SPDTC was created to offer a robust training and leadership development program designed to build a new generation of committed public defenders equipped with the skills and values needed to immediately offer high quality, client-centered indigent representation. Our overarching objective is to develop a corps of public defenders who will have the skills, values and motivation to serve as advocates, or change agents, for the systemic reform needed to uphold every person’s constitutional right to fair and equal justice and to serve as the future leaders of this reform movement.
Training
Core Training (101)
Members participate in training provided over a three-year period and facilitated by some of the best current and former public defenders in the country. A three-year program not only allows SPDTC to support new public defenders during the formative years of their careers, but allows successive classes to meet and share experiences, thereby building a community of attorneys who can support one another for years to come. All new lawyers who join the program enter SPDTC as a training class.
Summer Institute—14 day training in Birmingham, AL. With a 3:1 student to faculty ratio, all participants receive considerable individual attention.
2-day trainings over the next 3 years which include 60 hours of instruction. The weekend-long trainings bring successive classes together (comprised of classmates from multiple states) so they can convene as a group that develops into a community that facilitates collaboration long after participating in the training.
The program also provides mentors for each member. These mentors are SPDTC faculty members who are current and former public defenders. They serve as a source of ongoing support to participants between training sessions. This communication develops a sense of community among classmates and faculty/mentors by encouraging members to share questions, concerns, resources, and advice. This mentoring is critical in order to provide class participants with the support, encouragement, and inspiration they need to sustain their persistence toward advancing indigent defense.
If you would like to apply to Core Training 101 please complete the following application:
New Lawyer Application for Core Program
All applications are due June 1st 5pm (ET)
Graduate Training (201)
Once SPDTC members have completed the 3-year Core Program, they are welcomed to apply to the graduate level program where they are taught leadership skills: how to supervise newer attorneys, to serve as coaches to attorneys who participate in the SPDTC program, and how to serve as faculty members. The two-day trainings over three years help to mold members into become future leaders in their perspective offices.
The graduate program:
Continues to enhance participants abilities and skillsSupports participants leadership development
Builds the first generation of SPDTC Apprentice FacultyBuild, train, and support a cohort of SPDTC coaches and peer network for members of the current SPDTC Core Program
Provide networking and community development opportunities for members of the 201 Program
Pre-requisite: In order to apply to this program, you must complete the Core Program (101).
Leadership (301):
TBD: Begins January 2015
Programs
Leadership Summit for Chief Public Defenders
More info coming soon.
Trainer Development
Offered to new SPDTC faculty members and individuals seeking more information on training and supporting new public defenders. Stay tuned for upcoming details and updates.
Summer Law Clerk Program
The SPDTC Summer Law Clerk Program is designed to incorporate law students who are interested in indigent defense and display characteristics as promising future public defenders. All interns work closely with attorneys who have gone through the SPDTC training program or public defender chiefs who have worked with the SPDTC. Internships can last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks.
Orientation:
Law clerks come to Atlanta for a three day orientation.
Day 1: Interns are welcomed to SPDTC and given a formal overview of the program, its benefits, and its expectations.
Day 2: Learn about practicing indigent defense in the South from some of the leading experts in the field. Participate in panel discussions that discuss issues plagued by public defenders.
Day 3: Introduction to investigative research tactics, legal writing, and client-centered representation model to the students.
Required Assignments:
All SPDTC law clerks are required to create weekly journal entries of their experience, maintain a weekly activity time-sheet log, and complete an evaluation. The completion of these assignments is crucial to the overall experience in the program. The assignments allow interns to be more actively engaged in their experience and make it easier for them to recall memorable experiences. The evaluations assist our staff in assessing which offices the law clerks enjoyed and also assist in improving certain areas of our program.
Pre-requisite:
All law students are welcomed to apply.
If you would like to apply to the Summer Law Clerk Program please complete the following application:
Early Decsion Applications Due on December 16th at 5pm (ET), the final date to submit your application is March 1st by 5pm (ET)