Defenders Association CLE: Improving Justice by Teaching Lawyers

ALBANY, NY (11/19/2010)(readMedia)-- A program on "Handling Assigned Appeals in the Third Department," held on Friday, November 19 in Albany, concluded the New York State Defenders Association's training schedule for 2010. NYSDA co-sponsored the event with the Appellate Division, Third Department. Earlier in the month, NYSDA presented "Cutting Edge Criminal Defense" in Binghamton and "Winning Criminal Defense Strategies" in Poughkeepsie, as well as co-sponsoring a "Federal Criminal Law Update" in Albany.

In 2010, NYSDA has provided affordable Continuing Legal Education to hundreds of attorneys representing people who have a right to counsel but cannot afford a lawyer. This service benefited not only the lawyers and their clients, but also counties whose public defense budgets could not cover necessary training. NYSDA held both statewide and regional CLE events, making it possible for lawyers around the state to attend at least one NYSDA trainer.

Whether public defense lawyers work in appellate courts or trial courts, whether they represent accused individuals in criminal court or parents in family court, they must keep current on the law. They must maintain skills that allow them to provide representation that meets constitutional and ethical standards – and ensures justice for all.

As this month's training events illustrates, NYSDA offers CLE on a variety of subjects. Planning for the 2011 schedule has already begun. For more information about NYSDA and its trainings, visit the website at www.nysda.org/.