Alabama Criminal Defense College
About Us
The Alabama Criminal Defense College is a one-week trial skills program designed exclusively for criminal defense practitioners in Alabama. The one-week session is limited to 48 participants, divided into 6-8 small groups according to trial experience. Participants receive individualized feedback in small group exercises.
The Alabama Criminal Defense College teaches participants each trial skill from theory and theme to closing argument modeled after The National Criminal Defense College’s (NCDC) Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute’s three-step process: creative lecture presentations, on-your-feet small group exercises, and powerful demonstrations.
This year we will have NCDC’s faculty, nationally renowned trial lawyers and coaches, and experienced Alabama criminal defenders with participants every step of the way. Law students and volunteers will play clients and true-to-life witnesses.
Dates
April 19, 2026-April 24, 2026
Location
Birmingham School of Law
231 22nd St S., Birmingham, AL 35233
Admission Information
Admission to the Alabama Criminal Defense College is on a case-by-case basis with priority given to those without jury trial experience and/or those with upcoming felony/capital jury trials. Great weight is given to your statement about why you want to attend. Most admission decisions will be made on or before March 27, 2026. There are 48 seats available. Once we have reached capacity the application will be closed.
Tuition
Tuition for the Alabama Criminal Defense College is $750. Tuition is due by April 1 2026. Registration is not complete until the tuition amount of $750 is paid in full. Failure to pay tuition will result in forfeiture of your place, and the spot will be offered to another applicant. Once accepted, applicants will be sent a link to pay tuition.
Tuition does not include travel, accommodations, or evening and weekend meals.
The Alabama Criminal Defense College will take place in Birmingham, AL at the Birmingham School of Law. Accommodations and hotel links are separate from tuition. If you require hotel accommodations, it must be booked through the hotel link provided upon admission to the Alabama Criminal Defense College.
Cancellations are accepted and tuition refunds may be available after April 2, 2026, dependent on Alabama Criminal Defense College filling your vacant spot with another attendee. Refunds are not guaranteed.
CLE
CLE Credits with the Alabama State Bar are pending.
Application
We have now opened the admissions process for the Alabama Criminal Defense College. If you have questions about the application process, please contact Luckie Milad at [email protected], ACDC Chair, or John Lentine at [email protected], ACDC Dean of Education.
