National Legal Aid & Defender Association 2021 Annual Conference
The National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA) hosted its 2021 Annual Conference from November 9 to 12, 2021. This event, themed "Redefining Justice," was primarily conducted virtually, with limited in-person sessions held in Nashville, Tennessee. The conference aimed to provide a platform for legal professionals to engage in discussions and training focused on advancing justice and addressing the evolving challenges in the legal aid and public defense sectors.
The conference featured a diverse array of sessions covering critical topics such as racial justice, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on legal services, and strategies for effective advocacy. Notable training tracks included "Litigating Race & Bias," "Balancing the Bench: Pathways to Federal Judicial Appointment," and the "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Playbook." These sessions were designed to equip attendees with practical tools and insights to enhance their professional practice and better serve their communities.
In addition to the educational sessions, the conference provided opportunities for networking and collaboration among peers. Attendees had the chance to participate in strategic issue discussions and workshops led by esteemed speakers, including Judge Bernice Donald, Desmond Meade, and Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri. These interactions fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among legal aid and public defense professionals.
The 2021 Annual Conference was tailored for legal aid attorneys, public defenders, policy advocates, and other stakeholders committed to promoting equal justice. Participants benefited from the comprehensive agenda that addressed both current challenges and forward-looking strategies, making it a valuable experience for those dedicated to enhancing the quality and accessibility of legal services.
Speakers(61)
Adeola Ogunkeyede
Andrew Scherer
April Jung
Bernice B. Donald
U.S. Circuit Judge at Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
The Honorable Bernice B. Donald serves as a U.S. Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Betty Balli Torres
Executive Director at Texas Access to Justice Foundation
Betty Balli Torres is the Executive Director of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, dedicated to public interest work and serving as an advocate for civil legal services for the poor.
Carol Bergman
Cesar Torres
Claudia Johnson
Colleen Cotter
Corrine Campbell
David Miller
Desmond Meade
President at Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC)
Desmond Meade is the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, advocating for the restoration of voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Devshi Mehrotra
Geoffrey Burkhart
Georges Naufal
Hazel Remesch
Ishmael Jaffree
Jacquelynne Bowman
Jaffee Pickett
Jared Smith
Jaundalynn Taylor
Jayme Cassidy
Jennifer Bentley
Jennifer Blunt
Jo-Ann Wallace
John Pollock
Jon Laramore
Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri
Ambassador at Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri is the Ambassador of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and former Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission, with extensive experience in policy, law, and judicial matters.
Julianne Tarver
Julie Reiskin
Justine Olderman
Kate Parker
Director of Policy-Government and Community Affairs at Defender Association of Philadelphia
Kate Parker engages community partners and lawmakers to bring about systemic change in the criminal legal system.
Kavita Goyal
Lillian M. Moy
Lisa C. Smith
Lisa Pearlstein
Director at City Bar Justice Center’s Legal Clinic for the Homeless
Lisa Pearlstein trains and mentors volunteer attorneys representing homeless families on public benefits and shelter issues.
Liz Keith
Maha Jweied
Margaret Hagen
Margaret Shinn
Maria Duvuvuei
Martesha Johnson
Mary DeFusco
Melanie Shakarian
Merf Ehman
Molly Dull
Nikole Nelson
Ron Flagg
Sara Mayeux
Selena Hunn
Shubi Deoras
Spring Miller
Stephen Rispoli
Stuart Axenfeld
Deputy Director for Fiscal Compliance at Legal Services Corporation’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement
Stuart Axenfeld is the Deputy Director for Fiscal Compliance at the Legal Services Corporation’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement, with a federal career including roles at the Corporation for National & Community Service and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.
Tanya Douglas
Tanya Gassenheimer
Teresa Enriquez
Ugochi Anaebere-Nicholson
Directing Attorney at Housing and Homelessness Prevention Unit, Public Law Center
Ugochi Anaebere-Nicholson serves as the Directing Attorney for the Housing and Homelessness Prevention Unit at the Public Law Center, with a background in legal aid focusing on housing, public benefits, family, and immigration law.
Victoria Esposito
Wes Caines
Yvonne Mariajimenez
Event Details
- Date
- November 10-13, 2021
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Nashville, United States
- Virtual and limited in-person sessions in Nashville, Tennessee
- Audience
- Legal aid attorneys, public defenders, policy advocates, and stakeholders committed to promoting equal justice
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation applied for in most jurisdictions for virtual programming; in-person program applied only in Tennessee