Renewed War on Drugs, harsher charging policies, stepped-up criminalization of immigrants — in the current climate, joining the NACDL is more important than ever. Members of NACDL help to support the only national organization working at all levels of government to ensure that the voice of the defense bar is heard.
Take a stand for a fair, rational, and humane criminal legal system
Contact members of congress, sign petitions, and more
Help us continue our fight by donating to NFCJ
Help shape the future of the association
Join the dedicated and passionate team at NACDL
Increase brand exposure while building trust and credibility
NACDL is committed to enhancing the capacity of the criminal defense bar to safeguard fundamental constitutional rights.
NACDL harnesses the unique perspectives of NACDL members to advocate for policy and practice improvements in the criminal legal system.
NACDL envisions a society where all individuals receive fair, rational, and humane treatment within the criminal legal system.
NACDL’s mission is to serve as a leader, alongside diverse coalitions, in identifying and reforming flaws and inequities in the criminal legal system, and redressing systemic racism, and ensuring that its members and others in the criminal defense bar are fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level.
Showing 1 - 15 of 539 results
"Twin Cities Mayhem: Defending Murder, Malice, and Crimes of Violence"
LOCATION: Minneapolis Marriott City Center DATES: July 9-12, 2025
"THE SCIENCE OF THE MIND: Decoding & Litigating Mental Health in Criminal Cases" LOCATION: Hilton Nashville Downtown Hotel, Nashville, TN DATES: October 30-November 2, 2024
Candidates seeking to run for NACDL offices are required to submit materials via this form no later than Monday, September 23 at 5:00 pm ET.
In additional to an Annual Election, from time to time, the NACDL Board of Directors fills officer and director vacancies through a special elections. Then a special election is called by the Board of Directors, that information will be posted here.
Christopher A. Wellborn is the 66th President of NACDL. The President guides the Association for a one-year term.
Voir Dire: Part I presented by Martín Sabelli, Law Offices of Martin A. Sabelli, San Francisco, CA
Race Matters I: The Impact of Race on Criminal Justice September 14-15, 2017 | Detroit, MI
The Board of Directors adopted a resolution to recognize and remember Neal R. Sonnett.
The Board of Directors established several membership categories pursuant to bylaws.
The Board of Directors adopted a resolution to recognize and remember Ralph Timothy "Tim" Evans.
The Board of Directors adopted a resolution to recognize and remember Aric M. Cramer.
The Board of Directors adopted a resolution to adopt new special election procedures.
The Board of Directors adopted a resolution to establish guidelines for using NACDLConnect.
Join NACDL’s President Martín Sabelli for a discussion with advocates who have experienced the trial penalty firsthand, serving excessive sentences after choosing to challenge their case in court.
20th Annual State Criminal Justice Network Conference August 18-20, 2021 | Held Virtually
New Report from Nation’s Criminal Defense Bar Outlines How Marsy's Law Undermines the Criminal Legal System – Washington, DC (August 13, 2024) – A new report from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) outlines the ways in which Marsy’s Law, the colloquial name for a model Victims’ Bill of Rights, undermines fundamental due process rights.
After his conviction, Donald Trump unleashed an unprecedented attack on the American legal system. It is time for defense lawyers to defend the best – though flawed – legal system in the history of the world.