Parent Attorney Conference
August 20, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. | Chapel Hill
Registration is closed for the 2026 Parent Attorney Conference.
This conference is open to attorneys who represent respondents in abuse, neglect, dependency, and termination of parental rights proceedings. Topics will include legislative and case law updates (including strategies and tips for defenders), the role of Rule 17 guardians ad litem for parents, and tips for working with challenging clients.
For information about 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 $225. There is no fee for IDS state employees.
CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION
The conference will offer approximately 6 hours of continuing legal education (CLE) credit, and will qualify for NC State Bar Child Welfare and Family Law specializations, 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 5:00 pm on Friday, July 31. Please refer to the scholarship website for additional information.
HOTEL INFORMATION
A block of rooms is available at the Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham (6121 Farrington Rd, Chapel Hill, NC) for $129 plus tax. The hotel reservation deadline is 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 28. To reserve a room, please refer to the hotel’s website or call the hotel at (919) 403-8700 and ask for room block “Juvenile Defender/Parent Attorney Conferences.”
PARKING INFORMATION
Parking details will be provided to you by your program manager the week prior to the conference. Additional directions and parking information can be found on our Visitor Information page.
MATERIALS
Conference materials will be available under the "Materials" tab above. Materials are posted as they are received by instructors.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Conference participants who cancel their registration more than 7 calendar days before the conference 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 conference is co-sponsored by the North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services.
Materials for the 2026 Parent Attorney Conference (August 20, 2026) can be found online.
Kayla Fowler
