Defender Trial School
This course is co-sponsored by the Office of Indigent Defense Services.
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. 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.
The program is open to public defenders and, space permitting, private attorneys who perform a significant amount of appointed work.
SCHOLARSHIPS: A limited number of scholarships are available for private assigned and managed assigned counsel. If you are interested in applying, click here to complete the scholarship application. If you receive a scholarship, the registration fee of $850 is waived. You are responsible for your own travel, food, and lodging expenses. Scholarships are awarded no later than two weeks after application submission. Please apply as soon as possible. The scholarship deadline is Wednesday, June 11.
The 2025 Defender Trial School will be held on Monday, July 7 thru Friday, July 11.
Registration is now closed for the 2025 Defender Trial School.
For information about other public defense education courses, visit our Public Defense Education site.
Additional information
AGENDA: The agenda can be found here.
CLE: The program will offer approximately 29.50 hours CLE credit, including one hour of ethics, and qualifies for NC State Bar criminal law specialization credit.
TEACHING METHODS: & PREREQUISITES: 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.
HOTEL INFORMATION:
There are two hotel block options – please see below:
Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham (6121 Farrington Rd Chapel Hill, NC) - A block of rooms is available at Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham with a rate of $124 plus taxes and fees valid for stay dates of July 6-11. The rate includes complimentary breakfast, parking, and free internet. To reserve a room, book here or call the hotel directly at 919-403-8700 and mention group code "900" or "Defender Trial School." The hotel reservation deadline is June 5.
Tru by Hilton Chapel Hill (1742 Fordham Blvd Chapel Hill, NC) - A block of rooms is available at Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham with a rate of $124 plus taxes and fees valid for stay dates of July 6-11. The rate includes complimentary breakfast and free internet. To reserve a room, book here or call the hotel directly at 984-291-7200 and mention group code "90A" or "Defender Trial School." The hotel reservation deadline is June 5.
| General | 28.50 hrs |
| Ethics | 1.00 hrs |
| Total | 29.50 hrs |
Kayla Fowler
