SHIELD was designed to fill these gaps and give public defenders the tools they need to succeed—without adding to their workload. Our training combines cutting-edge research with practical strategies to strengthen your confidence, protect your well-being, and improve case outcomes.

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This is not generic CLE content. It is developed by a clinician and researcher with lived experience in recovery, in collaboration with public defenders and experts in public health and behavioral health. SHIELD creates a space for honest dialogue about the stress and complexity of these cases—while delivering actionable, science-backed solutions you can use immediately.

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What You’ll Learn:

• The Science of Substance Use: Understand Substance Use Disorder as a chronic, treatable condition—not a personal failure.
   

• Evidence-Based Strategies: Explore proven approaches like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and why they matter for client outcomes and community safety.
   

• Protecting Your Well-Being: Identify early signs of burnout and moral injury, and gain tools to build resilience in a demanding role.
   

Why It Works:

• Research-Driven: Backed by years of research and informed by interviews with defense attorneys nationwide.
   

• Practical and Relevant: Tailored to the unique challenges public defenders face every day.
   

Impact Beyond the Training:

• Leave with concrete strategies, trusted resources, and renewed confidence in your ability to support clients effectively.

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Format:

• 90-minute session

• Virtual or in-person

• CLE credits available