Upcoming Events
The following events may be of interest to panel attorneys and generally provide MCLE credit.
Associate Attorney Opening at ADI
Appellate Defenders, Inc. (ADI) is hiring a full-time criminal law associate attorney. The associate attorney is a two-year position with a primary focus on direct representation.
Join us in the rewarding work of representing indigent parties in the California Court of Appeal and supporting dedicated attorneys who are appointed by the appellate courts.
ADI is a non-profit law office that also acts as an administrator under the Rules of Court, rule 8.300(e) for the Fourth Appellate District Court of Appeal.
Primary responsibilities will include direct representation to indigent clients. The position is intended for an attorney in their early stages of appellate practice, with roughly (1) to (5) years of appellate experience.
To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (opening briefs or writs preferred) to Lynelle Hee at lkh@adi-sandiego.com. In your cover letter, please describe your interest and qualifications for the associate attorney position, including your practice areas, seminars presented, articles written, etc. Applicants must reside in California, Southern California is preferred.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position open until filled. Start date is flexible in the Fall of 2026.
For additional information, see below for the link to the full posting. ADI is an equal opportunity employer.
Annual Defender Event - Save the Date - October 2, 2026
The Boards of Directors of Appellate Defenders, Inc. and Federal Defenders, Inc. invite you to save the date of October 2, 2026, for a reception recognizing excellence in indigent defense. The Paul Bell and Conant-Cleary awards will be presented at the event.
The reception will take place at the Westin Gaslamp, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Further details to follow.
MCLE Programs Offered by Appellate Projects
The Practical and Ethical Use of AI in Appellate Practice
October 5th from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | Remote
Presenter: USF School of Law legal writing professors Nicole Phillips and Megan Hutchinson
Host: ADI
Presented by USF School of Law legal writing professors Nicole Phillips and Megan Hutchinson, this program provides attorneys with a practical introduction to the responsible use of generative AI in legal practice. The program examines lawyers’ ethical and professional competency obligations, explains key AI concepts, and discusses the integration of AI into legal education and legal practice. The program also addresses AI-assisted research, drafting, case preparation, and productivity tools while learning best practices for supervising and verifying AI-generated work.
1.0 hour of Technology MCLE credit.
Training Opportunities Offered by Other Defense Organizations
2026 Appellate Practice Seminar
August 21-22nd | Live via Zoom
Host: CACJ
Join CACJ for the 2026 Appellate Practice Seminar, a focused two-day virtual program designed for attorneys handling criminal appeals and post-conviction matters. This year’s program begins with practical guidance for opening an appeal, reviewing and correcting the record, drafting effective appellate briefs, and proving prejudice after identifying legal error. The second day turns to key legal updates, including the annual case review, Penal Code section 1172.6 developments, Racial Justice Act litigation, and state constitutional claims involving cruel or unusual punishment. Set aside two focused half-days for practical appellate training without the travel. CACJ’s virtual Appellate Practice Seminar offers 8.0 hours of participatory MCLE covering foundational appellate skills, post-conviction litigation, recent decisions, and emerging constitutional claims.
Join us online August 21 and 22 for a program designed to provide information you can put to use in your current and future cases.
Mental Health Diversion in Transition – Case Law, AB46, and Strategies for 2027
September 18th from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | Live Virtual Webinar
Presenter: Maria Martino, Deputy Public Defender, Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office
Host: CACJ
Mental health diversion in California continues to evolve, with new case law, changing local practices, and significant statutory changes on the horizon.
Join CACJ for an interactive discussion with Maria Martino, Deputy Public Defender with the Santa Barbara County Public Defender’s Office, as we examine where mental health diversion stands today and where it is headed.
Presented in an interview format, this practical and conversational program will explore:
- How mental health diversion is being implemented across California counties
- Recent case law developments
- The impact of AB 46
- Strategies for preparing cases as the new law takes effect in 2027
Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions throughout the program, helping shape the discussion around the real-world challenges facing criminal defense practitioners.
On-Demand Courses
New Racial Justice Act Online On-Demand Course
OSPD is excited to open a new on-demand course on the Racial Justice Act. You will learn all the basics,
refresh your knowledge, and stay up to date on RJA developments! These videos and written materials have
been collected from around the state and are meant to help practitioners regardless of their experience in
litigating the RJA.
Participants are able to receive MCLE Self Study and Specialty Credit for their hours working on the course (up to 10-hours).
SVP Course
This course is intended for anyone in Indigent defense looking to learn more about Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) petitions and defending against these civil commitments. Those taking this course from start to finish can expect to spend approximately 9 hours to complete. However, registrants should also feel free to take this course at their own pace. Completion of this course earns 8.25 hours of general MCLE credits.