NACDL's 2026 Midwinter Meeting & Seminar in New Orleans
“It’s Not Just Voir Dire, It’s Lagniappe!” — February 18-21, Royal Sonesta Hotel, New Orleans, LA
The 2026 Midwinter Meeting & Seminar, hosted by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), is a premier continuing legal education event for criminal defense practitioners. Scheduled for February 18–21, 2026 in New Orleans, the program offers approximately 14 CLE credits, including Elimination of Bias, Ethics, and Technology credits, for both in-person and livestream attendees.
Set in the vibrant environment of New Orleans during Mardi Gras week, the seminar blends practical trial skills training with cultural flair — emphasizing persuasion, juror communication, and strategic voir dire.
Key Highlights & Agenda Topics
Just Juries: Jury Service & the Power of Jury Nullification.
Interrogating the Jury — understanding what jurors really think.
Maximizing Strikes for Cause with decision trees.
Talking with Jurors about Race and Racism.
Creative jury instructions and persuading judges for full voir dire.
Storyboarding, Storytelling, and Persuasion — enhancing narrative in trials.
Communication techniques for voir dire.
How to Become a Courtroom Influencer.
Leveraging the presumption of innocence and reasonable doubt.
Authenticity with juries and using demonstrative evidence.
Connecting with the Emotion of Trial.
This seminar goes beyond typical CLE, focusing deeply on juror psychology, communication strategy, jury selection artistry, and narrative influence — invaluable for defense attorneys seeking to sharpen trial skills and improve courtroom outcomes. It also offers opportunities for networking with peers and leaders in criminal defense.
Seminar website here.