Learn from a True Expert: Defense Investigation Strategies for Attorneys

In this course, participants will learn the importance of a thorough investigation in building a strong case for clients in criminal defense cases. The course will cover topics such as the optimal timing for investigation, identifying which issues might need deeper investigation, and preparing witnesses and investigators to testify. Participants will also learn about the role of investigators in criminal defense cases and what to consider when enlisting them for a client's case.
The course will cover the importance of documenting communication and understanding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Additionally, the course will discuss expert witnesses, the types of experts that can be utilized, and how to find credible and clear experts. Finally, participants will learn about building a network of experts and how to navigate parallel proceedings.
Some of the topics discussed include:

Program Manager | Vera Institute of Justice
Amy Dallas is an attorney passionate about expanding restorative approaches for addressing conflict and harm instead of traditional overreliance on legal systems. Amy worked as a public defender in Brooklyn, New York for a decade with the Legal Aid Society. Now Amy is beginning a new chapter in her career at the Vera Institute of Justice as a Program Manager in the Reshaping Prosecution initiative where she works with elected prosecutors across the country to end mass incarceration by designing policies to shrink the front end of the criminal legal system by diverting cases toward more restorative options. She advises prosecutor offices in addressing racial disparities and making their offices more accountable to their communities. Before Vera, Amy had supported formerly incarcerated community leaders in the development of a restorative justice nonprofit organization reimagining reentry and anchoring a network of credible messengers. Amy is an alumna of Fordham University School of Law where she was a Leitner Fellow. Amy is also a member of the NACRJ Policy Workgroup crafting policy guidelines on use of community and restorative justice alongside the criminal and juvenile legal systems.

PODCAST HOST | LEARNFORMULA
Business Solutions Manager from October 2019 to present Area Manager - Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area from May 2019 to October 2019. Responsible for directing the efforts of an 8 person Business Consulting Team for the nine-county Rural Capital Area (the 9 counties that surround Austin (Travis). Deliver business services to more than 10,000 employers annually including access to grants, pandemic funding, training, recruitment and retention strategies and more. Work closely with other Workforce Boards, Texas Veterans Commission and Texas Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Established the Rural Capital Neurodiversity Project with VR partners. As a USAF veteran I closely support TVC intiatives and have two TVC Business Reps working with my team to serve our veterans and their families. Directing the efforts of the WSRCA Hiring Red, White and You Career Event both online and in Round Rock and San Marcos. After 10 years of growing Cross-Post LLC from zero to more than 250 clients we sold the company to Recruitology (Aftercollege Inc), Previously as CEO and co-founder of Cross-Post LLC, I was responsible for assisting 250+ newspaper clients like The Washington Post, The Seattle Times and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in offering recruitment products that grow revenue while helping their employer/advertisers fill distinct needs. These are unique upsell or add-on products that employers want and need. In all we had fifteen niche recruitment networks from Trucking to Healthcare, partnering with the leading job boards in the space. Recruitology continue's serving our former clients. Developed some of the first internet job boards in 1996 focusing on recruiting women, minorities and veterans. Sold that company to DiversityInc Magazine in 2001 and remained as their President of the Careers Division until 2003 growing it to more than 4,000 clients. Formerly, SVP of Strategic Recruitment for The Inclusiv Group, a retained executive search firm. 30 year history in recruiting and business development working for companies like Emerson Electric, The St. Paul Travelers and Borden.