PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Apply now to join the 2025 CDTA or the FDTTA.

Application Deadline: February 18th, 2025
We will add late applications to a waitlist depending on space availability.

WHAT:
The Criminal Defense Training Academy (CDTA) is a five-day interactive training program designed to help you build fundamental skills for representing persons charged with crimes. For example, we will practice client interviewing, cross-examining witnesses, and making objections at trial. The training will consist of lectures by subject matter experts and interactive training activities in small groups. You will work, have fun, and build connections with other students and faculty.
To learn more about CDTA, check out our CDTA Graduates Pages: https://opd.wa.gov/attorneys/continuing-legal-education/criminal-defense-training-academy

The Family Defense Trial Training Academy (FDTTA) is a parallel five-day interactive training program designed to help you build fundamental trial skills for representing parents who are involved in dependency and termination proceedings.

WHEN:
This year’s CDTA & FDTTA will happen over two sessions, and attendance at both is mandatory:
  • Session I: April 10th and 11th
  • Session II: May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd

WHERE:
Central Washington University
400 E University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926

COST:
$100.00 for participation in the complete 5-day program which includes lunch for each day and a training sweatshirt.
Travel arrangements and expenses will be the participant's responsibility.

HOW TO APPLY:
Submitting this application does not guarantee you a spot in the program.
The CDTA has a competitive application process; only 36 applicants will be selected to participate. Applications are due by February 18th. You will be notified of whether you have been selected soon after that. Waitlist notifications will happen on a rolling basis until space is filled. Payment is required after you receive notice of being selected.
All Washington attorneys working in public defense are welcome to apply, but selection priority will be given to those who are:
  • Newer to public defense practice;
  • From geographic locations that have fewer training opportunities; and
  • Committed to engaging in an interactive learning environment.

TRAINING:
25-30 CLE credits, including ethics.
All program participants will receive a CDTA certificate, be listed among the 2025 graduating class on www.opd.wa.gov, and receive a program sweatshirt.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
We will follow all applicable federal, state and local guidelines. If it is deemed unsafe to gather in person, we will replace the in-person session with live, virtual webinars.
CONTACT:
Travis Stearns- travis.stearns@opd.wa.gov
(360) 979-6540
Cassidy Sartin- cassidy.sartin@opd.wa.gov
(564) 250-2940

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* 1. Full Name as it appears on your active (or pending) WSBA Bar license:

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* 2. WSBA Bar Number:
(enter "Pending" if applicable)

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* 3. Postal address:

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* 4. Email address:

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* 5. I work in:

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* 6. My practice is:

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* 7. Are you applying for Family Defense? (Limit 6)

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* 8. Describe your current caseload including case types, and private pay vs. public defense cases
(e.g., In a year I get approx. 200 public defense cases at Springfield Municipal Court. I also typically get 1-2 private pay felonies per month. I sometimes take family law cases):

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* 9. Court(s) in which I receive public defense appointments (please specify city or county name):

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* 10. Number of years practicing law:

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* 11. Number of years you have had public defense cases:

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* 12. Have you attended the CDTA before?

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* 13. Describe why you are interested in attending the Criminal Defense Training Academy and what you hope to do with what you learn: