APDA Conference 2026 has ended

Create Your Own Event

APDA Conference 2026

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

8:15am MST

The Defender's Toolbox for Public Speaking

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

Explore your potential as a confident and effective speaker with "The Defender's Toolbox for Public Speaking." This is a lively, interactive session that will utilize exercises and approaches to performance that are designed to boost your public speaking skills in a supportive, playful environment. Whether you're gearing up to testify, leading your team, or just looking to spice up your communication abilities, this session is crafted to fit your needs. You'll walk away with useful tools for a variety of speaking settings, a boost to your confidence, and new perspectives on public speaking.

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 →

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

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

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

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

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.

Faculty

Josh Messick

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

I am an attorney with the Maricopa Co. Public Defender's Office. My practice with the office has spanned the pretrial, trial, and appellate phases. I also have experience clerking for appellate judges at the federal and state levels. Beyond my usual work, I am focused on building... Read More →

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

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

Palm Ballroom C&F

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.

Faculty

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
Palm Ballroom C&F

Professional Development

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

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.

Faculty

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
Xavier

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Supporting Attorneys with Different Working Styles

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

This course is designed for legal staff and support professionals who work closely with attorneys. The audience will learn how attorneys approach deadlines, feedback, and technology differently, and how to best work side by side with them. Get to know your attorneys' expectations, preferences, and needs so you can best support them. By sharing our own observations and approaches it will help other legal staff and support professionals to create stronger working relationships, clearer communication, and overall get a new perspective.

Faculty

Arleene Ojeda

Staff, Yuma Co. Public Defender

My name is Arleene Ojeda, and I am a Legal Secretary III with the Yuma Co. Public Defender’s . I have been with Yuma Co. for five years. Prior to joining the Public Defender’s , I worked for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Yuma for two years as a secretary to the Major... Read More →

Alba Marron

Staff, Yuma Co. Public Defender

I am a Lead Legal Secretary with the Yuma Co. Public Defender’s and have dedicated ten years to public service with Yuma Co.. I began my career at the Co. Attorney’s , where I worked for two and a half years before transitioning to the Public Defender’s .I am currently a participant... Read More →

Mary Sainz

Staff, Yuma Co. Public Defender

I am a Legal Administrative Specialist with the Public Defender’s in Yuma, Arizona, where I have nearly eight years of experience supporting attorneys. I hold a bachelor’s degree in public administration, and I am currently pursuing a master’s degree. I also serve as a volunteer... Read More →

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

Professional Development

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

8:15am MST

ETHICS: Don’t give up: Processing Unexpected and Unfair Losses and Setbacks in Your Legal Practice.

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

The class is an open forum where the panel and attendees will share their personal experiences with unexpected unfair losses and setbacks and discuss their own processes for anticipating and assimilating them in their practice.

Faculty

Alicia Dominguez

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Richard Randall

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

I've been an attorney for 34 years and a public defender for 21 years. I've practiced both civil and criminal law. For the last 9 years my criminal practice has focused on capital litigation. I have written a number of criminal defense- based articles addressing legal and lawyer... Read More →

RJ Parker

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

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

Professional Development

8:15am MST

Flow and Breathe: All Levels Urban Yoga Reset

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

The class will be gentle all levels movement (somatic movement and gentle stretch) followed by breathwork and techniques to apply it to self practice

Faculty

Amy Charles

Professional Yogi and Studio Owner, Urban Yoga

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

Professional Development

10:00am MST

Advanced Legal Assistant Training: From Support Staff to Strategic Partner

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

This program reframes the legal assistant role from task execution to strategic partnership. It focuses on anticipatory thinking, trial-ready preparation, risk awareness, mitigation development, and professional judgment. Providing the tools of how skilled legal assistants multiply attorney effectiveness and strengthen outcomes across criminal practice.

Faculty

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 10:00am - 11:30am MST
Joshua Tree

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Spanish Words for Defenders Representing Clients from Northern Mexico

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

Many of our non-citizen clients are from Northern Mexico which is a cartel stronghold. Learn about the geopolitical history of the area as well as words that are unique to the region.

Faculty

Daisy Bustamante

Attorney, Pima Co. Indigent Defense

Twyla Haggerty

Attorney, Pima Co. Indigent Defense

Twyla has been a bilingual crimmigration attorney in the Pima Co. Indigent Defense Public Defender for four years.

Ariana Adams

Attorney, Pima Co. Indigent Defense

Originally from Florida, Ariana has been an attorney for a year and a half in the Pima County Public Defender's office. She has thrown herself into representing non-citizen clients. Originally from Florida, Ariana has been an attorney for a year and a half in the Pima County Public... Read More →

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

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Homelessness and Vagrancy Laws: Issues and Strategies to Defender Unsheltered Persons

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

The criminalization of people who are homeless is an issue that evades review inthe justice system. Most offenses are misdemeanors and most defendants aredenied legal services. But conviction for even a minor offense to someone withoutincome, stability or housing can be devastating. We will discuss how to think aboutand defend your clients against crimes of homelessness and how you can helpdecriminalize poverty.

Faculty

Wendy White

Attorney, Southwest Center for Equal Justice

Gary Pearlmutter

Attorney, Southwest Center for Equal Justice

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

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Maiden Voyage into PD Work: How to Get the Most Out of Your First Year as a PD Without Burning Out

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

The first year of PD work is overwhelming. Reflecting on the first year has helped us identify strategies to check in with ourselves along the way and we have implemented many of these strategies into our normal practice. We hope to help new attorneys to succeed; and raise awareness of challenges that new attorneys face so those who work with and supervise new attorneys can help them succeed.

Faculty

Twyla Haggerty

Attorney, Pima Co. Indigent Defense

Twyla has been a bilingual crimmigration attorney in the Pima Co. Indigent Defense Public Defender for four years.

Ariana Adams

Attorney, Pima Co. Indigent Defense

Originally from Florida, Ariana has been an attorney for a year and a half in the Pima County Public Defender's office. She has thrown herself into representing non-citizen clients. Originally from Florida, Ariana has been an attorney for a year and a half in the Pima County Public... Read More →

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

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

Retaining and Managing Experts: The Dos, Don'ts, and Never Agains

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

This course will discuss how to ask the right questions when interviewing the expert, clarify the financial aspect of the agreement with the expert, set parameters for the expert's work, and manage the expert through evaluation, pretrial, and trial.

Faculty

Nikolas Forner

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Alicia Dominguez

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

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

Professional Development

3:15pm MST

ETHICS: The Ethics of Owning and Running Your Own Practice

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

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.

Faculty

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
Capistrano

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

Peacekeepers: Mastering Conflict Prevention (De-escalation)

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

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

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.

Faculty

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
Joshua Tree

Professional Development

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Excel 101 for Paralegals

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

This is an introductory course that explores tools both in and outside of Microsoft Excel that will benefit your practice as a paralegal. Get ready to learn how to use helpful computer shortcuts, excel formulas and data tools, and even plain-text script files. Once you’ve finished this course, you will be able to create links to 100 documents in less than a minute, make 100 folders in less than 5 minutes, and be just a bit more confident in your computer skills than you were before.

Faculty

Tillie Jones

Paralegal, Maricopa Co. Legal Defender

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

Professional Development

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

Palm Ballroom C&F

Join us for popcorn, movie magic, and a dive into ethics through the Arizona Rules of Professional Conduct.

Faculty

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.In... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
Palm Ballroom C&F

Professional Development

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