BIDS Hosts First-Ever Statewide Public Defense Conference

Conference attendees gathered for a mass photo on the steps of the Kansas capitol building.

by Meryl Carver-Allmond, BIDS Training Director

About 180 public defenders, staff, assigned counsel, and others gathered in Topeka on June 5th and 6th for Kansas’s first-ever statewide public defense conference.  

Brendon Woods, Alameda County Public Defender, gives the opening keynote.

Brendon Woods, Alameda County Public Defender, kicked the conference off by discussing finding your “why” in public defense and using that “why” to start making change. Darryl Burton and Lamonte McIntyre, with Miracle of Innocence, also spoke about their experiences as men who were wrongfully convicted of crimes.

Over the course of almost 30 other sessions, defenders had the opportunity to learn more about substantive topics – like competency, car stops, and self-defense – as well as practical subjects – like getting experts, what BIDS is doing to manage caseloads, and how they can collaborate with other groups doing defense-adjacent work.  

This year’s BIDS Awards Honorees: Amber Carey, Northeast Kansas Conflicts (Clutch Player); Jessica Glendening, Third Judicial District (Zealous Advocacy); Jada Burns, Third Judicial District (Compassion for Clients); Kasper Schirer, Appellate Defender (Excellence in Written Advocacy); Jennifer Roth, Appellate Defender (Teamwork); Meryl Carver-Allmond, Admin Office (Leadership).

On the conference's second day, attendees also gathered for the annual BIDS Employee Awards, recognizing attorneys and staff across the agency for their dedication to their clients and colleagues. 

Enjoy some highlights in the video below!