Attorney Development
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ADC’s Attorney Development Department recruits, supports, and trains client-centered, holistic attorneys through a peer-to-peer mentorship model. New attorneys interested in Appeals, Postconviction, Youth Defense, or Trial contracts can work toward future ADC contracts through programs including Attorney Fellowships, Pathway to Practice/Pathway to Associate, and Student/Law Student Opportunities.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Experienced attorneys can diversify their practice by mentoring new attorneys or supervising students, while law students gain paid and unpaid professional experience as part of an interdisciplinary defense team.
Forensic Social Work, Clinical Advocates, and Resource Advocates
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The Forensic Social Work, Forensic Clinical Advocate, and Resource Advocate Program contracts with social workers, clinical advocates, and case managers to ensure criminal defense strategies reflect each client’s full humanity.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
This advocacy humanizes clients in the eyes of the government and offers alternatives to incarceration when possible, meeting individual needs while reducing the costly burden of the criminal system on Colorado citizens.
Holistic Defense and Training
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ADC combines legal representation with community support to address both clients’ legal rights and their social and cultural needs. ADC has access to the full continuum of contractors, including attorneys, social workers, investigators, resource advocates, legal researchers, and paralegals. Our specialist contractors help defense teams understand the collateral consequences of plea agreements versus jury verdicts, positioning clients to move forward productively after their cases conclude.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
As an accredited Continuing Legal Education and Continuing Professional Development Hours provider, ADC offers targeted training that keeps practitioners current on legal developments and available services while advancing client-driven representation.
Municipal Court Programs
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ADC operates two municipal court programs to ensure competent, independent representation across Colorado. The Municipal Court Direct Representation Program (MCDR) provides direct representation in specific municipalities under contract with ADC.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Municipal Court Evaluation Program (MCE) evaluates municipal courts statewide to verify that defendants have access to qualified, independent counsel.
Operations & Finance
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The Operations & Finance Division manages the administrative and fiscal infrastructure that enables ADC’s constitutional mission. Our team oversees contractor payments, case appointments, billing processes, and daily financial operations while maintaining compliance with state fiscal rules, internal policies, and audit requirements
COMMUNITY IMPACT
By keeping systems running smoothly, we ensure clients across Colorado receive timely, high-quality representation and that public funds are used responsibly to protect the right to counsel for people and families in the criminal legal system.
Postconviction Unit
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In 2023, the Postconviction Unit became Colorado’s first state-funded indigent defense office dedicated solely to postconviction litigation. The PCU’s ten-member team provides high-quality, holistic representation to indigent individuals seeking postconviction relief across Colorado in cases where the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) has a conflict.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Beyond direct representation, the PCU strengthens the broader postconviction system by developing resources, collaborating with ADC contractors, and advocating for systemic reforms that increase access to justice.
Youth Defense
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Children in Colorado can be prosecuted beginning at age 10. ADC’s Youth Defense Division provides court-appointed lawyers to children aged 10-17 charged with crimes in state delinquency and criminal courts when the Office of the State Public Defender has a conflict of interest.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
ADC ensures that young people facing charges are represented by qualified, skilled, attorney-led defense teams specializing in youth defense.
Appeals
It is the trial attorney’s responsibility to file the Notice of Appeal. However, if you complete a transmittal sheet, obtain the necessary documents, and submit them to ADC within twenty days of the final order, ADC will file the Notice of Appeal. If you fail to submit everything that is required within twenty days, you MUST file the Notice of Appeal yourself.
Legal Resources and Technology
The Coordinator of Legal Resources and Technology is available to assist with case-related tasks such as case consults, mock oral arguments, and more.
Holistic Defense
ADC defines holistic defense as the practice of defense teams providing zealous criminal legal advocacy while also addressing a client’s individual, self-identified legal and social needs. Please click here to find connections to the legal and social needs of your clients.
