Advanced Training

The DPA provides advanced training in a variety or areas as needed to respond to trends in indigent defense practice and Kentucky law. Below are some of the offerings which are provided on a regular basis.

Capital Defense Training

The DPA has adopted the ABA Guidelines for the Appointment and Performance of Death Counsel in Death Penalty Cases. Pursuant to the guidelines, the DPA offers training for members of capital defense teams a minimum of every other year. In addition to the Capital Defense Institute, DPA offers training in Capital Voir Dire and Regional Death Penalty Training. 

Capital Defense Institute

Provides capital defense teams with the opportunity to extensively review one of their cases through an institute format with plenary sessions and small group break out practice with nationally recognized faculty. 

Topics will vary from Institute to Institute and may include:

  • Developing Integrated Theory for Life
  • Investigation and Creation of Social History Report
  • Presenting Mitigating Evidence
  • Communicating with Clients
  • Negotiating

Intended Audience: Capital Defense Teams

Capital Voir Dire Training 

Provides capital defense teams knowledge and practice in conducting individual capital voir dire utilizing the Colorado Method modified for Kentucky. Teams are encouraged to take the workshop close to trial and to repeat the workshop before each trial. 
Topics Include:

  • The Colorado Method Overview
  • Rating System
  • Conducting the individual Voir Dire
  • Litigating Voir Dire Conditions
  • Arguing Both Sides of Motions to Strike for Cause

Intended Audience: Capital Defense Teams 1-5 months from trial date

Regional Death Penalty Training

This one day training event that is offered from year to year, depending on trends in capital litigation. 

Past topics have included: 

  • Making Objections in Openings and Closings
  • Instructions
  • Using OneNote
  • Litigating Exclusion of Death Penalty
  • Presenting Mitigating Evidence
  • Communicating with Clients
  • Negotiating

Intended Audience: Capital Defense Teams

Annual Conference Tracks

Each year at the DPA Annual Conference, tracks are established to provide advanced training for those seeking to expand their knowledge in specialy areas such as:

  • Trial Advocacy
  • DUI Defense
  • Investigation
  • Forensics
  • Sentencing and Mitigation
  • Capital Defense
  • Professional Development

Juvenile Defense Specialty Training

In addition to New Attorney Training for Juvenile Law, DPA provides Regional Juvenile Summits led by the best juvenile defense attorneys in Kentucky. Topics are selected each year to meet the unique needs of those representing clients.

Past topics have included:

  • Caselaw and Legislative Updates
  • Transfer Hearings
  • Status Offenders
  • Sex Offenders
  • SB 200 Implementation and Litigation

Intended Audience: Attorneys and Alternative Sentencing Workers practicing in Juvenile Court