2026 National Conference - New Orleans
The 2026 National Conference, themed "Defend with Purpose: Best Practices in the Bayou," is organized by the National Defender Investigator Association (NDIA). This three-day educational event is tailored for professionals in the defense community, including criminal defense investigators, paralegals, attorneys, mitigation specialists, and social workers. The conference aims to provide attendees with opportunities to learn from and collaborate with leading experts in the field.
The conference will cover a range of key topics pertinent to criminal defense, such as ethical considerations, best practices in interviewing, mitigation strategies, and the use of technology in investigations. Sessions will include plenary talks and concurrent workshops designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of defense professionals.
In addition to educational sessions, the conference offers practical opportunities for networking, including a President's Reception featuring light appetizers and the presentation of the Member of the Year Award. An expo hall will be available for attendees to explore the latest tools and services relevant to their work. Notable speakers from across the nation will participate as faculty, sharing their expertise and insights.
This conference is ideal for members of the defense community seeking to enhance their professional skills, stay updated on best practices, and connect with peers and experts in the field. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge and resources to support their work in defending indigent clients.
Categories
Speakers(7)
Amber Kaset
Owner/Private Investigator/Mitigation Specialist at AK Investigations
Amber Kaset is the owner of AK Investigations, operating in Tennessee and Kentucky, specializing in private investigations and mitigation services.
Chris Pipe
Supervisory Investigator at Military Commissions Defense Organization
Chris Pipe serves as a Supervisory Investigator at the Military Commissions Defense Organization in Washington, DC, focusing on defense investigations in military commissions.
Dana Cook
Director of Social Services Training and Recruitment at Philadelphia, PA
Dana Cook, MSW, is the Director of Social Services Training and Recruitment in Philadelphia, PA, specializing in trauma-informed interviewing and mitigation strategies.
Jordan Crunkleton
Assistant Public Defender, Juvenile Division at Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Jordan Crunkleton is an Assistant Public Defender in the Juvenile Division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender in Upper Marlboro, MD.
Kelsey Robinson
Assistant Public Defender, Juvenile Division at Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Kelsey Robinson serves as an Assistant Public Defender in the Juvenile Division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender in Upper Marlboro, MD.
Kevann Gardner
Founding Partner at K. Gardner Law
Kevann Gardner is the founding partner of K. Gardner Law in Washington, DC, specializing in legal ethics and professional responsibility.
Nick Place
Staff Attorney at Partnership for Civil Justice Fund
Nick Place is a Staff Attorney at the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund in New Orleans, LA, focusing on civil rights and special circumstances representation.
Event Details
- Date
- April 21-24, 2026
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 New Orleans, United States
- Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Criminal defense investigators, paralegals, attorneys, mitigation specialists, social workers
- CLE Credits
- NDIA training hours are approved to fill the academic training requirements for CDITC (Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council, Center for Investigative Studies) for total hours attended at this NDIA conference.