More than 700 members of the civil legal aid, indigent defense, and public interest law communities are headed to DC to get the professional skills they need to respond to the legal needs of low-income people, as well as to meet and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the country.

Organization: National Legal Aid and Defender Association

Conference: 2017 NLADA Annual Conference

Venue: Renaissance Washington, DC, Downtown Hotel

City: Washington, DC

Following a welcome reception on Wednesday evening, NLADA 2017 will officially kick off on Thursday morning with an opening plenary featuring Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). He’ll discuss his work to reauthorize the Justice for All Act and to improve the quality of criminal defense. Also on the agenda:

Timely topics. This year’s Meeting of Members will include a panel of clients, civil legal aid lawyers, public defenders, and private attorneys who will discuss how recent disasters have shone a light on social and racial justice issues and how the NLADA community has come together to serve those most in need.

Fun for all. Sponsored by the NLADA Client Council, the meeting’s annual game night lets attendees try their luck—or their skill—as they take part in some friendly competition with their colleagues. Bingo, cards, and other games will be on hand. Winners will take home prizes.

Leadership pipeline. During the one-day Emerging Leaders workshop, attendees will hear from legal services executive directors, explore the critical skills they need to be a senior leader, and discuss how to maintain balance. The program will also generate a network of emerging leaders and mentors.

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