Defender Leadership blog is a new online community created to support to defender leaders as they navigate this rapidly changing environment. We will focus on leading and managing change in a post
From Jo-Ann Wallace, President & CEO
We are in unprecedented times. Over the span of a few weeks, we have been faced with something many of us have never experienced. For the individuals represented by NLADA members, the COVID-19 pandemic is exponentially more threatening. At NLADA, we know that our members and community of civil, client and public defense advocates are among those serving others in times of crisis as well as calm.
I want to reassure you that NLADA, like so many others, is keeping abreast of the evolving situation by monitoring the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and U.S. state and local health authorities for instruction and guidance. We will continue to monitor this changing situation and will be posting relevant updates on our website, nlada.org. These will include any adjustments to upcoming conferences, meetings or trainings that are postponed, rescheduled or cancelled. As the science on this pandemic evolves, our top priority is everyone’s health and safety, and our decisions will be guided by this priority.
See our statement on COVID-19 as well as updates on the state of the Legal Services Corporation, Public Service Loan Forgiveness and our remote learning opportunities.
NLADA Celebrates AmeriCorps Week
Recognizing Members and Alumni for Their Service
The dismissal this week of two public defense leaders in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania highlighted the importance of the independence of the public defense function. Public defenders must be able to advance the best interests of their clients and push for systems that are fair for everyone. These obligations require leaders to be free from unwarranted political interference with the mandated independence of a public defender office. The first principle of public defense promulgated by the American Bar Association (ABA), widely understood to be a necessary component of compliance with the Sixth Amendment right to counsel, is:
The public defense function should be independent from political and judicial influence.
See some highlights from February, including the screening of the film, Just Mercy, interview with Aaron Salter, a recent exoneree, and learn more about our Life in the Balance Conference
Jim Sandman announced his intention on January 21st to step down from his post as president of the Legal Services Corporation on February 19th.
It's the first January of the NEW DECADE! See what NLADA has in store for the year!
Get a sneek peek at what we have in store for 2020!
Read to see highlights for our 2019 Annual Conference!
NLADA MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
Read to see the latest on our Innovative Solutions in Public Defense Initiative, learn about our most recent featured speaker and more!
NLADA MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release