Trainings
BDEP has proudly hosted and partnered in three educational community training events that brought together attorneys, advocates, justice system professionals, and community members to discuss critical issues within the criminal legal system.
In January 2023, BDEP partnered with the Office of the State Public Defender to host a community talk featuring Innocence Project Strategic Litigation Director Chris Fabricant. The event explored how faulty forensic science and "junk science" have contributed to wrongful convictions and examined the need for meaningful reforms within the criminal legal system.
In October 2024, BDEP collaborated with the Office of the State Public Defender and the Law Offices of Nicole M. Diamond to present a community discussion on California's Racial Justice Act. The free public event provided an overview of the Act, explained how it addresses racial bias in charging, convictions, and sentencing, and shared information about resources available to individuals seeking to bring Racial Justice Act claims.
Most recently, in January 2026, BDEP served as a host organization for a full-day live training for indigent criminal defense teams. The training featured updates on litigating the Racial Justice Act, policing tools and search-and-seizure issues, victim-offender dialogues for resentencing, legislative developments, and individualized case consultations on Racial Justice Act matters. The program also offered free MCLE credit, reinforcing BDEP's commitment to advancing high-quality, equity-centered criminal defense throughout California.
These events reflect BDEP's ongoing commitment to education, collaboration, and community engagement. By creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and professional development, BDEP continues to support efforts to reduce injustice, promote equitable legal representation, and strengthen partnerships that advance fairness within the criminal legal system. BDEP is committed to continuing to “raise the Bar” by providing high-quality continuing legal education and training opportunities that strengthen the criminal defense community throughout the North State.