The certificate program includes three exciting days of learning facilitated by nationally recognized experts in the field. This is an intensive training offered to beginners or professionals who want to innovate their mitigation skills.
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, holds profound significance in the ongoing struggle for social justice and equity. It marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This pivotal moment is not only a celebration of freedom but also a call to action for advocacy and resilience within our communities.
That same spirit of resilience is evident in the NASAMS (National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates and Mitigation Specialists) membership and in our pillars, emphasizing the importance of community, training, and advocacy—key elements crucial for uplifting voices and addressing systemic inequalities that persist. NASAMS is the first and only national organization dedicated solely to the educational and professional development of sentencing advocates and mitigation specialists. Our Executive Committee leads the charge to further our collective purpose, focusing on these three core pillars.
We strive to foster a supportive network where sentencing advocates and mitigation specialists can find camaraderie, encouragement, professional development, and like-minded individuals who believe in the principles of human dignity. While times are changing, NASAMS' mission and vision remain steadfast. We continue to focus on these critical pillars, ensuring that our community thrives and evolves. In times of uncertainty, we strive to embody the principles of solidarity and hope, illuminating our path as we navigate the challenges ahead.
The NASAMS organization and its membership have weathered the storms and enjoyed the sunny days for over three decades, supporting and pushing for defense-based advocacy when little was known about the profession or the depths of the work. We were here then, and we are here now, standing with you and providing the support to continue the good fight, and along the way, providing community, training, and advocacy to our members in their professional journeys. Together, we can create a community that not only withstands adversity but also thrives in hope and solidarity. As we honor the legacy of Juneteenth, let us commit to building resilient communities that honor the past while courageously facing the future, advocating for social justice and a more equitable system for all.
In Solidarity,
The NASAMS Executive Committee
Who We Are
Founded in 1992, the National Alliance of Sentencing Advocates & Mitigation Specialists (NASAMS) is the only national organization devoted to the educational and professional development of sentencing advocates and mitigation specialists. NASAMS publishes professional standards, provides specialized training, and makes referrals to experts in its national network. NASAMS became a practice section of NLADA in 2005.
Contact the NASAMS Executive Committee to learn more about our organization and our profession. If you are searching for a sentencing advocates or mitigation specialist to join your defense team, contact [email protected] to find the right person to meet the needs of your team.
Our Work
Sentencing advocates explore the histories of criminal defendants to create individualized sentencing plans. Their proposals often focus on substance abuse and mental health treatment, victim restitution, community supervision, avoidance of future misconduct, and appropriate and constructive consequences. This approach allows courts to sentence people to community-based programs that address their needs, while reserving expensive prison and jail space only for those who threaten the safety of the community.
Mitigation specialists speak for the dignity and value of those who have committed even the worst criminal acts. When a criminal defendant faces a death sentence, a mitigation specialist will tell his story to the jury in order to advocate for his life. Mitigation specialists also provide expert insight into criminal culpability, helping courts to understand a defendant’s mental health or developmental disorders.
Benefits of Membership
- Specialized training. Network and sharpen your skills with top trainers at conferences and on webinars. Members enjoy reduced rates and are eligible for the annual Melissa Kupferberg Scholarship.
- Members-only listserv. Learn about career opportunities, discuss your work, and seek confidential help for cases.
- Individual consultation. Talk to experts in the field about cases and careers.
- Public policy advocacy. Make your voice heard in our nation’s capital through NLADA.
Click here to become a member, or contact [email protected] with questions.
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