Welcome to WDA

WDA is an association of Washington State criminal defense attorneys and public defender, social workers, investigators and those committed to improving indigent defense.  We provide training, case assistance, and a legislative voice to those working in public defense.

WDA provides resources and support to indigent defenders through

• Training
• Case Assistance for felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile matters and immigration issues
• Advocacy
  

New material is added to this site often.  Be sure to check back frequently and follow this link to upcoming trainings!

 

Membership supports indigent defense in Washington.  Members have access to

• Free Live and Online Training and Education
• Practice Area Listservs
• Case Assistance
• Legislative Advocacy

Curious about WDA Membership? Click here to read more about the benefits of being a member.

Already a WDA Member? Click here to request a password to our site.

 

CLE Training programs at WDA are tuition free for members.  Last year, WDA offered over 100 hours of live CLE credits.  You can find training that focuses on trial advocacy, criminal law and procedure, juvenile law, dependencies and other civil matters. 

• Upcoming Trainings
• Past CLEs, which are available online for A/V credit.
  

Case assistance is a free resource for all Washington attorneys on their indigent cases. Case assistance includes brainstorming, assistance on motions and technical assistance.  You can also find current information on new cases, motions and legislative change.

• Contact Cindy Arends for assistance on felony cases.
• Contact Magda Baker for assistance on misdemeanor cases.
• Click here for more information on case assistance for representing children in dependency cases.
  

 

• Case Law Updates
• Expert Bank
• Motion Bank
• Practice Advisories
• Publications
  

WDA's Immigration Project offers case assistance and other resources for attorneys representing non-citizen clients. 

• Contact Jonathan Moore and Ann Benson for case assistance. 
• Follow this link for immigration resources.
  

WDA is the voice for indigent defense in Washington and with the Federal Government.  Our advocacy extends to legislative reform and work within the courts and the bar association

• Legislation

WDA provides a voice for the indigent and their defenders in the state legislature.  Working with other organizations and offices committed to protecting indigent rights, WDA advocates for and sponsors legislation in Washington State.

• Amicus Briefs

WDA has written or joined other organizations in writing amicus briefs in state and federal court, focusing primarily on issues relating to the right to counsel, access to justice and fairness for all persons appearing before the court.

 

Contact WDA for questions about our organization or this website.  Follow this link for information on volunteer or extern positions.