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Public Defense Education

Defender Trial School - July 7-11 , 2025

This is a collection of digital materials used and referenced in the 2025 Defender Trial School held July 7- 11, 2025. 

During the training, this page will be periodically updated as we receive additional materials. All available materials from the program will be posted here within three weeks of the conclusion of the course.

More information on the program can be found on the course homepage. If you have any questions, please contact Program Manager, Kayla Fowler

Course Materials

Agenda - 2025 Defender Trial School
July, 2025
Guide for Participants - 2025 Defender Trial School
July, 2025
Combined Workshop Materials - 2025 Defender Trial School
July, 2025
Ross - Factual Brainstorming & Factbusting (Plenary)
July, 2025

Presented by Joseph Ross, Assistant Federal Defender, Raleigh, NC

 This presentation will not be made available to download per the presenter's request. 

Avitan - Developing Your Theory of the Case and Themes (Plenary)
July, 2025

Presented by Sophorn Avitan, Assistant Public Defender, District Court, Misdemeanor Appeals Supervisor, Mecklenburg County Public Defender Office, Charlotte, NC

 

Mickenberg - Advancing Your Theory by Telling Your Client's Story (Plenary)
July, 2025

Presented by Ira Mickenberg, Attorney & Consultant, Saratoga Springs, NY

This presentation will not be made available to download per the presenter's request. 

Tully - Jury Selection: A Journey to Discovery (Plenary)
July, 2025

Presented by Kevin Tully, Chief Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender, Dist. 26 Charlotte, NC

Chappell - Opening Statements (Plenary)
July, 2025

Presented by Rebecca Chappell, Senior Assistant Public Defender, Public Defender’s Office, Dist. 39, Shelby, NC

Herron - Cross-Examination (Plenary)
July, 2025

Presented by Johnna Herron, Assistant Public Defender, Guilford County, NC

Heinle - Direct Examination (Plenary)
July, 2025

Presented by Timothy Heinle, Albert and Gladys Coates Term Professor, UNC School of Government, Chapel Hill, NC

Maxwell - Closing Arguments (Plenary)
July, 2025

Presented by Dennis D. Maxwell, Jr., Assistant Public Defender, Dist. 42, Hendersonville, NC

Public Officials - Courts and Judicial Administration Roles