Access to a network of experienced colleagues. The NCDAA listserv is an invaluable resource for defense attorneys.  NCDAA members have access to online threads discussing important defense-related topics.  It is a convenient way to solicit the advice of your peers, benefit from their experience, and participate in ongoing conversations.  

Members Only section of the NCDAA website. The NCDAA database has templates, motions, briefs, defense outlines, lists of experts, and other information useful to criminal defense attorneys. 

Training opportunities. The NCDAA produces several high-quality CLE seminars for criminal defense attorneys. These CLE programs are held regularly throughout the state and focus on issues ranging from the fundamentals of practice to new and emerging trends and technology in criminal defense.  CLE seminars regularly feature ethics credit.  All CLE programs are offered at a discount for members unless held in conjunction with other organizations. 

Legislative Update. At the close of each Legislative Session, NCDAA hosts several Lunch-and-Learns, where members are provided an update on recently passed legislation affecting criminal law.  

Annual Boot Camp. Each year, the NCDAA hosts a Criminal Defense Law Boot Camp. It is an intensive two-day seminar aimed to train attorneys new to the practice of law and to provide a refresher for those who are already practicing. Attendees receive templates containing retainer agreements, motions, jury instructions and a wealth of information to be able to begin their criminal defense practice. Members can attend at a significantly reduced rate.

Advocacy. Your membership supports all attorneys who practice criminal law by providing for a representative at the Capitol.  Our lobbying effort has grown significantly in the last several years and we are engaged with policymakers on all issues of criminal procedure, criminal law, and criminal justice.  Our involvement—and your membership—is making a difference by providing for criminal justice reform, moderation in penalties, limitations on new crimes and onerous penalties, and developing, maintaining, and creating criminal procedures necessary to meaningfully defend our clients. 

Eligible to apply for the Donald B Fiedler Scholarship. The Fiedler Memorial Educational Fund typically covers one to four attendees from Nebraska each year to attend the National Criminal Defense College. The value is approximately $2,500.  The Fiedler Memorial Scholarship, available only to a Nebraska-licensed attorney actively practicing criminal defense who is also an NCDAA member in good standing, covers the cost of tuition, room, board, and transportation. 

Amicus assistance. The NCDAA provides amicus assistance on the federal and state appellate level in cases that present issues of importance to criminal defendants, criminal defense lawyers, and/or the criminal justice system as a whole. NCDAA seeks to do so in a manner that is consistent with NCDAA policy and complements NCDAA’s public policy advocacy initiatives.