Gideon’s Promise is thrilled to announce our Trainer Development Program will return for the first time since 2019 this fall! We invite you to come see how the magic of Gideon’s Promise happens. All public defenders, public defense leaders, supervising attorneys, public defense clinicians and instructors are invited to participate in the two-track program. TDP Track 1 registration is now open, please click HERE to register. The registration flyer contains the link to register as well as additional information, important dates, and program requirements. The deadline for TDP Track 1 registration is September 29, 2023. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible.
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lawyer development
Trainer Development Program
Trainer Development Program (TDP)
This is an accelerated training experience designed to teach managing and supervising lawyers the Gideon’s Promise philosophy, model and curriculum. They learn how to effectively train and mentor public defenders working in challenging systems. The program consists of two tracks taught at an annual trainer development conference: track one teaches Gideon’s course framework, key exercises and learning requirements for each module; track two focuses on pedagogy and mentorship skills. Find out more by checking out our brochure, here.
The TDP Philosophy
There are two tracks to this program:
Track 1: Curriculum Development (2 days)
This is for first-time attendees and offers an overview of the entire core curriculum explaining how over two dozen sessions operate together to promote the core programmatic values. Through this track, participants will learn the substance of each session and how each fits into the larger programmatic vision, and learn techniques used to reinforce these lessons though workshops and exercises.
Track 2: Facilitation and Coaching (3 days)
This track focuses on advanced training and mentorship skills with an emphasis on building on the lessons taught in Track 1. Using parts of the larger curriculum, participants will focus more deeply on teaching methodology. Participation in Track 1 is strongly recommended before participating in Track 2.
Trainer Development Story
“In my eight years of directing criminal defense clinics, no other conference or training program provided me with more useful teaching ideas than Gideon’s Promise. Bar none, it is the best place to surround yourself with talented, kindred spirits who constantly teach young lawyers the heart-set, mind-set, and soul-set of public defense”
David Patton
Executive Director, Federal Defenders of New York.
About Us
A Change is Coming
We defend our most vulnerable communities from the effects of mass incarceration — keeping families together with dignity.
Our Mission
To transform the criminal justice system by building a movement of public defenders who provide equal justice for marginalized communities.
Our Vision
We envision a nation where every person has access to zealous, outstanding representation necessary to ensure “equal justice for all” in the criminal justice arena.
Protecting This Promise
You don't have to be a public defender to protect the promise of zealous counsel for all. Your monthly contribution--no matter the amount--will directly impact the fate of a client accused of a crime, who didn't know they needed you.