STATEWIDE DIVISION

Professional Development & Training

Empowering Georgia's public defenders with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to provide exceptional legal representation. We cover up to 12 hours of CLE annually per attorney.

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Trish Bertram

Trish Bertram

Division Director

12
CLE Hours Covered
500+
Attorneys Trained
50+
Annual Programs
45
Circuits Served

TRAINING CALENDAR

Upcoming Events

Register for training sessions, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

February 2026

In-Person
Online
Hybrid
On-Demand

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

Leadership Development

Building the next generation of public defense leaders through partnership with UGA's Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Leadership Academy

Intensive program for Assistant and Circuit Public Defenders focused on developing essential leadership competencies.

  • Communication Skills
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Organizational Management

Nxt Up Program

Executive-readiness program preparing Chief Assistant Public Defenders for Circuit Public Defender transitions.

  • Human Resources Management
  • Budgeting & Finance
  • Operations Excellence
  • Leadership Strategy

Public Defense Week

Annual flagship conference bringing together public defenders from across Georgia for intensive training and networking.

  • Summer Conference
  • Chief Assistant Training
  • New Lawyer Program
  • Networking Events