Antiracism Training Institute

BDPA is excited to announce the launch of the Antiracism Training Institute! The institute will serve as a space for antiracism education and discourse within the national public defender community and highlight scholarly research and commentary about race and the criminal legal system. The Antiracism Training Institute will offer a mix of virtual and in-person race-conscious trainings on a range of topics throughout the year.

Interrogating Bias: Cross-Examination Skills for Antiracist Defenders

Thursday, October 24- Saturday, October 26 

American University Washington College of Law | 4300 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

Program Description

This cross-examination workshop is a three-day intensive skills training program for defenders of all practice levels who are looking to build their cross-examination skills, particularly in cases involving racial issues. The program’s teaching faculty includes top public defenders, law professors, and private defense attorneys, and combines lectures with on-your-feet skills exercises, feedback sessions, demonstrations, and discussions about navigating racial dynamics in the courtroom. 

Participants will engage in an extensive curriculum that includes instruction on cross examination fundamentals, cross-examining on issues of race, developing a case theory, and mastering impeachment.

Below is the cost per person.

  • Defenders from Collective Access Program (CAP)* offices – $650
  • Defenders from non-CAP offices – $950
  • Non-CAP offices sending four (4) or more defenders – $850

*Please check our website to determine if you are a CAP member.

American University Washington College of Law | 4300 Nebraska Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

Day 1: Thursday, October 24 (11:30 AM – 5:30 PM)

  • 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Registration and Lunch (provided)
  • 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Welcome and Program Introductions
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM:  Lecture 1: Case Theory
  • 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM: Small Group Session 1 – Brainstorming the Case 
  • 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Break
  • 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Lecture 2: The Fundamentals of Cross Examination
  • 4:00 PM – 4:10 PM: Break
  • 4:10 PM – 5:10 PM: Lecture 3: Crossing on Race
  • 5:10 PM – 5:30 PM: Q & A, Wrap-up

Day 2: Friday, October 25, (8:30 AM – 7:30 PM)

  • 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast (continental provided)
  • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Small Group Session 2 – Preparing Your Cross
  • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Small Group Session 3 – On Your Feet Cross
  • 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch (on your own)
  • 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM: Panel Discussion: Navigating Racial Dynamics in the Courtroom
  • 2:30 PM – 2:40 PM: Break
  • 2:40 PM – 3:40 PM:  Lecture 4: Impeachment Skills
  • 3:40 PM – 3:45 PM: Break
  • 3:45  PM – 5:00 PM: Lecture 5: Beyond Cross: Embracing Antiracist Advocacy
  • 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Networking Reception @ UDC Law School, 4340 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 

Day 3: Saturday, October 26 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

  • 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Breakfast (continental provided)
  • 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Small Group Session 4: Impeachment Drills
  • 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Small Group Session 5: On Your Feet Cross (Round 2)
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch (on your own) 
  • 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Cross-Examination Demonstrations
  • 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Closing Remarks, Reflections, and Workshop Evaluation

Some members of the program’s faculty include:


Heather N. Pinckney 

Executive Director 

DC Public Defender Service (PDS) 

 

Cynthia Goode Works 

Advocacy Program Director, American University 

Washington College of Law (AUWCL) 

 

Lucius T. Outlaw III 

Associate Professor of Law & Supervising Attorney, Criminal Justice Clinic

Howard University School of Law

 

Alison Bloomquist

Public Defender & Vice President, Strategic Alliances & Innovation

National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA)

 

Pierce Suen

Visiting Professor of Law, Criminal Justice Clinics

Georgetown Law School

 

David A. Singleton 

Professor of Law

University of the District of Columbia

David A. Clarke School of Law (“UDC Law”)

 

Sellano Simmons

DC Trial Lawyer and Principal

The Law Firm of Sellano L. Simmons, PLLC

 

Sylvia Smith 

Supervising Attorney, Trial Division 

DC Public Defender Service (PDS) 

 

Elizabeth Paige White

Trial Attorney, Founder and Managing Member

Legacy Law PLLC

Courtyard by Marriott Bethesda Chevy Chase
5520 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 
Bus: 17-19 mins 
Walk: 31 mins 
Drive: 8 mins 
 
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Chevy Chase Pavilion 
4300 Military Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015
Bus: 12 mins 
Walk: 26 mins 
Drive: 5 mins 

Please click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Questions? Contact BPDA Training Director Ieshaah Murphy at training@blackdefender.org.