courts.

Faculty

David Euchner

Attorney, Pima Co. Indigent Defense

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 →

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
Palm Ballroom A&D

Case Law

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

Palm Ballroom A&D

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.

Faculty

Robert Casey

Attorney, Private

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

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
Palm Ballroom A&D

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

10:00am MST

1:30pm MST

3:15pm MST

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