This hour-long webinar presentation will provide an introduction to postconviction filings and in-depth discussion of the interplay between alleging ineffective assistance on direct appeal versus postconviction. The presentation will use both case law and statutory provisions as a guide and will also provide sample postconviction forms, practice tips, and specific examples of assignments of error rejected by the Nebraska Supreme Court since Mrza was handed down. 

Sarah Newell is an attorney at the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy (The Commission) and immediate Past President of NCDAA. She also serves on the NSBA House of Delegates and is incoming President of the Robert Van Pelt Chapter of the American Inns of Court. At the Commission, she represents indigent defendants charged with serious felonies on a statewide basis. Her practice includes both trial and appellate work across all levels of the court system. Prior to joining the Commission, she was a Deputy Lancaster County Public Defender, a Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Judge William Connolly, and a Legislative Aide for several state senators.