IDRA Online Conference

IDRA’s sixth annual Online Conference is planned for 2027.

A presentation schedule has not yet been announced.

Check back for updates on how to apply to present at or attend the conference.

‍Where: Online

When: Coming 2027

Participants: TBD

About the IDRA Online Conference

This conference allows the IDRA community to gather and share ideas without the logistical barriers of attending our in-person convening at the November ASC Annual Meeting. Additionally, at the summer conference, we aim to showcase IDRA's diversity of thought by sharing presentations that may not fit in at traditional academic conferences. These non-standard presentations could include things like practitioner panels, round-table discussions, case studies and lessons learned from data projects, or anything else that will get people talking about data and indigent defense. For example, previous years have had data supported policy brief presentations, specific tool demonstrations, locality data implementation post-mortems, deep dives into research methodology, and other diverse topics. And of course, traditional research presentations are always encouraged an welcome as well.

IDRA’s 5th annual IDRA Online Conference, which was a Roundtable on Caseload Standards was an entirely virtual event that took place Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm Eastern.

Unsustainable caseloads have long undermined the quality of legal representation across the country, but the path to addressing them looks different depending on geography, practice setting, attorney availability, and the political will of those positioned to act. This roundtable brought together leaders from several states whose experiences span the full spectrum — from jurisdictions just beginning to grapple with the issue to those with years of caseload reform effort behind them.

Panelists reflect candidly on what drove their jurisdictions to act, how reform was structured and implemented, and who was at the table when decisions were made. The discussion gave equal weight to what has worked and what has not. Panelists shared how they are measuring progress, what feedback they have received from attorneys and courts, and how that input has shaped their approach. Attendees left with practical, experience-tested lessons — including the pivots that became necessary when the first approach fell short.

2025 Conference Recordings

Strengthening Public Defense Representation