Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Ongoing training for the employees of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) is vital to maintaining and enhancing the quality of services we provide to those we represent. A well-trained team ensures that we continue to offer the highest standard of legal representation to all New Jersey residents. Training is not only a key component of our commitment to excellence, but it also lays a central role in the professional growth and development of our staff. 

The NJOPD is a Certified Provider of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, recognized by both the State of New Jersey and the State of Pennsylvania. This certification, along with Pennsylvania’s reciprocity with other states like New York, allows our attorneys to meet their CLE requirements across various jurisdictions. Our in-house CLE sessions are free of charge and cover both traditional and emerging legal topics, as well as essential skills training. These sessions are open to all staff members, and when space permits, pool attorneys as well.  

In addition to our attorney-focused programs, we ensure that our investigators and support staff receive the same level of professional development through targeted, formalized training. Our training events are conducted both remotely and in person, either at the Richard J. Hughes Justice or regional/local locations. Hybrid trainings are also conducted out of our Trenton and Newark offices to make learning more accessible. 

Under the guidance of the NJOPD Director of Training, William Fitzsimmons, we offer a comprehensive yearlong curriculum that covers all aspects of public defender case types. This training is designed to keep our staff informed, engaged, and equipped to meet the evolving demands of their roles. 

We encourage all staff to take full advantage of these opportunities for training and personal growth, as ongoing education is crucial for staying ahead in the legal field. For more information or questions about upcoming training opportunities, please contact William Fitzsimmons at William.Fitzsimmons@opd.nj.gov.