This conference brings together the pivotal workers in defense-based systems. “We the Defenders” is the essential conference for public defense investigators, mitigation specialists, social workers, paralegals, and other core staff - all roles except attorneys – who play a critical role in defense-based work. Social workers, mitigation specialists, dispositional advocates, and others in similar roles will have a separate track focused on case development to hone their skills, enhance their expertise, and provide you tools for professional development. This is a celebration of the diversity, skill, and dedication that you bring to the public defense community and an acknowledgment that every member of the team is vital.