Public Defenders in Washington face many challenges, including having more clients than they can competently represent and getting pressure from courts to handle cases quickly. This all-day ethics CLE will give defenders ideas and strategies for pushing back using the Rules of Professional Conduct and other resources. Speakers will address the proposed caseload standards, including what to expect if the Supreme Court of Washington adopts the standards and strategies for independent defenders negotiating new contracts if the standards pass. Other topics include making a record when you have a high caseload, getting the time and resources you need at the trial level, and the necessity of cultural competence. Our keynote speaker will be Angelica Chazaro, a professor at the University of Washington School of Law who teaches professional responsibility, critical race theory, poverty law, and courses on immigration law.

2024 Ethics Conference Schedule

To register, please write to wda@defensenet.org with “Ethics” in the subject line. 5.75 Ethics credits have been approved from the bar.