DPA 2025 Annual Conference

During this session we will celebrate the amazing work done by DPA Public Defenders in the Commonwealth. We will also learn about new developments in public defense over the past calendar year, how to apply new legislation to continue with client success, and how to apply old rules to new situations to continue the growth and success of our agency.

After spending nearly 30 years behind bars, Bryan was granted clemency in December 2022 and released on April 24. Bryan now works for the Queens Public Defender Office as a client advocate. He speaks nationally on the “excessive violence” that he endured daily in prison daily and how the prison library became his sanctuary, where he spent time studying law and reading. Bryan credits Nelson Mandela’s “Long Walk to Freedom” with changing his life. “That’s when I decided I wasn’t going to serve time, I was going to have time serve me,” he said. “Every bit of my time I began to utilize in the best way possible.” In this session Mr. Bryan will talk about his experiences in prison, how they shaped him, and how we can use his teachings to better serve our clients.

Affinity groups are a great way to meet new people around common interests! Grab a lunch and chat with new friends.

Position-Based Affinity Groups (required)

1. All investigators with Holly Harrison-Hawkins
2. All ASWs with Dawn Gasser

Interest-Based Affinity Groups (optional)

1. Police Misconduct/Selective Enforcement
2. Immigration
3. Tech
4. DEI
5. Forensics
6. Mental Health