AFPD Forum
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Anonymous User
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AFPD
I assume this will have a lot of overlap with the AUSA thread, but was wondering if anyone had any tips for AFPDs? I'll be starting there soon and just wanted to see what folks say will help me out! For some background on me: litigator (mostly probate disputes) and have very little criminal experience except for one white collar case. Would welcome any books, youtube videos and the like. Thanks all.
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gf2139
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Nov 16, 2021 9:58 am
Re: AFPD
AFPD here.
Depending on your office, you should have some good internal mentorship (hopefully). The best advice I have is learn some basic listening/communication techniques. Its easy to pick up on the litigation quickly. However, learning how best to manage clients and their expectations is the hardest part of public defense.
You could try the book "I Am Not Sick I Dont Need Help: How to Help Someone With Mental Illness Accept Treatment." This is a good start to dealing with those who have major mental illness but lack little to no insight into their condition. I have only had one client with a major mental illness who had any insight into the fact that he was indeed mentally ill. This book is a great introduction to how advocates should truly communicate with mentally ill clients.
The next advice I have generally is to go to trainings about trauma. Our clients are often victims of severe trauma themselves. This trauma often influences their criminal behavior. This is especially true with child exploitation cases, which you will be exposed to. I don't know anyone who has not dealt with a CE case that didn't involve the client also being a victim.
Other than that, just trust in the institutional knowledge that AFPD offices can provide. The cases move slower, so you have time to do thorough research and prepare for court. Feel free to PM if you have any other specific questions!
Depending on your office, you should have some good internal mentorship (hopefully). The best advice I have is learn some basic listening/communication techniques. Its easy to pick up on the litigation quickly. However, learning how best to manage clients and their expectations is the hardest part of public defense.
You could try the book "I Am Not Sick I Dont Need Help: How to Help Someone With Mental Illness Accept Treatment." This is a good start to dealing with those who have major mental illness but lack little to no insight into their condition. I have only had one client with a major mental illness who had any insight into the fact that he was indeed mentally ill. This book is a great introduction to how advocates should truly communicate with mentally ill clients.
The next advice I have generally is to go to trainings about trauma. Our clients are often victims of severe trauma themselves. This trauma often influences their criminal behavior. This is especially true with child exploitation cases, which you will be exposed to. I don't know anyone who has not dealt with a CE case that didn't involve the client also being a victim.
Other than that, just trust in the institutional knowledge that AFPD offices can provide. The cases move slower, so you have time to do thorough research and prepare for court. Feel free to PM if you have any other specific questions!
