ACCR/PDAP Bring Your Own Capital Case Conference

The Bring Your Own Capital Case Conference is an annual collaboration between PDAP and the Atlantic Center for Capital Representation (ACCR) intended to improve the quality of capital representation in the state of Pennsylvania. It is organized every December at varying locations throughout the state.

ACCR and PDAP’s conference targets Pennsylvania defense teams actively representing clients pre-trial who face the death penalty. The training is specifically designed for entire teams (lawyers, mitigation specialist, investigator) to attend together, promoting stronger collaboration and communication skills. Over the course of three days, participants undergo intensive training through plenary lectures and breakout sessions that encourage them to brainstorm their cases alongside nationally recognized experts on the death penalty. Lawyers who attend also earn the mandatory CLE credits required for capital case certification.

When asked about this program’s greater purpose at December 2022’s BYOC conference, a participant responded: “This training is, to me, all about defense empowerment. This community, and its experienced faculty, gives me the confidence to know that all of our efforts and disruption in court and in our system is supported by actual law, prior practice, and expertise.”

2024’s Bring Your Own Capital Case Conference will be happening from December 12-14 in Lafayette Hill. Those interested in attending can track updates on ACCR’s website or sign up for PDAP’s weekly newsletter by joining our listserv community.