The CCDS is an intensive educational opportunity for anyone involved in, or considering taking on, the defense of a capital case. It is designed not only for lawyers, but also for mitigation specialists, paralegals, investigators, and experts working in capital defense. The CCDS will also include non-capital sessions relevant to all criminal defense practitioners.

CCDS is unique in that it offers lectures as well as specialized workshops that give participants the chance to brainstorm and exchange information with other participants. Experienced practitioners in any jurisdiction and those just entering the field can benefit from the lectures and workshops featuring experienced lawyers from both California and across the nation.

Monterey, California February 14-17, 2025

Keynote Speaker:

California Supreme Court

Justice Goodwin Liu

We are thrilled to announce that California Supreme Court Justice ​Goodwin Liu will be our keynote speaker at the upcoming Capital ​Case Defense Seminar. Justice Liu will deliver the Keynote address ​on Friday evening, providing a unique and insightful perspective on ​California law.

Please note that the Keynote will not be recorded. We encourage all ​attendees to join us for this special in-person event and take ​advantage of the opportunity to hear from such a distinguished ​guest.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Monterey Marriott

Portola Hotel and Spa

For certificates prior to 2022 please email support@ccdseminar.com

The CACJ/CPDA Capital Case Defense Seminar is the largest of its

kind in the nation and has been held for 45 years, beginning in 1978.

CCDS is unique in that it offers lectures as well as specialized workshops that give participants the chance to brainstorm and exchange information with other participants. Experienced practitioners in any jurisdiction and those just entering the field can benefit from the lectures and workshops featuring experienced lawyers and experts, from both California and across the nation.

Committee Co-Chairs

CPDA Rep Arlene Speiser, CACJ Rep Robert Boyce, and HCRC Rep Ellise Nicholson

Committee Members

Amy Armstrong, Oscar Bobrow, Kevin Bringuel, Elizabeth Dahlstrom, Kirsty Davis, Natalie Degrati, Jennifer Friedman, Robin Kallman, Dan Messner,Bart Sheela, Robert Sanger, Bess Stiffelman, Tamani Taylor, Charles Windon III

Seminar Senior Logistics Coordinator

Tara Da Re, CACJ Program Director

Capital Case Defense Seminar

1610 Arden Way, Suite 140

Sacramento, CA 95815

Telephone: (916) 643-1800

registration@ccdseminar.com