Athens, GA — The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) 2025 Summer Conference notched record-breaking attendance, strategic milestones, and a renewed commitment to excellence in indigent defense.
Held July 21–25 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and School of Law, the weeklong gathering brought together more than 600 defenders, investigators, social workers, administrators, and agency leaders under the theme “Building Excellence, Empowering Advocacy.”
This year’s conference attendees rated it a transformative event for the agency and the communities it serves. With more than 60 interactive sessions and five specialized training tracks, GPDC continued its reputation as a national leader in defender development, client-centered advocacy, and strategic reform.
Empowering Every Role: Tailored Training Across the Board
The conference featured targeted programming for every professional role in public defense.
The Trial Skills Institute—a cornerstone of GPDC’s TILPP program for early-career attorneys—offered immersive workshops on voir dire, theory of the case, impeachment, and closing arguments.
Administrative professionals attended in-depth sessions on JCATS case management, paperless office workflows, and team coordination strategies.
Social workers and investigators took part in sessions focused on trauma-informed interviewing, reentry planning, and holistic defense approaches, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork.
Milestones in Leadership and Innovation
This year’s conference also served as the launchpad for the 2025-2026 GPDC Leadership Academy, a new initiative to equip emerging attorney leaders with strategic, operational, and advocacy skills. Applications opened during the event, with strong interest from attorneys eager to deepen their influence and leadership within the agency and justice system.
In policy-focused sessions, leaders shared updates on legislative accomplishments, with a particular focus on pay parity efforts, budget advocacy, and the expansion of reentry services. Sessions on technology innovation highlighted GPDC’s increasing reliance on JCATS for efficient, paperless case management across the state.
Honoring Legacy, Lifting Excellence
A highlight of the week was the inaugural presentation of the Justice Norman S. Fletcher Excellence in Public Defense Award, honoring extraordinary client advocacy and public service. The award was given to Sherry D. Widner, Public Defender for the Pataula Judicial Circuit, whose work embodies the values of compassion, diligence, and systemic change.
The award commemorates former Chief Justice Fletcher of the Georgia Supreme Court whose 2003 call for indigent defense reform catalyzed the creation of GPDC. Now 91, Fletcher received the Council’s Legacy Award and addressed conference attendees in a moment many described as “inspiring and historic.”
Strong Ratings and Forward Momentum
Top-rated sessions included:
- Storytelling & Theory of the Case by Penny Hunter
- Impeachment Techniques by Jack Donnelly & Carter Thomas
- JCATS automated Paperless Workflows
Participants reported increased confidence in digital case management, courtroom skills, and collaborative approaches to client services.
Refining the Experience, Looking Ahead
While the 2025 conference was a success by every major measure, organizers identified areas for growth. Attendees suggested reducing back-to-back major events and improving conference transportation communication. GPDC plans to implement centralized scheduling via the Sched app and explore donated venue options to mitigate budget constraints tied to State of Georgia procurement rules.
Planning is already underway for 2026 events, which will prioritize regional accessibility, onboarding and trial training enhancements, and deeper integration of social work, investigation, and legal advocacy.
A Community Committed to Justice
“This conference showed what’s possible when public defenders are trained, supported, and empowered,” said Omotayo Alli, executive director of GPDC. “From leadership development to holistic advocacy, we’re preparing our people not just to defend cases, but to transform the system.”
The 2025 Summer Conference reaffirmed GPDC’s role as a driving force for indigent defense reform in Georgia—where excellence isn’t an aspiration, but a daily commitment.
About the Georgia Public Defender Council
In Georgia, public defenders are the frontline champions of justice. Every day, these dedicated, bar-licensed attorneys passionately defend the rights of low-income and underserved community members—ensuring that every person receives a fair trial. Representing approximately 85% of criminal defendants in the state, Georgia Public Defender Council attorneys are committed to equal justice through their unwavering dedication to keep our justice system fair and accessible for all. Learn more at www.gapubdef.org
