Professional Development

The Conference provides dozens of informative training programs every year, ranging from fundamental trial skills development to specialized programs focusing on a particular criminal law area. Some of these training programs are designed exclusively for prosecutors, but many are open to law enforcement, legal assistants, court staff, and other allied professionals. The Conference gratefully acknowledges the grant funding that makes many of these trainings possible.

The calendar below lists all of the year’s upcoming programs, so prosecutors and others can plan their attendance in advance. If a program is currently open for registration, clicking on the title or register button will bring up a registration page.

Please direct any questions about content, eligibility, or registration for a specific training to the contact listed for that course, or you can email the Conference for additional information.

Upcoming Trainings

The Smoking Gun

  • December 5, 2024 – December 6, 2024

Firearms are part and parcel of the criminal justice system, and prosecutors need a working knowledge of how they operate. This two-day course will equip prosecutors with an understanding of the parts of a firearm, different types of firearms, and various other topics. The course is open to law enforcement to further their understanding of firearm laws, gunshot wounds, and other emerging topics. The course will include range time to put newfound insights to practical use.

Register
What You Do Matters: Lessons from the Holocaust

What You Do Matters- December 2024

  • December 12, 2024

This program examines policing within the legal and political framework of Nazi Germany- a journey that eventually turned those who should protect life and liberty into those who intimidated, humiliated, deported, and eventually murdered millions of innocent people. Using historical images and stories from the Holocaust, this course engages law enforcement and prosecutors in a dialogue about the role of law enforcement in today’s communities and the importance of core values ensuring the integrity and vibrancy of democracy.

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Talking to a jury

  • January 13, 2025 – January 16, 2025

This four-day trial advocacy course will offer thorough training in the trial skills needed to successfully present your cases to juries. The course targets prosecutors who are relatively new to Superior Court jury trials, but it may also be helpful for those already experienced in this area. This course includes hands-on exercises and substantive presentations on several trial advocacy topics, including; jury selection; effective opening statements; direct examination; cross-examination; closing arguments; using effective presentations; and other essential trial advocacy skills.

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Investigator’s Round Table

  • January 23, 2025 – January 24, 2025

This workshop is designed to provide a forum and training opportunity for individuals assigned as District Attorney Investigators. During the round table, you will have the opportunity to share ideas, challenges, and best practices. The training portion provides information in topic areas that may be part of the DA Investigator’s duties and responsibilities.

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Juvenile Court Boot Camp

  • January 29, 2025 – January 31, 2025

In light of the recent changes in juvenile court, it’s crucial for prosecutors and legal assistants to be equipped with the necessary skills to serve effectively as a juvenile court prosecutor. The implementation of “Raise the Age” has significantly altered the process of handling a juvenile caseload, and this three-day course is designed to assist prosecutors and legal assistants in comprehending the mechanics and complexities of juvenile delinquency court. During the training, attendees will be assigned a case to practically apply the skills they’ve learned and work the entire juvenile court process to successfully resolve their case.

This course is held annually, however the content changes from year to year.

Register

Navigating the Maze of Mental Illness

  • February 7, 2025

No matter what type of cases they handle, prosecutors are likely to encounter defendants who have mental health issues. Whether District Court or Superior Court, incapable to proceed or insane, the intersection of the criminal court system and the mental health system is both incredibly important and extremely confusing. This one-day course will help to prosecutors navigate the labyrinth of managing defendants who may be dealing with mental health issues.

Register
Training Name Training Date CLE Type Location Description Registration Link
The Smoking Gun December 5, 2024 – December 6, 2024 General Raleigh, NC Open to prosecutors and law enforcement
What You Do Matters- December 2024 December 12, 2024 General Greenville, NC Open to prosecutors, law enforcement, and administrative professionals.
Talking to a jury January 13, 2025 – January 16, 2025 General Charlotte, NC Open to prosecutors
Investigator’s Round Table January 23, 2025 – January 24, 2025 General Wrightsville Beach, NC Open to District Attorney Investigators
Juvenile Court Boot Camp January 29, 2025 – January 31, 2025 General Beaufort, NC Open to prosecutors and legal assistants
Navigating the Maze of Mental Illness February 7, 2025 General Raleigh, NC Open to prosecutors
Domestic Violence Regional #1: Presenting the Best Case March 6, 2025 – March 7, 2025 General Concord, NC Open to Prosecutors, Administrative Professionals, and Law Enforcement Officers.

How Can We Help?

The North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys offers a wealth of valuable information and assistance to prosecutors and their law enforcement partners. If you are unable to locate the answers you require, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team members. We are dedicated to providing guidance and direction to ensure that the needs of prosecutors are met with the utmost professionalism and respect.