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

Developing Your Reputation as a Non-Lawyer

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

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.

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 →

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

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 - 11:30am MST

Xavier

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.

Faculty

Julian Kanter

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Maricopa Co. Office of the Public Defender

Keenan Rambo

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Maricopa Co. of the Public Defender

Matt Warzynski

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

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

Sentencing

CLE 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

Xavier

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.

Faculty

Abigail Smith

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Maricopa Co. of the Public Defender

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

Courtroom Advocacy

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Peacekeepers: Mastering Conflict Prevention (De-escalation)

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

Xavier

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.

Faculty

Arlene Anderson

Trainer, Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender

Arlene Anderson is a Trainer with the of the Public Defender in Maricopa Co., 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 in... Read More →

Corey D. 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
Xavier

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

10:00am MST

1:30pm MST

3:15pm MST

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