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The official website of the State of Mississippi

TRAINING

The Public Defender Training Division provides state, county, municipal, and youth court defenders continuing legal education programs, case law and legislative updates, legal research, and technical assistance in complex cases. The Division also oversees the collection and reporting of data for the Legislature and Public Defender Taskforce.

TRAINING EVENTS

UPCOMING CONFERENCES


 

 

2025 Spring OSPD & MPDA Public Defender Conference
Westin Hotel - Jackson
407 South Congress Street
Jackson, MS 39201
April 23, 2025 – April 25, 2025

 

Conference MATERIALS: 

AGENDA
CLE FORM
TRAVEL FORM
Understanding DWI Detection and Standard Field Sobriety Test - Blake Stutzman
Guiding the Way: Supporting Clients with Mental Health Challenges- Stacy Ferraro
MS Public Defender Trial School Recap:  Strategies, Skills and Surprises - Arthur Calderon
BrainStorming Your Case:  A Critical Part of Building the Story - Shawna Geiger
ABA Ten Principles of a Public Defender Delivery System - Malia Brink and Cynthia Lee
"Tickets to the Show": Demonstrative Aids and What to Pack in Your Trial Briefcase - Michael S Carr
Collateral Consequences:  Navigating Family Defense in Felony Cases - Shawna M Geiger
Motions in Motion: Practical Tips to Advance Your Defense - Graham Carner
Appellate Law Update - Justin Cook
Day One Representation - Pamela Metzger and Richard Carter
The Power of Clear, Compassionate, Client Communication - Demetrice Williams Wells    

 


PAST TRAINING EVENTS  


Due to the unforeseen gas leak explosion in Lee County, we are moving next week's Youth and Family Defense Conference to Oxford, Mississippi. The conference will move to the Oxford Conference Center located at 102 Ed Perry Blvd., Oxford, MS  38655.  

For those who previously made hotel reservations at Hotel Tupelo, a Wyndham Hotel we have transferred your reservation to Tru by Hilton and the Marriott TownePlace Suites, both very close to the Convention Center.  It is VERY IMPORTANT to let us know, no later than Monday, March 17, 2025, if you will not need your hotel room.  We have secured your hotel room and if you are a no-show, we will have to pay for that room.
Over the weekend, please check your email for the rooming list for both hotels. In the meantime, please contact our office or email Berenda for any questions at 601-259-2013.

 

Youth Defender Certification Training

March 19 – 20, 2025

Oxford Conference Center
102 Ed Perry Blvd
Oxford, MS  38655

Materials
AGENDA
Disposition Alternatives Comparison Chart 
Barrister's Battle:  Youth Court Jeopardy Questions and Answers
View from the Bench:  Advocating For Your Client
Paying the Price:  Restitution in Youth Court


Family Defense Certification Training

March 20 – 21, 2025

Oxford Conference Center 
102 Ed Perry Blvd., 
Oxford, MS  38655

 Conference Materials:
AGENDA
Drug Testing in Child Welfare Cases
Trial Skills With Medical Evidence
Ethics
 

Constitutional Capital Voir Dire Training

March 5 - 7, 2025

Hollywood Casino 
711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS
(228) 469-2100

LODGING - HOTEL RESERVATION 

All participants will be responsible for their own hotel expenses. There will be NO travel reimbursements for this training.

Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast, 711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis, Mississippi 39520

(228) 469-2100

Group Rate: $79.00 per night

Group Code: S03EB25 deadline to use group code is February 11, 2025 

AGENDA

FAMILY DEFENSE: LUNCH & LEARN

NOVEMBER 6, 2024 VIA ZOOM @ 12:00 PM  -  1:00 PM

SPEAKER:  JUDGE LEONARD EDWARDS

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR LUNCH & LEARN


 

2024 OSPD & MPDA Fall Public Defender Conference

October 23-25, 2024
Cleveland, MS 38732

Click Here for MATERIALS

Lyric Hotel

1300 West Hwy 8

Cleveland, MS 38732

662-441-3901


SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2024

MATERIALS -  Family & Youth Defense & Certification Training 

 

Training location:

CENTENNIAL PLAZA RESORT

The Chapel

200 East Beach Blvd., Gulfport, MS  39507 (228) 206-3386


Virtual Summer Lunch & Learn

The Intersection of the Law and Pharmacology/Toxicology

Friday, July 12, 2024 - Noon

 


2024 Spring OSPD & MPDA Public Defender Conference

April 24-26, 2024 - IP Casino Resort Spa
850 Bayview Avenue - Biloxi, MS 39530

AGENDA


Can't find what you're looking for? Materials for past conferences are available on request - just email Berenda Pendleton.