APDA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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1:00pm MST

Friday June 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm MST

ETHICS: Generative artificial intelligence may be the shiny new thing, but be cautious and mindful of the ethical rules when using it. What’s gotten some lawyers into trouble and how can you avoid problems? Also, learn about the new ER 3.3 obligation to investigate suspected deepfake evidence.

Faculty

Patricia Sallen

Attorney, Ethics at Law

Patricia A. Sallen is a lawyer in private practice focusing on professional responsibility. She represents lawyers in discipline and admission matters, provides ethics advice to lawyers, serves as an expert witness on professional-responsibility issues, and consults on a myriad of... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm MST
Palm Ballroom B&E

Forensics

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

2:45pm MST

ETHICS: Dark Humor The Ethics of Coping

Friday June 19, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm MST

Palm Ballroom B&E

Trigger Warning: This class does contain dark humor, that may or may not be funny.
Practicing law can be heavy, the stakes are real, and sometimes the only thing standing between an attorney and burnout is a well-timed, ethically appropriate laugh. This CLE explores how lawyers cope with trauma through humor—what’s healthy, what’s risky, and what crosses the ethical line—while grounding the discussion firmly in professional responsibility, client dignity, confidentiality, and courtroom decorum. Attendees will examine when humor can be critical in relieving a mental pressure valve and when it can become a professional liability. Equal parts candid, thoughtful, and self-aware, this course reminds attorneys that coping is human—but ethics are non-negotiable.

Faculty

Kacie Nickel

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Kacie Nickel has been an attorney with the Maricopa Co. Public Defender’s 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 has a particular... Read More →

Madison Best

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Madison Best first started at the public Defender r as an extern while in law school. After graduating from ASU Law in May 2018, she worked as a clerk until she passed the bar and joined the as an attorney. Over the last seven years she has worked at the defending all levels of felony... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm MST
Palm Ballroom B&E

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

APDA Conference 2026

1:00pm MST

Patricia Sallen

2:45pm MST

Kacie Nickel

Madison Best

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