2018 Holistic Defense & Leadership Conferences

The Holistic Defense & Leadership Conferences bring together the public defense community to explore better ways to provide holistic defense services to low-income people who encounter the criminal justice system. Highlights include Discussion/Innovation Labs, networking dinners, and more!

National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialists (NASAMS) - The NASAMS Conference offers an opportunity for social workers and mitigation specialists who work on holistic defense teams to receive cutting edge training from experienced and nationally recognized experts.

• Opens 4:00 p.m. on June 4 and closes at 5:00 p.m. on June 5. Click here for the full NASAMS schedule.

Community-Oriented Defender (COD) Network - The COD Network Conference provides training from experts on community-based holistic defense programs, networking with other COD members, and strategizing about national advocacy efforts.

• Opens 8:30 a.m. on June 6 and closes at 1:15 p.m. on June 7. Click here for the full COD schedule. Sign up for COD Supper Club sessions here.

American Council of Chief Defenders (ACCD) - The ACCD Conference convenes a national community of public defense leaders dedicated to securing a fair justice system and ensuring high quality legal representation for people facing loss of life, freedom, or family.

• Opens 3:00 p.m. on June 7 and closes at 3:30 p.m. on June 8. Click here for the full ACCD schedule.

For information about the Certificate: Fundamentals of Defensed-Based Mitigation and Advocacy program, click here.

Advance registration is now closed, but you can still register on-site for any of the week's events.

The Conferences will be hosted at the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia Hotel. 

                                                         

NASAMS Schedule

Click here to see the detailed NASAMS schedule, including session descriptions and presenters.

COD Schedule

Click here to see the detailed COD schedule, including session descriptions and presenters.

ACCD Schedule

Click here to see the detailed ACCD schedule, including session descriptions and presenters.

NEW CERTIFICATE PROGRAM!

Certificate: Fundamentals of Defensed-Based Mitigation and Advocacy

The NASAMS Fundamentals of Mitigation Certificate Program (For Beginners) will be held in conjunction with the 2018 Holistic Defense and Leadership Conferences. This program is sanctioned by NLADA and NASAMS and ensures that material and instruction meet ABA and NASAMS Ethical Standards.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be recognized for receiving training that covers the basic and fundamental skills needed for defense-based mitigation and advocacy. This program will provide participants with training from nationally recognized experts in the field. The small class size will ensure quality instruction, coaching, and hands-on learning. In addition, faculty have agreed to compile materials, organizational tools, sample reports, and E-tools for each participant. After receiving your certificate, you may include the training on your resume and/or professional training experience. It would be appropriate to list or note this certificate among a professional’s specialized areas of training. It would NOT be appropriate to list as a credential after one’s name (e.g., Sallie Sue, CMS - meaning certified mitigation specialist).

Tentative Agenda
(* - Required for Certificate completion)

Monday, June 4, 2018 - 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

1. The History and Significance of Defensed Based Mitigation and Sentencing Advocacy*
2. Fact vs. Mitigation Investigation: Understanding the Collaboration
3. Interviewing Mitigation Witnesses*
4. Collecting and Organizing Records*
5. Trauma 101: How It Affects Mental Illness: Making Sure Trauma & Mental Health Are a Part of the Narrative
6. I Need to Know the Red Flags: Identifying and Substantiating Mental Health and Trauma Work*
7. Plenary I: The Art of Forensic Inquiries: Getting the Best Results for Our Clients

Tuesday, June 5, 2018 - 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

1. Telling the Story: Writing Reports and Social Histories*
2. [Choose at least one juvenile session from NASAMS program, if you are in juvenile practice]
3. NASAMS Closing Plenary

Highlights and Benefits

• Certificate of Completion
• Shared Samples and Tools
• Opportunity for Coaching
• Resources Materials
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• We will apply for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits
• Nationally Recognized and Experienced Faculty
• Small Group Intensive Training
• Optimal Participant-to-Faculty Ratio
• Follow-up Coaching Session

Certificate Program Cost: $125/person

IMPORTANT NOTE: To earn the certificate, you also must register for and attend the NASAMS conference. The fee for that conference depends on your NLADA membership status, when you register, and how many of the Holistic Defense and Leadership Conferences (NASAMS, COD, and ACCD) you plan to attend.

Please contact Michael Mrozinski or Lori James-Townes if you have any questions.