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SCCID Conferences and Events

As part of the ongoing mission to ensure the highest quality legal representation and indigent defense services to clients, SCCID's South Carolina Indigent Defense Academy (SCIDA) offers continuing education and training throughout the year to public defenders, indigent defense contract attorneys, and staff members across the state.  From fundamentals for new PDs to juvenile defense training to DSS defense training and more, SCIDA always offers opportunities to learn and grow.  All of SCIDA’s training conferences for attorneys are CLE-certified.

SCCID provides indigent defenders and staff with education and information in a variety of delivery methods:  classroom training, webinars, videos, and a resource bank of archived materials.

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In 2024-2025, SCCID celebrates ten years of the Fundamental Advocacy Skills Training program.  In November 2014, SCCID Launched an intensive, immersive hands-on training program for new public defenders - Public Defense 101 - 103.  The program was later expanded to include contract attorneys.  In 2020, Juvenile Defense 101 became a part of the program.  Over the past decade, hundreds of attorneys have participated in these programs, which continue to expand and improve.

Below are upcoming educational and professional development events for members. Select an event below for additional information and registration.

Upcoming Conferences and Events
25
Nov

Public Defense 101: Fundamentals of the Profession (2024)

Public Defense 101 is the first step in the Fundamental Advocacy Skills Training (FAST) Course for public defenders with fewer than 3 years' experience as a public defender. This seminar will provide useful information from the practical criminal defense perspective and will help to cultivate skills specifically necessary for effective client representation.
Columbia, SC | Monday

PD103-23 Class Photo30 new public defenders from across South Carolina and approximately 15 experienced public-defender faculty members participated in the Public Defense 103 Trial Skills Workshop, July 1-3, 2024 in Greenville, South Carolina. PD103 is the third part of the Fundamental Advocacy Skills Training Program sponsored by SCCID totaling over 47 hours of comprehensive client representation and advocacy training for new public defenders.

Did you know? About 80-85 percent of all criminal court cases are handled by public defenders.