Defender Trial School
July 7 - 11, 2025 | 9:00am-5:00pm | Chapel Hill
Registration is closed for the 2025 Defender Trial School.
The program is open to public defenders and, space permitting, private attorneys who perform a significant amount of appointed work. Participants will use their own non-capital cases to develop a cohesive theory of defense at trial and apply that theory through all stages of a criminal trial, including voir dire, opening and closing arguments, and direct and cross-examination.
For information about other public defense education courses, visit our Public Defense Education site.
AGENDA
You can view the 2025 agenda here.
REGISTRATION FEE
The registration fee for private assigned and managed assigned counsel is $850. There is no fee for IDS state employees.
CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION
The program will offer approximately 29.50 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) credit, including one hour of ethics, and qualifies for NC State Bar criminal law specialization credit.
REQUIREMENTS
This program differs from others that you may have attended. This program is comprised of plenary sessions and intensive small-group workshops. Unlike other programs, you need to attend all of the sessions. Although you will be working from a hypothetical case in the plenary sessions, you will spend most of your time in small groups working on your own cases. Misdemeanor cases are permitted, but felony cases are preferred. The Guide for Participants explains the type of case to bring and the few steps to take to prepare for the program.
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 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 11. Please refer to the scholarship website for additional information.
HOTEL INFORMATION
There are two hotel block options – please see below:
A block of rooms is available at Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham (6121 Farrington Rd, Chapel Hill, NC) with a rate of $124 plus taxes and fees valid for stay dates of July 6-11. The hotel reservation deadline is June 5. The rate includes complimentary breakfast, parking, 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 "900" or "Defender Trial School."
A block of rooms is available at Tru by Hilton Chapel Hill (1742 Fordham Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC) with a rate of $124 plus taxes and fees valid for stay dates of July 6-11. The hotel reservation deadline is June 5. 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 984-291-7200 and mention group code "90A" or "Defender Trial School."
PARKING INFORMATION
Parking details will be provided to you by your program manager the week prior to the program. Additional directions and parking information can be found on our Visitor Information page.
MATERIALS
Program 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 Office of Indigent Defense Services.
Materials for the 2025 Defender Trial School (July 7-11, 2025) can be found online.
Kayla Fowler
