BIDS First New Attorney Training Class Graduates Thirteen

The first class of BIDS New Attorney Training graduates, along with some of their teachers.

by Danielle Hamilton Slate, Senior Assistant Capital Defender

On October 28th, BIDS wrapped up its first New Attorney Training, graduating 13 attorneys! For eight weeks, these attorneys from across northeast Kansas made the trek to Topeka each Friday afternoon to learn about and practice a wide variety of skills. In the first few weeks, the training took attorneys back to the basics covering initial client meetings, client communication, case analysis, issue spotting, general organization, attorney well-being, and plea negotiations. From there, training shifted to focus on courtroom skills. Attorneys heard lectures about and then practiced voir dire, giving opening statements, effectively cross-examining witnesses, doing direct examination, admitting exhibits, and making closing arguments.

Each student was provided with one of three mock case files to work from. During practice portions of the training, actors were brought in to play clients and witnesses. Students practiced their skills in small groups where they received feedback from instructors and each other. Because no one’s life or liberty was on the line, students could try new techniques without fearing consequences for a client if they weren’t successful.

Instruction was provided primarily by BIDS attorneys. Training Director Meryl Carver-Almond had the vision for the training, and she presented several of the lectures. Assistant Training Director Christina Kerls was the driving force behind actually getting the training off the ground. Christina did most of the leg work — putting together case files, making logistical arrangements, finding actors, and teaching several classes. DPDU attorneys Kelson Bohnet, Peter Conley, and Danielle Hamilton Slate each taught at least one class and assisted with small group instruction. Heavy hitter and new BIDS Training Specialist Richard Ney made an appearance for a lecture on closing arguments.

One of the things that instructors and participants alike most enjoyed was getting to know attorneys from an assortment of offices. This session brought together attorneys from the Johnson County, Shawnee County, Northeast Kansas, and Junction City offices. As Meryl noted, “it’s been a lot of fun . . .  watching people make connections with each other as we work to bridge the gaps between individual offices and start thinking of ourselves more as one big team.” Hopefully, attorneys will be able to draw on the connections that were made during training as they move through their careers.

This round, training was open to all BIDS attorneys in northeast Kansas with less than five years of experience. The BIDS attorneys were joined by two attorneys from outside agencies, one law student, and one current intern. A second round of New Attorney Training will be offered in Wichita starting January 13th for attorneys from southern and western Kansas. 

In the future, training will be consolidated. Starting in September 2023, there will be an annual week-long training in Topeka for all new attorneys to the agency. This structure will allow attorneys to devote their full time and attention to training. Hosting it in September means that all new attorneys who have just passed the bar will start their careers with this training, hopefully empowering them to be better, more confident advocates for their clients from day one.