Every 3rd Thursday, 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
Hour of Power is a high-impact, monthly virtual learning experience designed for Chief Public Defenders in their first four years of leadership, Deputy Chiefs, and emerging senior leaders. Each session delivers practical tools, candid dialogue, and strategic insight led by seasoned Chief Public Defenders and senior leaders.
External Messaging & Media – May 21, 2026
Every word shapes perception. Learn how to control your narrative, respond in critical moments, and communicate your mission in a way that builds trust and influence.
Mano Raju, Public Defender of San Francisco, California
Mohammed Al Rawi, Co-Founder of ZLS.app
Budgeting & Contracts 101 – June 18, 2026
Move beyond survival budgeting. Learn how to align resources with vision, negotiate with clarity, and make financial decisions that strengthen your office and your credibility.
Andre de Gruy, State Defender, Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
Community-Oriented Defense – July 16, 2026
Shift from case-centered to community-centered impact. Examine how to build trust, strengthen relationships, and position your office as a true partner in the communities you serve.
Angela Kilpatrick, Deputy, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender
Self-Care for Sustained Leadership – August 20, 2026
This is about taking time to recharge and remain centered; it is about staying strong. It navigates learning how to protect your energy, remain present, and lead with clarity in a role that demands so much of each defender.
Marla McCowan, Deputy Director, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission
Leading Through Crisis – September 17, 2026
When everything is on the line, leadership is revealed. Explore how to make sound decisions under pressure, communicate with confidence, and guide your team through uncertainty without losing direction.
Stan German, Executive Director, New York County Defender Services
Danny Engelberg, Chief Defender of the Orleans Public Defenders
Culture & Morale – October 15, 2026
Your office culture speaks before you do. Explore how to build trust, address tension, and create an environment where people feel seen, supported, and motivated to do their best work.
Ethical Leadership – November 19, 2026
Leadership demands more than compliance; it requires conviction. Engage in real conversations about integrity, accountability, and making decisions that reflect both your values and your responsibility.
Recruitment & Retention (Navigating HR) – December 17, 2026
Attracting talent is only the beginning. Learn how to build a pipeline, support your people, and retain a team that is committed, capable, and aligned with your mission.
Ellen McDonnell, Chief Public Defender, Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office
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