The GPDC Leadership Academy prepares Georgia's public defenders to step up — building the strategic, communication, and leadership skills to guide teams, strengthen offices, and better serve our clients.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Ready to grow beyond the courtroom? The Leadership Academy is a nine-month program for public defenders preparing to lead — as Chief Assistants, Circuit Public Defenders, and advocates for stronger offices. Developed in partnership with the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, it pairs proven leadership theory with hands-on practice: communication, strategic thinking, budgeting, and the art of bringing people together.
This program has wings. It's going to change the defense bar. The bar has been raised, and I'm committed to helping lift it even higher.
More than 15 Leadership Academy alumni have been promoted — into roles including Circuit Public Defender, Managing Attorney, and division and department leadership — and the list keeps growing.
WHAT YOU'LL DEVELOP
Lead, develop, and support the people who make a public defender office work.
Manage budgets and resources responsibly to sustain effective representation.
Build trust and strong working relationships across teams and stakeholders.
Set direction, drive culture, and lead an office toward its mission.
Approach problems analytically and make sound decisions under pressure.
Navigate difficult conversations and resolve conflict constructively.
THE EXPERIENCE
Nine two-day, in-person segments from September 2026 through May 2027 — immersive leadership development, capped by a capstone project and graduation.
Nine two-day segments, one per month
Immersive, in-person leadership training
Solve a real challenge facing public defense
Celebrate your achievement in May 2027
THE CAPSTONE
Every participant joins a team to design a practical fix for a real challenge in Georgia's public defense system — from statewide resource databases to specialized representation for youth facing the harshest sentences. The Class of 2025–2026's winning proposal is already helping shape a new developmentally-informed defense initiative across the state.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
APPLICATION
The application is open to current GPDC staff. You'll sign in through Team GPDC to complete and submit your application.
Not a GPDC employee? The Leadership Academy is an internal program for Georgia's public defenders. If you have questions, please contact us.