APDA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

8:15am MST

ETHICS: The Benefits and Challenges of Being a Capital Litigator

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

Discussion of the benefits and challenges of being a capital litigator, including ethical issues relating to representation and suggestions for moving forward.

Speakers

Erika Warner

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

I have lost count of how long I have practiced law and how long I have been in Capital. I absolutely love OLD and the work that we do.

Gary Beren

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Capital

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Protecting the Rights of Disabled Parents in Child Welfare Proceedings

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

This presentation reviews the history and legal framework of the Americans with disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 as they apply to dependency cases, which allege that a child is neglected, abused, or without proper parental care. We'll provide practical strategies for advocating for reasonable accommodations for parents with Intellectual Disability Diagnosis (IDD), including guidance on filing appropriate motions. The presentation also explores legal remedies when the Department of Child Services (DCS) fails to meet its obligations under these laws, as well as the ethical considerations involved in representing parents with IDD.

Speakers

Maryvonne Harbulot

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Denise Carroll

Attorney, Law Office of Denise L. Carroll

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Immigration

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

This course will discuss the current landscape of Immigration bonds, Habeas, and Writs in a post

Matter of YAJURE HURTADO, 29 I&N Dec. 216 (BIA 2025)context. It will explore the possible ways to get your client back to court to finish their criminal case. It will discuss who is currently eligible and not eligible for immigration bonds and filing of federal Habeas claims and writs

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.

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 →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Immigration

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Small Wins, Big Results: Sustainability for Public Defenders

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

Public defenders operate in a uniquely high-stress, high-caseload environment that demands consistent performance under chronic time pressure. This course translates evidence-based principles from Atomic Habits by James Clear and Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness into practical, attorney-specific systems for building sustainable habits, improving daily rhythm, and avoiding burnout. Participants will learn how to design friction-less routines, manage energy, and implement small, durable changes that compound into better courtroom performance, decision-making, and long-term career sustainability.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: The Weight We Carry: Stress, Trauma, and Resilience in Criminal Defense Practice

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

This class explores the psychological and emotional challenges as well as the ethical and practical realities of criminal defense practice. We will discuss how factors such as heavy workloads, secondary trauma, and imposter syndrome contribute to burnout and unhealthy coping behaviors. Participants will learn to recognize warning signs of stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse while learning evidence-based strategies for resilience and self-care. We will also review related ethical rules and how attorneys can best help a struggling colleague.

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 →

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 →

Meghann St. Thomas

Attorney, Jeffrey Gil Law

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Child Sex Trafficking: Defense Strategies and Ethical Boundaries

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This program examines Arizona’s newly enacted mandatory natural-life sentencing statute for adult defendants convicted of Class 2 child sex trafficking. Faculty will walk through statutory triggers, subsection analysis, charging and plea-negotiation strategies, early motion practice, jury-instruction warfare, and constitutional preservation techniques. Emphasis is placed on how defense counsel can restructure litigation around offense classification rather than sentencing ranges, and how to ethically and effectively advocate in cases where a single conviction results in automatic life imprisonment without release.

Speakers

Ross Carponelli

Attorney, Mohave Co. Public Defender

Robert Heieck

Attorney, Mohave Co. Public Defender

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Dependency Updates

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This course will provide a review of Dependency appellate cases from the past year and any changes to the current rules and statutes.

Speakers

Joseph Ramiro-Shanahan

Attorney, Law Office of Joseph C. Ramiro-Shanahan

Jessica Strain

Attorney, Law Office of Joseph C. Ramiro-Shanahan

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Dependency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Ethics Game Show and Updates

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

Join us for a discussion using hypotheticals focusing on ER 1.2-1.4 and a lawyers' willful ignorance of "bad facts".

Speakers

Sarah Howard

Attorney, Yuma Co. Public Defender

Sarah Howard is a law school graduate of Capital University Law School. She brings a multidisciplinary background to legal education, informed by prior military service, public service, and hands-on legal practice across criminal, appellate, and child welfare settings. Before entering... Read More →

Micah Friedman

Attorney, Micah Friedman Law

Shannyn Collins

Attorney, Yuma Co. Public Defender

Shannyn Collins, Deputy Yuma County Public DefenderEducation: Bachelor of Arts from Miami University (Ohio), Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)Admitted to practice law in Arizona in 2025As a newly admitted attorney, I have taken the MPRE as... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Holistic Representation

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: Intro to Autism

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This class provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, emphasizing respectful terminology, early diagnosis, and the wide range of behavioral, social, sensory, and cognitive differences associated with autism. It examines the challenges autistic individuals and their families face in legal contexts, including communication barriers, vulnerability, family advocacy burdens, and interactions with schools, law enforcement, courts, and care systems. Through real-world case vignettes, the course highlights practical communication strategies and explores broader legal and social issues such as employment, privacy, family law, mental health proceedings, and the need for more tailored justice system responses.

Speakers

Eileen Spangrud

Partner, Davis Miles

Eileen Spangrud is a criminal and juvenile defense attorney at Davis Miles, PLLC, practicing law since 2007.

Ron Jones

Equity and Managing Partner, Davis Miles

Ron Jones is an equity and managing partner at Davis Miles, PLLC, practicing law since 1990.

Luke Finch

Attorney, Davis Miles

Luke finch is a commercial and civil litigation attorney at Davis Miles, practicing law since 2016.

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Mental Health

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: No Fluff. No Woo. Stay Sane in the Practice of Law

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

This is a practical introduction to mindfulness designed for defenders navigating real stress, real clients, and real deadlines. You’ll learn how your brain works under pressure—and how to work with it instead of against it. We’ll break down simple, science-backed tools to help you manage stress, reduce reactivity, and create more space between what happens and how you respond. Skills you can use immediately—in court, in conversations, and in your day-to-day practice. We'll meet you as you are, and you'll leave with something that helps.

Speakers

Courtney Collins

Attorney, Boyd Collins Law

Courtney Boyd is a dedicated defense attorney holding various defense contracts across the valley. Through the practice of mindfulness, she has transformed her legal career, enhancing both her professional effectiveness and personal well-being. Her experience demonstrates how mindfulness... Read More →

Elizabeth Maupin

Attorney, Alcock and Associates

Elizabeth has practiced for 14 years, beginning as a prosecutor and now serving as the lead misdemeanor attorney at a defense firm. She has worked extensively in mental health treatment courts and is committed to advocating for vulnerable populations.Outside the courtroom, Elizabeth... Read More →

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8:15am MST

ETHICS: Capital Case Ethics Game Show

Friday June 19, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

Annual capital case ethics game show.

Speakers

Erika Warner

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

I have lost count of how long I have practiced law and how long I have been in Capital. I absolutely love OLD and the work that we do.

Friday June 19, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Capital

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

ETHICS: Your License or Mine: Ethical Responsibilities and Issue for Supervisors and Attorneys in Public Defender Offices

Friday June 19, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

Balancing the independence and responsibilities of representation of clients can bechallenging. Managing them is also challenging. The class will examine the dayto day ethical challenges involved in managing attorneys and staff in PublicDefender Offices, balancing them against the responsibilities to your clients. Itwill also address the ethical issues arising from oversight by city and countyadministrators and elected officials. The class will use scenarios to invitediscussion about these challenges and the applicable ethical rules and law thatspeak and offer guidance to them.

Speakers

Gary Pearlmutter

Attorney, Southwest Center for Equal Justice

Wendy White

Attorney, Southwest Center for Equal Justice

Friday June 19, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Opposing the Prosecutor's Firearm and Toolmark "Matching" Evidence and Testimony: How to Fight It, Limit It, and Make a Solid Record

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

If your case has evidence of firearms "matching", this course will provide crucial information and a simple step-by=step process to challenge this dubious and unscientific evidence.

Speakers

Tom Glow

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Tom represents clients who are facing the death penalty. He has been a lawyer fo over 30 years. Yowch.

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Forensics

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: Lights, Camera, Ethics! Memorable Film Scenes and Exploring the Ethical Dilemmas They Spark

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

Join us for popcorn, movie magic, and a dive into ethics through the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct. We’ll break down memorable film scenes and explore the ethical dilemmas they spark—all while earning up to 1.5 hours of ethics credit.

Speakers

Amanda Lauer

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

Amanda is a trial attorney who has practiced in Arizona for over 20 years. The bulk of her career has focused on parental defense in CPS cases, and she has spent the past three years practicing criminal defense for indigent clients. She has taught CLEs both locally and nationally... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

1:00pm MST

ETHICS: The ERs of AI

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

TBA

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.

Speakers

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
TBA

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

TBA

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.

Speakers

Kacie Nickel

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Kacie Nickel has been an attorney with the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office 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... Read More →

Madison Best

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Madison Best first started at the public defender's officer 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 office as an attorney. Over the last seven years she has worked at the office defending... Read More →

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

Professional Development