lawyer development
Trainer Development Program
2026 TDP Track 1 is around the corner!
* Registration will open soon. * Program Date: Oct 5, 2026 - Dec 10, 2026 * All public defenders, public defense leaders, supervising attorneys, public defense clinicians and instructors are invited to participate in the two-track 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.
The TDP Philosophy
There are two tracks to this program:
Track 1: Virtual Curriculum DevelopmentThe Track 1 virtual program is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the philosophy guiding our curriculum and how we structure our two-week Core 101 Summer Institute training. Participants will learn the types of sessions we teach at Summer Institute, why we teach them, and how we run the sessions.
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. Participants who complete Track 1 will be eligible to register for Track 2, an in-person program through which participants will be coached in interactive small group workshops to learn how to teach select Summer Institute sessions described in Track 1. Track 2 will be offered in Atlanta, GA, on February 5-8, 2026.
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
Former 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 MissionTo transform the criminal justice system by building a movement of public defenders who provide equal justice for marginalized communities.
Our VisionWe 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.