NLADA frequently participates as amicus curiae in significant cases affecting indigent defense practice. Requests are reviewed by a defender Amicus Committee. Participation can take the form of cosigning a brief with other organization(s) or writing and filing a brief on behalf of NLADA alone.

The Amicus Committee's activities include:

• Developing and supporting a network of capable authors and contributors.
• Soliciting examples of amicus pleadings by defenders from around the country on major defender issues.
• Operating a clearinghouse for disseminating these materials to other interested defenders.
• Recommending amicus priorities and strategies to the Defender Policy Group and the NLADA Board of Directors.
• Maintaining a year-round electronic forum for the exchange of information.
• Meeting at least annually, at NLADA s Annual Conference.
• Arranging for NLADA s participation as Amicus Curiae in selected cases.
• Compiling and publishing periodic reports on the Committee s accomplishments and activities.

Membership on the Amicus Committee is open to all interested NLADA members. Volunteer to become a member.

Take a look at NLADA's recent successful amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in Dickerson v. U.S.
Amicus Brief - Kansas v. Crane (msword, 81 Kb)

To submit a request for NLADA amicus support, e-mail the Division of Defender Legal Services.