Civil Defense Special Topic
March 19 - 20, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Chapel Hill
Registration is closed for the 2026 Civil Defense Special Topic course.
This course is open to defense attorneys who represent or are interested in representing youth in juvenile court. Sessions will focus on the various stages of a juvenile proceeding from preliminary procedures through post-disposition. Teaching methods include plenary lectures and small-group workshops, as well as an interactive Gallery Walk, where attendees will learn about the different service settings and programs commonly used with justice-involved youth. Throughout the Gallery Walk, participants will rotate among several stations where they will gain insight into the programs and services that juveniles may interact with and have the chance to ask questions they have not had the opportunity to ask before.
For information on other public defense education courses, visit our Public Defense Education site.
AGENDA
You can access the agenda here.
REGISTRATION FEE
The registration fee for private assigned and managed assigned counsel is $325. There is no fee for IDS state employees.
CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION
The course will offer approximately 12 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) credit, subject to Bar approval.
Additional information
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
A limited number of scholarships are available for private assigned and managed assigned counsel. If you are interested in applying, complete the scholarship application as soon as possible. If you receive a scholarship, the registration fee is waived. The scholarship deadline is Friday, February 27. Please refer to the scholarship website for additional information.
HOTEL INFORMATION
A block of rooms is available at Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham (6121 Farrington Rd, Chapel Hill, NC) with a rate of $140 plus taxes and fees. The hotel reservation deadline is Wednesday, February 25. The rate includes complimentary breakfast and free internet. To reserve a room, please refer to the hotel’s website or call the hotel directly at (919) 403-8700 and mention group code "90X" or "Civil Defense Special Topic Training."
PARKING INFORMATION
Parking details will be provided to you by your program manager the week prior to the course. Additional directions and parking information can be found on our Visitor Information page.
MATERIALS
Course materials will be available under the "Materials" tab above. Materials are posted as they are received by instructors.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Course participants who cancel their registration more than 7 calendar days before the course start date will receive a full refund. Otherwise, participants will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. More information can be found in the full cancellation and refund policy.
SPONSORSHIP
This course is co-sponsored by the North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services.
Materials for the 2026 Civil Defense Special Topic Training (March 19-20, 2026) can be found online.
Kayla Fowler
