WA State OPD is offering a free training to attorneys on how best to work with social workers and social service providers on defense teams. The training will be September 20 at 12pm on zoom (1.5 CLE credits pending approval). Please reach out with any questions. See attached flyer and info below for more details. Click here to register!

Course Description: As public defense practice advances, it has become clear that social service providers can enhance attorney advocacy in cases ranging from simple drug charges to complex homicide or sex offenses. Attorneys serve as the leaders of the defense team and bear the responsibility to the court and client for the work done on each of their cases. This training aims to equip attorneys with the knowledge they need to bring social workers onto defense teams in a way that is ethical, effective and sustainable for clients, attorneys and social service providers. It will also provide the tools attorneys need to communicate and manage the defense team. While this presentation focuses on youth defense, the topics will be applicable for any practitioner working alongside social service providers.

Presenters: Simmie Baer, Maren Willins, and Molly Hennessey