APDA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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

8:15am MST

Hearsay for Humans

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

Remember the rules governing hearsay without struggle, lay foundation that is as powerful for the jury as it is for the Court, and establish your authority in the Courtroom. Learn a more relaxed approach to introduction of out-of-court statements that will achieve your trial goals without stressing you out and have your opponent on the ropes.

Speakers

Jeremy Zarzycki

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defense Services

I am a senior attorney for the Pima County Public Defender's office. I was previously in private practice for six years and have taught for both our own office and as a coach for University of Arizona Mock Trial

Victoria Otto

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defense Services

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

Courtroom Advocacy

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Justified - Proving Self Defense at Trial

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

TBA

A comprehensive overview of presenting self defense at a jury trial, including real world examples.

Speakers

Ian Service

Attorney, Service Law Group

Mr. Ian Service
Principal Attorney
Owner of Service Law Group PLLCMr. Service is an Arizona defense attorney who has vast experience both as a deputy prosecuting attorney and as a deputy public defender before founding his own firm Service Law Group in 2016. His unique experience from both sides gives him the knowledge a... Read More →

Jeff Cloud

Attorney, JCloud Law

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

Courtroom Advocacy

CLE 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

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 County Office 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 County Public Defender’s Office 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... Read More →

Adna Zeljkovic

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Ashley Blum

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

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

Courtroom Advocacy

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Nothing Is Insurmountable!

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

TBA

The challenges in the Redondo case seemed insurmountable: the facts were egregious, and client had previously pled to a different homicide, refused to sign releases of information, and was excluded from the courtroom due to his behavior. Despite these obstacles, defense counsel was able to get the mitigation evidence in, raise racial profiling, and use departmental regulations to the client’s advantage. This story from a colleague will inspire you to tap into your own creativity and perseverance to do this important work.

Speakers