Professional Development

The Conference and the UNC School of Government have developed this 5-day course to address the unique needs of newly-hired prosecutors. The program covers critical topics such as district court docket management, criminal pleadings, common offenses including DWI and domestic violence, plea bargaining, sentencing, ethics, and the fundamentals of introducing and using different types of evidence. Attendees will also receive credit for completing the State Bar’s Professionalism for New Attorneys (PNA) program, the twelve-hour professionalism requirement for all newly-licensed attorneys.

Using historical images and other records from the Holocaust, this course engages law enforcement professionals in a dialogue about their critical role in today’s communities and the importance of core values and personal responsibility in ensuring the integrity and vibrancy of democracy. Starting with personal reflections and then working through the examination of the legal and political framework of Nazi Germany, this program concludes with consideration of how “What You Do Matters” every day.

This annual homicide course features a changing curriculum each year, offering new subjects related to homicide so that attendees gain fresh insights. This three-day multidisciplinary course will provide the knowledge and skills necessary for prosecutors to make charging decisions and prosecute homicide cases. Additionally, this course will provide practical exercises in the investigation and prosecution of a homicide and teamwork tips for investigators and victim advocates.

In light of recent legislative changes to the juvenile code, it’s crucial for prosecutors and law enforcement to be equipped with the necessary skills to deal with juvenile offenders efficiently. The implementation of “Raise the Age” has significantly altered the process of handling a juvenile caseload, and this two-day course is designed to assist prosecutors and allied professionals in comprehending the mechanics and complexities of juvenile delinquency courts.

Handling an arson case can feel daunting because most prosecutors and law enforcement will only ever handle a few arsons throughout their careers. This two-day course is designed to give prosecutors and law enforcement the vocabulary, knowledge, and tools necessary to feel confident investigating, assessing, and preparing arson cases for trial. The course is also open to fire professionals to acclimate them to the court system and form partnerships with law enforcement and prosecutors. The curriculum for this course will cover fire investigation, where to look for evidence, what resources are available, and a live burn.