APDA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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

8:15am MST

How to Obtain Legal Services for Your Indigent Client

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

The presentation will discuss the standards and methods for obtaining expert, investigative, and mitigation resources to help you defend your indigent clients. We will survey different processes from around the state and discuss what you can do to better your chances of having your request for an expert approved.

Speakers

Michael Bernays

Attorney, Maricopa Co. PDS

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

Holistic Representation

CLE 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

8:15am MST

How to Be Legally Competent for Your LGBTQ+ Clients in the Changing Legal Landscape

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

TBA

This course will discuss defenders' responsibility to stay informed about legal changes affecting our LGBTQ+ clients so we can continue to develop our competency and best represent them. Issues such as challenges to the availability of gender-affirming care and accurate legal documentation, a renewed surge in acceptance of practices like conversion therapy, and the recission of agency policies that were formerly protective of LGBTQ+ people, and the real-world consequences of these changes will be discussed.

Speakers

Marshall Bryan

Paralegal, Pima Co. All OPDS Offices

Marshall has been a paralegal serving at the Pima County Public Defender's Office for 5 years. He holds two bachelor's degrees from Arizona State University (ASU), one in Religious Studies and another in the Philosophy of Morality, Politics, and Law. and a post-degree paralegal certificate... Read More →

Audrey Baumgartner

Attorney, Pima Co. Public Defense Services

Audrey is originally from Minneapolis, MN. She attended Drake Law School in Des Moines, IA before moving to Tucson, AZ upon graduation. She started as a law clerk with the Pima County Public Defender's Office in August 2022 and transitioned to a felony trial attorney in November 2022... Read More →

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

Holistic Representation

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

ETHICS: When Your Criminal Client Becomes a Victim of the Civil System

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

TBA

As Criminal or Juvenile attorneys, we often see the intersection of other agencies that have failed or hurt our clients. When does a criminal or DCS case turn into a civil case? This course will explore police brutality cases, sexual assault, and physical abuse cases. This will also explore real-life examples as well as time limits on reporting these types of cases.

Speakers

Caitlin Engstrand

Attorney, National Injury Attorneys

Leland Damner

Private Investigator, Outback Adjusting and Investigative Services

Leland Damner: Leland is licensed Arizona private investigator. Leland has worked in public defense work and privately as an investigator in civil and criminal cases.

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

Holistic Representation