Here you fill find information about upcoming seminars and a link to request to register.
Upcoming Seminars
In July, the Federal Capital Trial Project (FCTP) and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, Defender Services Office, Training Division (DSO‑TD), will host the Defense‑Victim Outreach (DVO) Fundamentals Training.
This training strengthens a dynamic, diverse, and dedicated DVO community. DVO is a specialized field in which best practices are most effectively taught and experienced in person.
About the Training
The DVO Fundamentals Training teaches the practice of Defense‑Victim Outreach by immersing participants in:
- Restorative justice principles
- Trauma‑informed awareness
- Trauma‑informed awareness
We will also explore how to cultivate cultural competence and humility in DVO work and how DVO principles have evolved over the past 29 years. Participants actively engage with trainers and guest speakers who bring added expertise throughout the week.
Due to increased interest, we expect more applicants than available seats. A waiting list will be maintained, and candidates will be notified of their invitation status on May 22.
Training Details
- Dates and times: 9:00 a.m., Friday, July 10 – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 14
- Location: St. Louis, MO (same location for lodging and training)
Requirements
- Read the attached Defense‑Victim Outreach Overview.
- If you are interested, complete the attached application.
- Ask two people familiar with your work to complete the attached reference form.
- Have references submit their reference forms directly and separately to the email address below, indicating DVO Training in the subject line.
Important Dates
- May 8 – Completed application and references due via email to CRC_Training@fd.org
- May 8 – If applying for financial assistance, submit the attached request form to DSO‑TD (hyperlink embedded in the form)
- May 22 – Applicants notified of application status
- May 25 – Participants notified of financial awards
- June 3 – Invited participants’ confirmation deadline
- June 18 – Hotel reservation deadline to secure the government rate
- June 18 – If travel assistance is awarded, complete air or train reservations through the government contractor travel agency
Travel note: Participants will need to travel on July 9 and possibly July 15. Attendance at the entire training is required.
Lodging
DSO‑TD has reserved hotel rooms at the federal per diem rate of $150.00 in St. Louis, Missouri. A hotel reservation link will be sent with admission confirmation.
Financial Assistance
The Training Division of the Defender Services Office has limited funds for financial assistance for those otherwise unable to attend. Priority will be given to candidates from underrepresented communities and/or geographic locations. Assistance may cover airfare (or other travel) or lodging.
If you request financial assistance, complete and submit the attached financial assistance application.
Questions
Please contact the Federal Capital Trial Project at Fed_Cap_Trial_Project@fd.org with any questions or for additional information.
The Federal Capital Trial Project is pleased to announce the 2026 Federal Death Penalty Strategy Session, to be held in St. Louis, Missouri, July 15–17, 2026. The program will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, and conclude at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 17.
This free program is designed for CJA attorneys, federal defender staff, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and investigators representing individuals charged with federal capital offenses. Presented in a mix of plenary and breakout sessions, topics will include recent legal and case‑related developments, as well as issues central to federal capital litigation including mental health, competency, gender considerations, international investigations, and AI.
The Strategy Session is an annual conference organized by the Federal Capital Trial Project. Given the many challenges currently facing our community, we look forward to sharing critical updates and supporting defense teams in person.
Due to limited capacity, all applicants will initially be placed on a waitlist. Priority consideration will be given to those on authorized cases, and those on cases with capital‑eligible charges. Applicants can expect a status update within 7–9 days of submitting their application. Upon acceptance, participants will receive additional program details, including CLE information and travel and lodging instructions.
The Attendee Registration Link is: https://cvent.me/Nymy0B
For questions please contact: crc_training@fd.org
Other Upcoming Training Programs
The Bryan R. Shechmeister Death Penalty College will be held this year, July 31st - August 4, 2026, at the Santa Clara School of Law.
To apply or for more information, please go to:
http://azcapitalproject.org/death-penalty-college/.
First established in 1992, the Death Penalty College teaches participants the skills, knowledge, and insight needed to try a capital case. The College fosters cooperation and community among participants and faculty united in the common goal of effectively representing capitally charged clients and saving clients’ lives. The College is intensive and utilizes a team approach in preparing for trial. Instruction includes lectures and demonstrations by experienced capital trial team members, and small group hands-on workshops.
Enrollment is limited to teams with active capital trial cases. Space is limited in order to keep the program small and conducive to individual work. Some scholarships are available and will be prioritized by need. CLE credit will be over 30 hours.