MCLE Opportunities

Presented by CAP-LA
December 9, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

This training covers the basics of appointed appellate practice, from appointment to case closure. Designed for new panel attorneys or those wanting a refresher, it focuses on practical skills, common challenges, and strategies for producing clear, persuasive briefs.

Panel attorneys from all of the appellate projects are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Topics to be covered:

• Pre-briefing Responsibilities
• Issue Spotting
• Overview of Sentencing
• Brief Writing
• After the Opinion & Closing Out the Case

Registration Link

Appointed Appeals Essentials 2025 – Schedule

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION: Please email Bridget at bridget@lacap.com.

*4.25 hours of MCLE Credits will be provided*

January 8, 2026 12:30-1:00 p.m. | Remote

As 2026 arrives, a host of new legislation relevant to our work and the people we serve will be enacted into law. Please join FDAP Staff Attorneys Kaiya Pirolo and Liv Gee for an overview of new criminal, juvenile delinquency, and civil commitment laws. This webinar is eligible for MCLE credit, including appellate and criminal specialization credit. The length of the webinar is yet to be determined, depending on the number and complexity of new laws enacted this year.

Registration link

SAVE THE DATE

Join CAP-LA for our in-person to be held January 20, 2026, at the DTLA California Endowment’s conference center.

Topics and registration information to be announced a a later date.

*Approximately 5 hours of MCLE credit to be provided.*

Unless otherwise noted these trainings are intended for criminal defense team members only, including attorneys, investigators, social workers, paralegals, mitigation specialists, law office professionals, and other job roles on defense teams.

Free Defend-On-Demand Online Courses
IDID is pleased to provide you with a catalog of the FREE courses we offer. These courses are self-paced, and most are eligible for self-study MCLE credit.

Link to catalog of free courses offered.

12/11/2025 –  Briscoe Relief for Youthful Offenders
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Presented by ANJALI BHARGAVA, Deputy Public Defender, Santa Clara County Public Defender and NICK STEWART-OATEN, Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles County Public Defender

Under People v. Briscoe, certain youthful offenders serving LWOP are actually entitled to a Youthful Offender Parole Hearing. This webinar will cover the holding of Briscoe, who is covered by the decision, and what type of relief is available. Attendees will also learn how to identify former clients who may be impacted by the decision, and the Santa Clara and Los Angeles County Public Defender offices will share strategies used to get Briscoe relief for their clients. Time will be reserved for attendee questions.

Zoom Registration Link

***1.25 hours of MCLE is offered for this training***

1/27/2026 – Understanding CDCR’s Compassionate Release Process and Procedures
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Presented by LAUREL ARROYO, Director of Capacity Building, OSPD, DR. MICHELE DiTOMAS, Assistant Deputy Medical Executive, CDCR and LARA KISLINGER, Deputy Public Defender, Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This webinar will equip defenders with a clear understanding of CDCR’s Compassionate Release procedures, including new developments and best practices. Attendees will hear from an experienced practitioner and have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of CDCR’s Assistant Deputy Medical Executive about how medical evaluations and compassionate release recommendations are made.

Zoom Registration Link

***1 hour of MCLE Credit is offered for this training***

Racial Justice On-Demand Course
“OSPD is excited to open a new on-demand course on the Racial Justice Act. You will learn all the basics, refresh your knowledge, and stay up to date on RJA developments! These videos and written materials have been collected from around the state and are meant to help practitioners regardless of their experience in litigating the RJA.”

*Participants are able to earn up to 10 hours MCLE self-study and specialty credit.
Information & Registration Link

Defending Against SVP Commitments On-Demand Course
This course is intended for anyone in Indigent defense looking to learn more about Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) petitions and defending against these civil commitments. Those taking this course from start to finish can expect to spend approximately 9 hours to complete. However, registrants should also feel free to take this course at their own pace. Completion of this course earns 8.25 hours of general MCLE credits.

*Participants are able to earn up to 8.25 hours of MCLE self-study credit.
Information & Registration Link