NAPD Leadership Legal Aid 2026: Full Schedule

10:00am EDT

Faculty Meeting

Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EDT

12:00pm EDT

Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

NAPD Staff will be at the registration table just outside of the auditorium by 10am EST for you to sign in, pick up your nametag, etc. prior to opening remarks at 12:30 pm EST.

Please make sure you have completed the Confidentiality Agreement and Community Agreements

Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

12:45pm EDT

Conference Welcome

Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:45pm - 1:00pm EDT

Speakers

Lori James

Executive Director, National Association for Public Defense

Dr. Lori James, PhD, LCSW-C, is the Executive Director of the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD), representing more than 27,000 public defense professionals nationwide to drive systemic legal reform. With over 30 years of experience spanning criminal legal reform, clinical... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:45pm - 1:00pm EDT

Plenary

1:00pm EDT

Opening Address: Leadership: It Matters!

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

In this powerful opening session, Legal Aid Senior Leadership will share personal reflections on how servant leadership has shaped their journey, their sense of purpose, and their commitment to those they serve. Drawing on years of leading teams and championing others, this session illuminates the profound impact servant leadership has—not only on organizations—but on the lives of clients,...
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Speakers

Alice Fontier

Deputy Director Administration and Operations, NAPD

Alice Fontier has been a practicing criminal defense attorney for over twenty years after graduating from NYU School of Law. She is now a Legal and Management consultant. She currently serves as a Project Managing Attorney at the Legal Aid Society of New York. She has been the Managing... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

Plenary

1:15pm EDT

Transformational Leadership and the Leader in You

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT

This session is designed for leaders across all roles to explore what leadership truly means, and how each person can identify, own, and center their unique gifts to lead more effectively — whether they're managing a team, a caseload, an office, or simply showing up as an example for others.Participants will examine the core elements of transformational leadership — a model built on inspiring...
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Speakers

Lori James

Executive Director, National Association for Public Defense

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:30pm EDT

Plenary

2:15pm EDT

Break

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:30pm EDT

Break

2:30pm EDT

Core Values Session

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

In this session, participants will explore the process of identifying their core values—the guiding principles that shape how they lead, make decisions, and show up for others. Through reflection and practical exercises, leaders will gain clarity on what matters most to them and learn to articulate the values that anchor their work. We will examine why self-awareness around core values is...
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Speakers

Kirsten Downs

Director of Systemic Reform, Office of the Public Defender

Kirsten Gettys Downs is the Director of Systemic Reform at the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, where she leads the Maryland Justice Partnership, a community-driven initiative to dismantle mass incarceration and advance a more equitable legal system. She brings more than two... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Plenary

3:30pm EDT

What Is a Challenge

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Identifying an individual leadership challenge to take to small groups.

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:30pm - 3:45pm EDT

Plenary

3:45pm EDT

Break

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:00pm EDT

Break

4:00pm EDT

Small group

Wednesday July 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Introductions and Leadership Challenge

Wednesday July 15, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Small Group

5:00pm EDT

Facilitators Meeting

Wednesday July 15, 2026 5:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: Strengthening Leadership Effectiveness in Public Defense

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Public defense leaders operate in environments where the work is emotionally demanding, the decisions are complex, and the challenges require balancing organizational priorities with the needs of staff and clients. Emotional intelligence is a critical leadership competency that influences communication, decision-making, collaboration, resilience, and organizational culture.This session explores...
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Speakers

Pam Love

President, DP Love Enterprises

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Plenary

10:00am EDT

Break

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am EDT

Break

10:15am EDT

Continued Discussion: Leadership Impact Through Emotional Intelligence

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Speakers

Pam Love

President, DP Love Enterprises

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Plenary

10:15am EDT

Leadership Transition: What You Need to Know to Succeed

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Leadership transitions — whether stepping into a new role, handing off responsibilities, or adjusting to organizational change — are some of the most challenging and formative moments in a leader's journey. This session blends teaching and open discussion to help Legal Aid NY leaders across all roles think through what it takes to transition well: into a role, out of a role, or through periods...
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Speakers

Lori James

Executive Director, National Association for Public Defense

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Plenary

11:15am EDT

Small group

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT

Small Group

12:30pm EDT

Lunch (on your own)

Thursday July 16, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT

Lunch on your own

1:45pm EDT

The Art of Difficult Conversations: Using Lessons Learned and Tools to Achieve Shared Outcomes

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

One of the biggest challenges cited by leaders and team members is a reluctance or lack of knowledge regarding how to navigate difficult conversations, even though avoiding them negatively impacts culture and representation. In this session, the group will explore how to overcome fears and embrace the discomfort that comes with these necessary conversations. The presentation will share lessons...
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Speakers

Kristin LaVoy

Training Director, SADO

Kristin LaVoy has spent her entire 18 year legal career in indigent defense. She is currently the Training Director for Michigan’s State Appellate Defender Office. She previously served as the Training Director for NDS Detroit and for Wayne County, as an assistant appellate defender... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

Plenary

2:30pm EDT

Small group

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Small Group

4:00pm EDT

Leadership Goal Setting for Individual Impact

Thursday July 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Strong leaders measure success and significance not only by their own achievements but by the growth, engagement, and performance of their teams. This session explores how leaders must be intentional in goal setting in order to cultivate a positive and lasting impact on employees while advancing their individual growth as a leader. While centered on the SMART (Specific, Measurable,...
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Speakers

Terri Green

Director of Social Work, Maryland Office of the Public Defender

Terri Collins-Green, LCSW-C is the Director of Social Work for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD). Mrs. Collins-Green has been with MOPD for over ten years. She began as a staff social worker in the Baltimore County MOPD office, was promoted to Regional Social... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Plenary

5:00pm EDT

Facilitators Meeting

Thursday July 16, 2026 5:00pm - 5:30pm EDT

9:00am EDT

Engaging the Community and Leading from all Angles

Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

This session equips public defender leaders with practical strategies and examples for building robust, mutually beneficial relationships with the communities their offices serve. Participants will learn how to shift from reactive communication to proactive, trust-based engagement that enhances service delivery, informs policy advocacy, and ultimately improves client outcomes.

Speakers

Wesley Caines

Deputy Director, The Bronx Defenders

Wesley Caines is a Bronx native of Caribbean heritage and the proud father of two children, Ashley and Gregory. A graduate of Bard College and New York Theological Seminary, his life’s journey has enriched him with a perspective on the importance of human connection and community... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Plenary

9:45am EDT

Spark Talks

Friday July 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT

See a panel of speakers on a variety of brief spark talks on various topics including Coaching, Teams, Policy and Fighting for Your Office, Team Leaders and Q&A

Coaching: Arlene Anderson
Culture: Lori James
Succession Planning: Greg Mermelstein
Advocating for Your Team: Lori Mach
Teamwork: Hadi Razzaq

Friday July 17, 2026 9:45am - 11:15am EDT

Plenary

11:15am EDT

Break

Friday July 17, 2026 11:15am - 11:30am EDT

Break

11:30am EDT

Small group

Friday July 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Small Group

12:30pm EDT

Lunch (on your own)

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Lunch on your own

1:30pm EDT

Building Resilience in Public Defense Leadership

Friday July 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Public defense leaders play a crucial role in shaping a work environment that supports their team’s longevity and excellence. This session will explore practical strategies to prevent burnout, foster resilience, and create a culture where defenders feel valued, supported, and committed to the work for the long haul. Participants will leave with actionable steps to strengthen their office’s...
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Speakers

Caitlin Becker

Social Work Director of Complex Advocacy, Bronx Defenders

Marisa Beckley

Director of Workplace Wellness, The Bronx Defenders

Marisa Beckley, LMSW has over a decade of experience in holistic public defense. She began her defense career at the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, where she was the office’s first civil legal advocate, supporting clients with family, immigration, and civil legal needs connected to their... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Plenary

2:30pm EDT

Finish Strong!

Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm EDT

Speakers

Pam Love

President, DP Love Enterprises

Friday July 17, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm EDT

Plenary

2:50pm EDT

Wrap Up

Friday July 17, 2026 2:50pm - 3:00pm EDT

Discussion of what we have learned and where do we go from here.

Friday July 17, 2026 2:50pm - 3:00pm EDT

Plenary

10:00am EDT

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11:15am EDT

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12:30pm EDT

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2:30pm EDT

2:50pm EDT

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