2026 Defending Sexual Assault Cases Training Seminar

Defending charges of sexual assault and child abuse is among the most challenging work a criminal defense practitioner can undertake. The stakes are high, the scrutiny is intense, and the preparation required is immense. That's exactly why NACDL's 17th Annual Defending Sexual Assault Cases Seminar exists — and why you can't afford to miss it.

Each year, NACDL curates the most critical topics and pressing issues facing defenders in this practice area, assembling a faculty of nationally renowned lawyers and expert witnesses to equip you for the courtroom battles ahead. This year's program promises to be the most comprehensive and compelling yet, featuring timely topics and elite speakers carefully selected to sharpen your skills and strengthen your defense strategies.

Beyond the substantive training, this seminar offers something equally valuable: community. You'll connect with criminal defense lawyers from across the country and around the world, forging both professional alliances and personal friendships that last well beyond the event itself. It's the kind of camaraderie that only NACDL brings to the table.

You will leave this highly rated, one-of-a-kind seminar with the confidence, knowledge, and practical tools to more effectively represent your clients — before, during, and after trial. Whether you're defending your first sexual assault case or your hundredth, this program will elevate your practice.