DEFENDER INITIATIVE CONFERENCE JUNE 27, 2025

STATE FUNDING, MANAGING WORKLOADS, BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Defenders and their advocates have had some success this year in the legislature in increasing state funding for public defense.  This conference will address how to build on that success to expand both state and local support for public defense and address issues of excessive workload. We will discuss the ongoing issues of recruitment and retention.

The conference will include discussions with legislators and an ethics CLE presentation on workloads.

We plan break-out sessions for defenders from different regions of the state and different size offices to discuss how to address issues in their jurisdictions.

 
Lisa Daugaard from Purpose, Dignity, Action, will lead a discussion with three Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Managers from three smaller population counties on scaling viable pre-filing alternatives around the state.

We will conclude with a discussion on how defenders and their allies can work together in the coming year and beyond to advocate successfully for increased support.

Lunch will be provided.

There is no cost to attend this conference, but registration is required.  Please indicate whether you can attend in person or would like to attend by zoom.

The conference will begin at 8:45 a.m. and conclude by 4:45 p.m.

Garage parking on James Street is available for moderate cost.