Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan upcoming events

CDAM MASTER CALENDAR (01 Dec 2025)

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

CDAM MASTER CALENDAR

TRAININGS, MEETINGS, AND MORE

APRIL

8, Fall Conference Committee meeting, 5pm
14, Webinar Committee meeting, 12 noon
18, Trial College Train-the-Trainer, 10:00-4:00pm, In Person, Midland HI
23, Amicus Committee meeting, 8:30am
23, Trial College Committee meeting, 5pm
24, Jury Selection skills training, 8:30-4:30pm, L. Brooks Patterson Bldg.
24 Skills Training 101 Train-the-Trainer, 12:30-4:30
28, Webinar Committee meeting, 12 noon

MAY

4, 50th Anniversary Committee meeting, 5pm
6, CDAM Board Meeting, 5:30pm, Zoom
12, Webinar Committee meeting, 12 noon
13, Fall Conference Committee meeting, 5pm
19, Rules and Laws Committee meeting, 4pm
28, Trial College Committee meeting, 5pm

JUNE

1, 50th Anniversary Committee meeting, 5pm
4, Skills Training 101 Train-the-Trainer, 12:30-4:30
10, Fall Conference Committee meeting, 5pm
11, Evidence Boot Camp F, Grand Rapids, 8:30-4:30
11, Trilogy, Triads & Triumph, Grand Rapids, 12:30-4:30
11-12, Skills Training Summit, Grand Rapids8:30am - 4:30pm both days
11-12, Skills Training 101, Grand Rapids, 8:30-4:30 both days
12, Jury Selection, Grand Rapids, 8:30am-4:30pm
18, Amicus Committee meeting, 8:30am
25, Trial College Committee meeting, 5pm

JULY

6, 50th Anniversary Committee meeting, 5pm
9, CDAM Board Meeting, 5:30pm, Zoom
8, Fall Conference Committee meeting, 5pm
23, Trial College Committee meeting, 5pm

AUGUST

3, 50th Anniversary Committee meeting, 5pm
12, Fall Conference Committee meeting, 5pm
18, Rules and Laws Committee meeting, 4pm
20, Amicus Committee meeting, 8:30am
20, Trial College Committee meeting, 5pm
23-27, Trial College, Bay City Doubletree

SEPTEMBER

8, 50th Anniversary Committee meeting, 5pm
9, Fall Conference Committee meeting, 5pm
10, CDAM Board Meeting, 5:30pm, Zoom
24, Trial College Committee meeting, 5pm

OCTOBER

5, 50th Anniversary Committee meeting, 5pm
14, Fall Conference Committee meeting, 5pm
22, Amicus Committee meeting, 8:30am
28, Fall Conference Committee, 5pm

NOVEMBER

2, 50th Anniversary Committee meeting, 5pm
5, A is For Attorney, Shanty Creek; 9:30-5:30pm
5, Evidence Boot Camp, Shanty Creek; 9:30-5:30pm
5, CDAM Board of Director's meeting, Shanty Creek, 6:15pm
6-7, CDAM Fall Conference, Shanty Creek
17, Rules and Laws Committee meeting, 4pm
18, Fall Conference Committee meeting, 5pm

DECEMBER

7, 50th Anniversary Committee meeting, 5pm
17, Amicus Committee meeting, 8:30am

2027

JANUARY

7, CDAM Board Meeting, 5:30pm, Zoom
A is For Attorney, 9:30-5:30pm
11, CDAM Board Meeting, 6:15pm, Auburn Hills, Marriott
12-13, CDAM Spring Conference, Auburn Hills, Marriott

Jury Selection Training (All Skill Levels or Annual Hours) (24 Apr 2026)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Friday, April 24, 2026

8 MIDC Compliant Annual or Skill Training Hours

8:30am-4:30pm/ Check-in opens at 8:00am

L. Brooks Patterson Conference Center, Bldg. 41

2100 Pontiac Lake Rd. Waterford

Maximum of 16 attorneys. Minimum 6 required.

$320 for CDAM Members/$400 for Non-Members

~ Breakfast & lunch buffets, snack, beverages and materials included ~

Direct Billing partners can register free of charge. Contact your court funding unit for further information.

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the "Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 4 grants available and open to ALL Michigan criminal defense attorneys.

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

FACULTY

Mariell Lehman James Samuels

You may register free of charge if your court funding unit participates in our Direct Billing Program! You can request and receive a registration code if they are participants.

All others pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement from your court funding unit, if applicable.

NO refunds on cancellations after April 16, 2026 at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

Evidence Boot Camp D: Focus - Hearsay (Basic) (15 May 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Small-group, interactive Skills Training

with a focus on laying a foundation.

Hyatt Place: Flint/Grand Blanc at 481 Hill 23 Dr, Flint, MI

Friday, May 15, 2026, 9:00am -5:00pm

Registration opens at 8:30am

Continental breakfast, lunch, snack and beverages included.

Materials will be provided.

CLE Skills or Annual Training Hours (8)

Limited to 16 registrants. Minimum 6 required.

Last date to register - May 8th @ 5:00pm

(Call (517) 599-2603 after May 8th for availability)

$320 for CDAM Members/$400 Non-Members

(Direct Billing partners can register free of charge!

See more information below)

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the

"Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 4 scholarships available to ALL Michigan criminal defense attorneys

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

~EVIDENCE BOOT CAMP C FACULTY~

NICOLE SMITH HARRY MIHAS BERNIE JOCUNS

You do NOT have to take prior Boot Camps to attend this Boot Camp.

NO refunds on cancellations after May 8, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

Evidence Boot Camp C: Focus - Foundations (Basic) (29 May 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Friday - May 29, 2026

Doubletree Hilton Bay City

1 Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, MI

9:00am-5:00pm/ Check-in opens at 8:30am

8 MIDC Compliant Annual or Skill Training Hours

Maximum of 16 attorneys. Minimum 6 required.

$320 for CDAM Members/$400 for Non-Members

Direct Billing partners can register free of charge.

Contact your court funding unit for further information.

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the "Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 4 grants available and open to ALL Michigan criminal defense attorneys.

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

~ Continental breakfast, lunch, snack, beverages

and materials included ~

- BOOT CAMP FACULTY-

STEVE FENNER JAMES PIAZZA GLEN SIMMINGTON

You do NOT have to take prior Boot Camps

to attend this Boot Camp.

Check with your court funding unit to see if you can register free of charge through our Direct Billing Partner program! If so, you will be given a registration code. All others pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement from your court funding unit, if applicable.
NO refunds on cancellations after May 22, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

Skills Training Summit: Grand Rapids (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Doubletree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport

4747 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids

Click the hyperlink for more information or to register!

THURSDAY, June 11

Evidence Boot Camp F: 8 SKILL or ANNUAL hours ~ 8:30-4:30pm

Trilogy, Triads, and Triumphs: 4 SKILL or ANNUAL hours ~ 12:30-4:30pm

THURSDAY and FRIDAY, June 11 & 12

Skills Training 101: 16 ANNUAL hours ~ 8:30-4:30pm both days

FRIDAY, June 12

Jury Selection: NEW! 8 SKILL or ANNUAL hours ~ 8:30-4:30pm

NO refunds on cancellations after Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

This training series is made possible, in part, by a grant from the

"Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards."

Evidence Boot Camp F: Focus: 400s, 700s, 900s (Basic, Advanced, or Annual) (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Thursday, June 11, 2026

8 MIDC Compliant Annual or Skill Training Hours

8:30am-4:30pm/ Check-in opens at 8:00am

Doubletree by Hilton - Grand Rapids Airport

4747 28th. St. SE, Grand Rapids

HOTEL ROOMS: A booking link is included in the confirmation email

Maximum of 16 attorneys. Minimum 6 required.

$320 for CDAM Members/$400 for Non-Members

~ Breakfast & lunch buffets, snack, beverages and materials included ~

Direct Billing partners can register free of charge-

Contact your court funding unit for further information.

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the

"Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 4 scholarships available to ALL Michigan criminal defense attorneys

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

FACULTY

Patrick Cherry John Stecco Donald Teichman

You do NOT have to take prior Boot Camps to attend this Boot Camp.

NO refunds on cancellations after June 4, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

Skills Training 101 (basic) (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Thursday, June 11, 2026 - Friday, June 12, 2026

16 MIDC Compliant Skill Training Hours

8:30am-4:30pm both days (check in starts 8:00am)

Doubletree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport

4747 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids

HOTEL ROOMS: A booking link is included in the confirmation email.

In this hands-on, small group training, attorneys will learn about arraignments, attorney-client relationships, probable cause, preliminary examinations, Circuit Court motions, and more!

$640 for CDAM Members/$800 Non-Members

~ Breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks included with registration ~

CDAM MEMBERS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

You may register free of charge if your court funding unit participates in our Direct Billing Program! You can request and receive a registration code if they are participants. All others pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement from your court funding unit, if applicable.

NO refunds on cancellations after June 4, 2026 at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling CDAM at (517) 599-2603.

-FACULTY-

BRANDON BARTHELEMY STEPHANIE RUFFOLO

ABE GONZALES JESSICA LAFOND KAITLIN LOCKE

TRICIA SMITH CHRISTINE TOBER

Trilogy, Triads and Triumph: The Persuasive Power of Three (All Skill Levels or Annual Hours) (11 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, June 11, 2026 12:30pm - 4:30pm

(Check-in opens at 8:30am as other events also underway)

Doubletree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport

4747 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids

Registration is limited to 20 attendees - Register soon!

A hotel booking link will be sent in your confirmation email.

$160 CDAM Members ~ $200 Non-Members

Direct Billing partners can register free of charge-

Contact your court funding unit for further information.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

James R. Samuels, Faculty

Jury Selection Training (All Skill Levels or Annual Hours) (12 Jun 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Friday June 12, 2026

8 MIDC Compliant Annual or Skill Training Hours

Time - 8:30am - 4:30pm/check-in starts at 8:00am

Doubletree by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport

4747 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids

Hotel ROOMS: A booking link is included in the confirmation email.

Maximum of 16 attorneys. 10 minimum required.

$320 CDAM Members/$400 Non-Members

~ Breakfast, lunch, snacks & beverages included ~

Direct Billing partners can register free of charge-

Contact your court funding unit for further information.

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the

"Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 40 grants available and open to ALL Michigan criminal defense attorneys

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

FACULTY

Mariell Lehman James Samuels

You may register free of charge if your court funding unit participates in our Direct Billing Program! You can request and receive a registration code if they are participants.

All others pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement from your court funding unit, if applicable.

NO refunds on cancellations after June 4, 2026 at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

Trial College: Advanced Case Development (In Person) (23 Aug 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

August 23 - 27, 2026

What does it actually mean to “make an appearance in court”?

It once meant people gathered in person, face-to-face, oaths taken to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth. It now can also mean pixels, faces and voices on computer screens, as well as too often the assumption that Justice is not merely blind, but bought and rigged. That to serve on a jury is not one of the great, sacred American institutions, but something one couldn’t get out of.

For our clients, and for our country, what do we do?

CDAM’s Trial College is an intensive, five day deep-dive into the mechanics of persuasion and credibility. “Courtroom Communication” must move people to take action on behalf of your client, whether live or remote; so, it is interactive, not achieved through sitting, taking notes on lectures or Power Point presentations. In-session participation will run from 9:00-9pm to provide attendees the full benefit of on-your-feet training with a faculty including Michigan’s best and most experienced criminal defense attorneys, and internationally recognized trial consultant and CLE trainer, Joshua Karton.

2026 TRIAL COLLEGE SCHEDULE COMING SOON

2026 Program Enhancements!

Increased faculty to students ratio: 1/3
Increased number of training hours
Sunday night group dinner added
Enhanced hands-on training activities!

Bay City Doubletree Hilton

1 Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, MI

Registration Fee Single Accommodations: $2,500

Registration Fee Double Accommodations: $2,250

Trial College Scholarships: Ten (10) made possible

through a grant from the

Michigan Consortium of Law Enforcement.

Open to ALL criminal defense attorneys.

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

Price includes hotel room accommodations for 4 nights; breakfast and lunch for 4 days. This is a residential program.

Payment arrangements can be made by calling (517) 599-2603.

No refunds on cancellations requested after August 7, 2026, but registrations can be transferred to another attorney.

Skills Training 101 (basic) (09 Sep 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026 and Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026

9:00am-5:00pm both days (check in starts 8:30am)

Oakland County Bar Association

1760 S. Telegraph Rd #1, Bloomfield

In this hands-on, small group training, attorneys will learn about arraignments, attorney-client relationships, probable cause, preliminary examinations, Circuit Court motions, and more!

$640 CDAM Members ~ $800 Non-Members

Continental breakfast, lunch, snack included with registration.

Note: Direct Billing partners can register free of charge (see below)

Contact your court funding unit for further information!

Materials will be provided for you.

CDAM MEMBERS SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

FACULTY TBA

NO refunds on cancellations after September 2, 2026 at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

Evidence Boot Camp F: Focus: 400s, 700s, 900s (Basic, Advanced or Annual) (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

All New Cases!

Thursday, November 5, 2026 ~ 9:30am-5:30pm

(Last date to register - October 30 at 5:00pm)

Check-in opens at 8:30am

Shanty Creek Resort

5780 Shanty Creek Rd., Bellaire, MI

HOTEL ROOMS: Booking information will be sent when available.

Limited to 16 attorneys. Minimum 6 required.

$320 for CDAM Members/$400 for Non-Members

CLE Skills Training Hour (8)

~ Breakfast and lunch buffets, snack and materials included ~

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the

"Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 4 scholarships available to ALL Michigan criminal defense attorneys

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Application

FACULTY

TO BE ANNOUNCED

You do NOT have to take prior Boot Camps to attend this Boot Camp.

NO refunds on cancellations after October 29, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling Diane at (517) 599-2603.

VENDOR/SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES: 2026 FALL CONFERENCE (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Sponsor / Vendor Opportunities:

CONFERENCE VENDOR - $500

PREMIER VENDOR - $1750

JUSTICE SPONSOR - $2750

DEFENDER SPONSOR - $5000

For more information on the benefits

of each level and requirements, see:

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

and VENDOR TERMS and CONDITIONS

Please contact CDAM at

(517) 599-2603 if you have questions

prior to completing your registration

or waitlist entry.

CDAM 2026 Fall Conference (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE!

November 6-7, 2026

Shanty Creek Resort

5780 Shanty Creek Rd., Bellaire, MI

$480 for CDAM Members

$600 For Non-Members

Those with CDAM Direct Billing Agreements Register Free!

Registration will open soon. Look for more announcements!

SHANTY CREEK HOTEL ROOM BOOKING LINK WILL BE IN YOUR CDAM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION EMAIL

NOTE: Shanty Creek includes Lakeview Hotel in Summit Village, attached to the Conference Center; Cedar River and condos are about a five minute drive from Lakeview. Rates start at $98++ and are guaranteed through October 5, 2026 OR until our block is sold out. Click the conference tab for maps and more information.

Contact CDAM at 517-579-0533 or by emailing CDAMonline@gmail.com with any questions.

Can't attend the conference? All plenary sessions will be recorded along with the three most popular breakout sessions and will be available in CDAM's video replay center.