CJA Panel Training Opportunities

National Training Opportunities

Listed below are the dates and locations of seminars for Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorneys, presented by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Defender Services Division Training Branch.

The Training Branch is now using online registration for all of its programs.

May 7 - 9, 2009 Portland, OR "The Winning Strategies Seminar II"

- Seminar Flyer and Draft Agenda -
Winning Strategies offers both new and experienced panel attorneys the opportunity to attend presentations on criminal defense topics of interest in both large and small group settings. The presentations focus on the nuts and bolts of federal criminal practice as well as more advanced defense strategies and techniques. Included among the various topics are discussions of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, sentencing mitigation, and nuances in the Federal Rules of Evidence. Sessions include discussions focusing on the impact of cases such as Crawford and Gall/Kimbrough & Spears, as well as current Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment issues. Participants can also expect presentations on trial skills such as cross examination and developing theories and themes for trial. Other areas expected to be covered are handling electronic discovery, defending child pornography cases, attacking mortgage fraud prosecutions and defending gang cases. Additionally, presentations will cover the use of technology in the courtroom and detailed explanations of CJA guidelines, resources and procedures.

July 30 - August 1 Denver, CO "Law & Technology Workshop"

The Law and Technology Workshop focuses on the use of modern technology to improve the persuasiveness of courtroom presentations. This workshop is an intensive program where participants will learn to use Trial Director and PowerPoint products to sharpen their courtroom skills. Attendees will enhance their direct-examination, cross-examination, and opening/closing argument abilities with detailed application and use of these litigation tools. Today, many federal courtrooms are “wired” to accommodate the latest computer programs, and this technology has proven to be an effective and persuasive addition to lawyers’ arsenals. Participation in the Law and Technology Workshop is particularly valuable for federal criminal defense attorneys.

In order to participate in this program, participants are required to provide their own laptop computers. General presentations and demonstrations are supplemented by concentrated small group workshops. In the smaller breakout groups, attendees receive hands-on guidance to apply the information presented in the plenary sessions using facts from a mock case file. Each participant will practice direct and cross-examination, and opening/closing arguments, using Trial Director and PowerPoint software.

For program descriptions and additional information, visit the Office of Defenders Services Training Branch web site.

The Office of the Federal Public Defender, Western District of Pennsylvania, operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act of 1964 (as amended), 18 U.S.C. § 3006A (CJA). We provide defense services to individuals who are financially unable to obtain adequate representation in Federal criminal cases, appeals, and habeas corpus matters. A person’s eligibility for defender services is determined by the federal court. Attorneys of this office may not represent individuals without an appointment from the court, nor may they engage in the private practice of law.

May 7 - 9, 2009	Portland, OR	"The Winning Strategies Seminar II"
- Seminar Flyer and Draft Agenda - Winning Strategies offers both new and experienced panel attorneys the opportunity to attend presentations on criminal defense topics of interest in both large and small group settings. The presentations focus on the nuts and bolts of federal criminal practice as well as more advanced defense strategies and techniques. Included among the various topics are discussions of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, sentencing mitigation, and nuances in the Federal Rules of Evidence. Sessions include discussions focusing on the impact of cases such as Crawford and Gall/Kimbrough & Spears, as well as current Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment issues. Participants can also expect presentations on trial skills such as cross examination and developing theories and themes for trial. Other areas expected to be covered are handling electronic discovery, defending child pornography cases, attacking mortgage fraud prosecutions and defending gang cases. Additionally, presentations will cover the use of technology in the courtroom and detailed explanations of CJA guidelines, resources and procedures.
July 30 - August 1	Denver, CO	"Law & Technology Workshop"
The Law and Technology Workshop focuses on the use of modern technology to improve the persuasiveness of courtroom presentations. This workshop is an intensive program where participants will learn to use Trial Director and PowerPoint products to sharpen their courtroom skills. Attendees will enhance their direct-examination, cross-examination, and opening/closing argument abilities with detailed application and use of these litigation tools. Today, many federal courtrooms are “wired” to accommodate the latest computer programs, and this technology has proven to be an effective and persuasive addition to lawyers’ arsenals. Participation in the Law and Technology Workshop is particularly valuable for federal criminal defense attorneys. In order to participate in this program, participants are required to provide their own laptop computers. General presentations and demonstrations are supplemented by concentrated small group workshops. In the smaller breakout groups, attendees receive hands-on guidance to apply the information presented in the plenary sessions using facts from a mock case file. Each participant will practice direct and cross-examination, and opening/closing arguments, using Trial Director and PowerPoint software.