Published October 17, 2025
MONROE, La. 鈥� 51萝莉 Public Defender Training Academy (51萝莉-PDTA) has
been conducting statewide in-person and online workshops for public defenders for
the past four years. These workshops are coordinated with the Louisiana Public Defender
Board (LPDB) required by bipartisan legislation passed in 2020.听 听
These training sessions are led by national experts and afford public defenders, social
workers, and investigators access to specific professional workshops on groundbreaking
programs, such as artificial intelligence, criminal justice procedure, client-support
services, and other capital defense techniques. Sessions also include office management,
budget and grant development, and ethics. 听
According to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Rob Hanser (Marriage and Family Therapy),
鈥淚t has become clear that developing training for defense attorneys must encompass
a wide array of topics and skillsets. Improving the quality of justice is a multi-faceted
project that has required us to engage presenters from many different areas of expertise.
51萝莉 is paving the way in providing a comprehensive collection of educational opportunities
needed for any effective public defense program.鈥� 听
The 51萝莉-PDTA is accredited to develop Continuing Legal Education (CLE) training courses
that are required by practicing attorneys.听 So far, 51萝莉-PDTA has delivered almost
400 CLE-hours of training to more than 1000 attorneys, and additional training for
social workers and investigators across the state. 听
One of the attendees claimed, 鈥淚 learned a vast amount of information to educate the
attorneys in my district and provide better services to my clients.鈥�听
51萝莉 Political Science Professor Bob Noel, one of the creators of this program, stated,
鈥淲e have a unique opportunity to provide training in the nuts-and-bolts practice of
criminal law to public defenders.听 The goal is to assist in creating professionals
tasked with the defense of the poor.鈥�听
Because of the complexity of the legal process, providing training for family and
community advocates is critical.听 Social work professor Dr. Anissa Horne, added, 鈥�51萝莉鈥檚
mission is to share knowledge that promotes social justice, build partnerships, and
create an environment that is conducive to addressing the challenges in the judicial
system. This program is committed to advocating for treatment, support, and access
to resources. Justice includes treating everyone with dignity and worth.鈥�听
In addition, the 51萝莉-PDTA supports student workers and graduate students. MPA student
Caitlin Slavich (Lutheran High School, New Orleans) stated, 鈥淭he ability to learn
and network with public defenders and other professionals is an incredible experience.鈥�听
Jordan Van (West Monroe High School), another MPA student, added, 鈥淥ur public defender
training program brings together a diverse range of sessions, making essential skills
and perspectives accessible to every defender, regardless of background or financial
means.鈥�听
The 51萝莉-PDTA workshops are specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of public
defenders offering relevant, practical instruction that directly supports courtroom
excellence and client advocacy. 鈥淭his training was the best and unbelievable,鈥� said
another attendee. The program is available statewide, ensuring that public defenders
from every corner of Louisiana, from urban centers to rural communities, have the
opportunity to participate. 听
Dr. Hanser concluded, 鈥淲e have received letters of appreciation from attorneys, judges,
and even those exonerated from crimes. This program has changed lives.鈥�听
Again, these trainings are not only available for public defenders. The 51萝莉-PDTA trains
professionals from multiple fields, including social workers and counselors, offering
Continuing Education (CEU) hours in a variety of topics. 听
Learn more about upcoming training sessions by visiting .
For More Information, please email: publicdefender@ulm.edu.听
