Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Funded 

by the Judiciary

Purpose and Benefits

Transferee Judge Conference Palm Beach, FL 10/31/2022 11/2/2022 $ 162,203 81 The conference provided an opportunity for judges to discuss multidistrict litigation (MDL) cases, 

consult with their peers, and receive continuing education about legal and case management 

issues that arise regarding best practices when handling MDL cases. Led by judges, professors, 

and other experts, the conference allowed first time MDL judges to consult with knowledgeable 

and seasoned MDL judges to exercise efficient case management.

Non-Capital Sentencing Mitigation Skills 

Workshop

San Francisco, CA 11/2/2022 11/5/2022 $ 113,197 66 Using a storytelling approach, this workshop presented a hands-on method on the development 

of non-capital mitigation and its integration into persuasive sentencing advocacy. Through 

plenary and small group sessions, participants furthered their understanding on non-capital 

mitigation evidence and the skills necessary to: effectively interview for mitigation; investigate, 

collect, and analyze records; and write reports and/or sentencing memorandum to present 

mitigation at sentencing. This workshop was specifically designed for non-capital mitigation 

social workers, sentencing advocates, attorneys, and other professionals who provide this work 

under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA).

Orientation Seminar for New Assistant 

Federal Defenders

Santa Fe, NM 11/14/2022 11/18/2022 $ 401,250 266 This Seminar was for newly-appointed assistant federal defenders and research and writing 

attorneys in both traditional defender offices and capital habeas units. The program includes an 

overview of substantive law and opportunities for skills practice in pretrial advocacy, evidence, 

and sentencing for new attorneys. 

Seventh Circuit Judicial Conference Chicago, IL 11/14/2022 11/16/2022 $ 120,700 107 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 7th Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and the 

U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Illinois Northern, Illinois Central, Illinois Southern, Indiana 

Northern, Indiana Southern, Wisconsin Eastern, and Wisconsin Western).

Federal Defender and Criminal Justice Act 

Panel Representatives Conferences

Philadelphia, PA 2/16/2023 2/24/2023 $ 354,137 223 The Federal Defender conference provided training to chief federal defenders and select first 

assistants on the operation and management of their offices with respect to Criminal Justice Act 

(CJA) representations and trends that impact their offices. The conference allowed participants 

to discuss management and operational improvements and knowledge transfer. The conference 

also provided educational sessions to Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorney representatives 

(private panel attorneys who take cases under the CJA). Discussion topics included national 

policy and legislation as it pertains to legal representation under CJA,substantive federal criminal 

law, computer technology, federal criminal sentencing, detention issues, and policy. Additional 

topics included containing costs that would not impact the quality of representation, proper 

billing practices, and the appropriate use of expert and investigative services.

Winning Strategies II and Fundamentals New Orleans, LA 2/23/2023 2/25/2023 $ 172,514 205 The Winning Strategies Seminar brought together a dynamic group of attorneys and other legal 

professionals to speak on a wide variety of topics, all specifically designed to keep Criminal 

Justice Act (CJA) practitioners abreast of the most recent and important developments in federal 

criminal defense. Sessions included both large plenary lectures as well as smaller breakout 

sessions to meet the specific needs of the advanced practitioner and the less experienced 

attorney alike. Sessions included such topics as defending drug and immigration cases, implicit 

bias, sentencing issues, ethics, and more.

Non-Capital Habeas Conference Portland, OR 2/28/2023 3/3/2023 $ 120,154 138 The program covered the broad spectrum of issues specific to habeas corpus litigation on behalf 

of prisoners with non-capital cases. Plenary sessions featured both national speakers and 

seasoned non-capital habeas attorneys and all breakout sessions included an option for the 

advanced or the beginner habeas practitioner. Sessions included investigating and pleading 

claims, habeas case updates from the circuits, and an ethics session about how to handle 

ineffective assistance of counsel claims. Beginner track topics included introductions to 

timeliness, claim exhaustion, and procedural default. Advanced track topics included the 

interplay between 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)(2) and (e)(1) and a real-case brainstorm session.

GRIT: A Workshop to Energize, Elevate, 

and Educate Women in Public Defense

New Orleans, LA 3/9/2023 3/11/2023 $ 167,353 100 This training addressed a variety of topics as experienced by women including the journey to 

legal work, how to be a good mentor, improving communication in the office and in the 

courtroom, embracing strengths, identifying leadership goals, navigating relationships with 

colleagues and clients, building teams, understanding vicarious trauma, exploring work-life 

balance, self-care practices, and more.

Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Meetings and Conferences That Cost More Than $100,000

(Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services, Defenders Services, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts)

1
Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Funded 

by the Judiciary

Purpose and Benefits

Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Meetings and Conferences That Cost More Than $100,000

(Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services, Defenders Services, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts)

Techniques in Electronic Case 

Management I

Atlanta, GA 3/9/2023 3/11/2023 $ 144,126 111 This workshop exposed Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorneys and Federal Defender 

Organization (FDO) staff to the legal, strategic, and technological considerations involved with 

electronic and/or voluminous discovery. This two-and-a-half-day program used a combination of 

plenary presentations and small group, hands-on instruction.

National Seminar on the Development and 

Integration of Mitigation

Atlanta, GA 3/9/2023 3/12/2023 $ 175,294 154 This seminar brought together nationally recognized mental health experts, mitigation specialists 

and capital defense attorneys to discuss new developments and recurring issues related to social 

history investigation and the comprehensive development and integration of mitigation evidence 

at all stages of representation in capital cases. The seminar was designed for federal defenders, 

Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, and attorneys 

interested in representing an inmate in federal collateral review and state court practitioners 

who are currently appointed or seeking appointment in a capital proceeding in federal court. 

The program also included presentations on the use of narrative, finding and telling humanizing 

stories, the use of social history investigation in litigating claims, the importance of pleas, how 

to select appropriate experts and frame referral questions for mental health evaluations, and 

strategies for obtaining adequate time and funding.

Federal Defender Capital Habeas Unit 

National Conference

New Orleans, LA 4/4/2023 4/6/2023 $ 266,290 248 This conference was designed for federal defender capital habeas unit (CHU) attorneys, 

paralegals, investigators, and mitigation specialists. Plenary and breakout sessions covered 

topics relevant to capital habeas work such as updates on legal issues, case management, 

mitigation, and forensics.

First Circuit Judicial Conference Boston, MA 4/19/2023 4/21/2023 $ 173,838 87 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 1st Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit and the 

U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, and 

Rhode Island).

Trial Skills Workshop-Crimes Decoded: 

Emerging Digital Technology

San Francisco, CA 4/20/2023 4/22/2023 $ 170,661 105 This program involved workshops where participants, in small groups, practiced the skills 

necessary to effectively exclude, explain, and/or persuade a judge or jury about the technology 

utilized. Lectures and demonstrations of these skills supplemented the small group workshops. 

The program consisted of 10 plenary presentations, 5 workshop sessions, 2 demonstrations, and 

two optional events: (1) a "happening hour" where we invite participants to seek advice on any 

active cases from our experienced faculty, and an optional social gathering; and (2) a 75 minute 

lunch session for CJA attorneys titled "Vouch for your Voucher" which focused on court rules for 

submitting expert requests to the court and best practices for submitting persuasive expert 

requests.

Computer Systems Administrator 

Conference

Seattle, WA 5/2/2023 5/5/2023 $ 391,698 173 The conference trained federal defender office information technology staff across the country to 

support the mission of the defender offices on electronic litigation support. Training included 

various cybersecurity-related courses, litigation support techniques, discovery, and other critical 

technologies used in federal defender organizations.

Fifth Circuit Judicial Conference San Antonio, TX 5/5/2023 5/9/2023 $ 400,817 226 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 5th Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit and the 

U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Louisiana Eastern, Louisiana Middle, Louisiana Western, 

Mississippi Northern, Mississippi Southern, Texas Eastern, Texas Northern, Texas Southern, and 

Texas Western).

Third Circuit Judicial Conference Philadelphia, PA 5/9/2023 5/12/2023 $ 192,593 154 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 3rd Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit and 

the U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania Eastern, 

Pennsylvania Middle, Pennsylvania Western, and the Virgin Islands).

2
Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Funded 

by the Judiciary

Purpose and Benefits

Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Meetings and Conferences That Cost More Than $100,000

(Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services, Defenders Services, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts)

Federal Defender Investigators and 

Paralegals Seminar

Houston, TX 5/16/2023 5/18/2023 $ 514,765 298 This seminar covered a wide range of topics specifically targeted toward investigators, 

paralegals, and others who contribute to defending federal criminal cases. A mix of plenary and 

concurrent breakout sessions addressed areas such as online investigation, BOP issues, 

sentencing mitigation, mental health, document management and analysis, and offense-specific 

tips for building a powerful defense. The program also included presentations on issues relevant 

to all members of the defense team including mitigation specialists and social workers. Finally, 

this training event incorporated presentations centered on interpreters and those who perform 

interpreter duties in their offices or cases, as well as paralegals and investigators who work with 

bilingual clients and staff. The Director made a determination that the program was necessary 

and this was a cost effective means of achieving a compelling purpose.

Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs Wellness 

Conference

Pittsburgh, PA 5/17/2023 5/20/2023 $ 188,822 150 The conference educated probation and pretrial staff on dealing with complex issues that can 

have adverse effects on their health and wellness. During the conference, participants heard 

from peers and discussed hardships. Participants were provided with tools and resources to help 

better navigate the difficult situations they face in their roles.

National Seminar for Federal Defenders Orlando, FL 5/31/2023 6/2/2023 $ 423,294 354 This annual seminar was designed for assistant federal defenders who have been practicing 

criminal law for a minimum of three years. Topics included substantive federal criminal law, trial 

tactics, evidence, computer technology, ethics, and sentencing issues. The seminar featured 

both plenary and breakout sessions.

Traditional Law Conference Honolulu, HI 6/17/2023 6/23/2023 $ 116,273 41 This conference trained judges in the territories and Freely Associated States of Micronesia, 

Marshall Islands, and Palau on customs and traditions provisions in their constitutions to 

consider when making rulings. 

Second Circuit Judicial Conference Bolton Landing, NY 6/20/2023 6/22/2023 $ 264,964 177 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 2nd Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit and 

the U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Connecticut, New York Eastern, New York Northern, 

New York Southern, New York Western, and Vermont).

Case Management Training New Orleans, LA 6/27/2023 6/28/2023 $ 212,699 208 This training familiarized attendees with policy guidance (as delivered in Chapter 18 of the 

Operations Manual, as well as Defender Services Organization (DSO) bulletins) through 

advanced use of input and reporting functionality in defenderData (dData). The first day 

covered the introductory material, a work measurement study update, and basic dData case 

entry, conflict checking, case searches, and case management. The second day focused on 

complex indictments with unusual charging scenarios, deeper examination of dData's 

functionality for data input and auditing, and analytical tools and reporting functions in dData 

and in the Defender Services Management Information System.

Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference Greensboro, NC 6/28/2023 7/1/2023 $ 209,269 167 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 4th Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit and the 

U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Maryland, North Carolina Eastern, North Carolina Middle, 

North Carolina Western, Virginia Eastern, Virginia Western, South Carolina, West Virginia 

Northern, and West Virginia Southern).

Eighth Circuit Judicial Conference Minneapolis, MN 7/11/2023 7/14/2023 $ 232,899 175 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 8th Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit and the 

U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Arkansas Eastern, Arkansas Western, Iowa Northern, Iowa 

Southern, Minnesota, Missouri Eastern, Missouri Western, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South 

Dakota).

District Meeting, U.S. Probation and 

Pretrial Services Office for the Central 

District of California

Indian Wells, CA 7/11/2023 7/14/2023 $ 342,788 226 The conference focused on meeting individual, group, departmental, and organizational needs 

and objectives; including enhancing knowledge of processes and tools which can improve 

correctional outcomes (i.e., evidence-based practices and programs), introducing new 

policies/procedures, and highlighting best practices with a focus on both decision-making and 

implementation. 

3
Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Funded 

by the Judiciary

Purpose and Benefits

Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Meetings and Conferences That Cost More Than $100,000

(Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services, Defenders Services, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts)

Non-Capital Race Conference Dallas, TX 7/13/2023 7/15/2023 $ 222,519 114 The Race Conference is an inclusive program designed to share with everyone working pursuant 

to the Criminal Justice Act about the many ways race impacts justice and to provide them with 

strategies and innovation to work in the criminal legal system. Areas addressed included 

strategies on litigating race from the police encounter on the street and the Fourth Amendment, 

roadmap for successful Batson challenges, practical tips in defending noncitizens, and ways to 

decrease racial disparities in detention hearings, charging, pleas, and at sentencing. 

Law & Technology Series: Electronic 

Courtroom Presentation

Philadelphia, PA 7/13/2023 7/15/2023 $ 130,469 77 The Law & Technology Series: Electronic Courtroom Presentation Workshop (ECP) exposed CJA 

panel and federal public/community defender attorneys and professional staff to the legal, 

strategic, and technological considerations involved with electronically presenting information in 

the federal courtroom during trial and hearings. This program used a combination of plenary 

presentations and small group, hands-on instruction. In the smaller breakout groups, attendees 

practiced direct and cross-examination, opening statements, and closing arguments using Trial 

Director and PowerPoint software which are well suited for electronically presenting information 

in the courtroom.

Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs Administrative 

Meeting

Salt Lake City, UT 7/17/2023 7/20/2023 $ 371,778 214 The meeting promoted mission critical outcomes in pretrial services, presentence investigations 

and reports, post-conviction supervision, resourcing and staffing strategies, improved use of 

technology, and promoting greater understanding and awareness.

Federal Defender Administrator 

Conference

Indianapolis, IN 7/26/2023 7/27/2023 $ 231,532 158 This two-day program covered a wide range of human resources, budgetary, financial, 

administrative, and managerial topics specifically geared towards administrative staff of federal 

defender offices. Most of the training provided is designed specifically for federal defender staff 

and is not available elsewhere.

Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Portland, OR 7/30/2023 8/3/2023 $ 622,085 316 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 9th Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit and the 

U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Alaska, Arizona, California Central, California Eastern, 

California Northern, California Southern, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Northern Mariana 

Islands, Nevada, Oregon, Washington Eastern, and Washington Western). With the expected 

cost of the conference exceeding $500,000, per Judicial Conference of the United States policy, 

the conference planners received prior approval from the Executive Committee of the Judicial 

Conference for the conference and sought efforts to restrain the costs of the program. 

Special Operation Tools for Officers 

Conference

Saint Louis, MO 7/31/2023 8/4/2023 $ 220,568 205 This conference provided attendees with new skills and tools in evidence as well as interactions 

with third parties relating to search, investigative tools, equipment, forensics, resources and 

collaboration, community observation techniques, communication, countersurveillance, and first 

responder wellness. Officers learned about the implementation of special operations programs 

and the enhancement of current in-district programs.

STARR Western Regional Conference Portland, OR 7/31/2023 8/4/2023 $ 219,019 99 The training focused on techniques to be used by probation and pretrial services officers to 

reduce rearrests and thereby improve public safety. The training session developed critical skills 

in officers to help them interact more effectively with persons under supervision, manage 

behavior, and promote communication techniques that enhance officers' effectiveness in 

supervising defendants and persons serving on probation. The conference also included 

individual coaching techniques and exercises.

District Meeting, U.S. Probation and 

Pretrial Services Office for the Northern 

District of Texas 

Lost Pines, TX 8/1/2023 8/3/2023 $ 296,527 139 The meeting provided best practices, wellness, and diversity training to all staff. Additional 

training included safety, code of conduct, and IT security awareness (allowing for compliance 

with national training policy requirements).

Court Reporter and Interpreter 

Conference

New Orleans, LA 8/7/2023 8/10/2023 $ 284,045 181 The conference provided court reporters and court interpreters a platform for information 

sharing among colleagues to improve reporting and interpreting services. Other topics included 

frequently asked questions posed by court reporters and court interpreters to the Administrative 

Office.

4
Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Funded 

by the Judiciary

Purpose and Benefits

Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Meetings and Conferences That Cost More Than $100,000

(Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services, Defenders Services, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts)

Annual National Federal Habeas Corpus 

Seminar

Cleveland, OH 8/10/2023 8/13/2023 $ 146,131 129 The seminar focused on representation in capital habeas cases that addressed claim 

identification, capital post-conviction investigation, factual and legal development and 

presentation of claims, the use of mitigation and mental health experts, the litigation of issues 

related to intellectual disability, mental illness, race and lethal injection, substantive and 

procedural habeas corpus jurisprudence, and clemency practice. Attendees included federal 

defenders and financial assistants and private attorneys throughout the country who represent 

capital habeas cases.

District Meeting, U.S. Probation Office for 

the Southern District of California

Indian Wells, CA 8/15/2023 8/17/2023 $ 105,631 111 This meeting was designed to meet individual, group, departmental, and organizational needs 

and objectives. This included enhancing knowledge of processes and tools which can improve 

correctional outcomes (i.e., evidence-based practices and programs), introducing new 

policies/procedures, and highlighting best practices with a focus on both decision making and 

implementation. This meeting included staff training aimed at reducing rearrest (STARR) role 

playing, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) facilitator skills, Defensive Incident Response drills, 

officer safety practices, leadership development for succession planning, wellness practices, and 

team development for collaboration between line and supervisory staff. 

Multi-Track Federal Criminal Defense 

Seminar

Minneapolis, MN 8/16/2023 8/18/2023 $ 219,649 135 This seminar offered in-depth instruction in a variety of substantive areas of federal criminal 

defense practice. The seminar consisted of related sessions, or tracks, which were grouped 

together allowing attorneys to select areas of practice which would best meet their training 

needs. The seminar included eight additional substantive plenary lectures which cover more 

general areas of federal criminal practice.

National Judicial Information Technology 

Conference

Louisville, KY 8/16/2023 8/18/2023 $ 812,217 652 This meeting allowed participants to discuss information technology developments and key 

judiciary initiatives that will have an impact on the business of the court, and build high 

performing teams with strong cross-circuit relationships that are critical to innovation, effective 

collaboration, and increased productivity. The Director made a determination that the program 

was necessary and this was a cost effective means of achieving a compelling purpose.

Federal CJA Trial Skills Academy Portland, OR 8/19/2023 8/26/2023 $ 223,348 100 This program focused on the use of a trial advocacy process to facilitate development of a 

persuasive, fact-based theory and supporting themes, and the advocacy skills necessary to 

persuasively advance that theory and those themes throughout trial. A very experienced and 

skilled faculty led this program through a series of plenary sessions and workshops. Elements of 

effective litigation advocacy skills were presented in the plenaries. Participants then engaged in 

hands-on practice of those skills and received feedback in small group workshops. Trial Skills 

Academy is designed for, and attendance is limited to, Criminal Justice Act practitioners, both 

panel attorneys and federal defender staff.

Diversity, Equity and inclusion & 

Leadership Conference

Minneapolis, MN 8/20/2023 8/23/2023 $ 287,127 281 The conference allowed probation and pretrial services office staff the opportunity to share 

knowledge to assist with: 1) Understanding the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion 

(DEI) and how it can positively impact relationships among colleagues and interactions with 

persons under supervision; 2) Assist in the recruitment and retention of staff; 3) Aide in 

personal and professional development, which can assist with succession planning; and 4) 

Showcase how everyone can contribute to having a diverse and exceptional workforce.

US Probation Office Tri-District Training 

Conference

Hilton Head Island, SC 8/21/2023 8/25/2023 $ 244,717 219 This conference themed "Enhancing Resilience Through Evidence-Based Wellness Practices" 

included leadership training, physical/mental wellness practices, staff safety, financial 

investigations, and evidence-based practice (EBP). The three day conference was attended by 

personnel in the US Probation Offices of the Middle, Northern, and Southern districts of Georgia.

District Meeting, U.S. Probation Office for 

the District of Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ 8/23/2023 8/25/2023 $ 267,279 180 The conference trained probation and pretrial services officers on evidence-based practices and 

implementing outcome-based practices to change offender behavior, reduce recidivism, and 

create a safer community. The conference discussed taking proactive approaches to stress 

management and resiliency through education and training, and identifying stressors that affect 

the effectiveness and retention of officers.

Seventh Circuit Judicial Conference Lake Geneva, WI 8/27/2023 8/30/2023 $ 223,119 238 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 7th Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and the 

U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Indiana Southern, Indiana Northern, Illinois Central, 

Illinois Northern, Illinois Southern, Wisconsin Eastern, and Wisconsin Western).

5
Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Funded 

by the Judiciary

Purpose and Benefits

Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Meetings and Conferences That Cost More Than $100,000

(Courts of Appeals, District Courts and Other Judicial Services, Defenders Services, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts)

National Pretrial Conference Minneapolis, MN 8/27/2023 8/31/2023 $ 440,400 233 This conference addressed evidence-based practices in pretrial services, strategic efforts to 

reducing unnecessary pretrial detention and general violence, and managing violent extremists 

under supervision. 

Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference Cleveland, OH 9/3/2023 9/8/2023 $ 172,024 186 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 6th Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit and the 

U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Kentucky Eastern, Kentucky Western, Michigan Eastern, 

Michigan Western, Ohio Northern, Ohio Southern, Tennessee Eastern, Tennessee Middle, and 

Tennessee Western).

District Meeting, U.S. Probation Office for 

the Southern District of Florida

Islamorada, FL 9/5/2023 9/8/2023 $ 241,184 168 The conference provided district-wide training for the probation office staff. Training sessions 

focused on team building, leadership, wellness, and communication. 

Tenth Circuit Conference Santa Fe, NM 9/6/2023 9/8/2023 $ 224,332 108 The conference allowed judges to consider the business of the courts and to discuss and advise 

on ways of improving the administration of justice within the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. 

district and bankruptcy courts in the 10th Circuit (U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit and 

the U.S. district and bankruptcy courts in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma Eastern, 

Oklahoma Northern, Oklahoma Western, Utah, and Wyoming).

Techniques in Electronic Case 

Management II

Columbus, OH 9/7/2023 9/9/2023 $ 124,063 82 This workshop exposed Criminal Justice Act panel attorneys and Federal Defender Organizations 

staff to the legal, strategic, and technological considerations involved with

electronic and/or voluminous discovery. The program used a combination of plenary 

presentations and small group, hands-on instruction.

District Meeting, U.S. Probation

Office for the Southern District of Texas

San Antonio, TX 9/10/2023 9/15/2023 $ 250,875 347 The meeting provided training to all staff with a focus on employee development and best 

practices including the Probation and Pretrial Case Tracking System 360, evidence-based 

practices, Pretrial Risk Assessment, Post Conviction Risk Assessment, office review final report, 

sex offender management, location monitoring and wellness. 

Fourth, Fifth and DC Circuits Clerk 

Conference

Charleston, SC 9/17/2023 9/20/2023 $ 125,002 70 This conference was for the clerks of the circuit, district, and bankruptcy courts of the Fourth, 

Fifth and District of Columbia Circuits. Attendees met to develop practical ideas for improving 

the administration of justice in their respective courts. 

District Meeting, U.S. District Clerk's 

Office for the Central District of California

Palm Springs, CA 9/17/2023 9/22/2023 $ 285,198 157 This conference allowed the support staff to discuss important issues, share ideas and best 

practices, and plan for the future. The conference provided a unique opportunity for employees 

to collaborate and learn from one another, strengthening the sense of community, and 

advancing the goals of the organization.

6
Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Purpose

National Leadership Conference for Circuit 

and Court Unit Executives

Oklahoma City, OK 10/12/22 10/14/22 $290,970 159 This two-and-a-half-day conference for all circuit and court unit executives (CUEs) from federal 

appellate, district, bankruptcy, probation, and pretrial services units revolved around the 

conference theme chosen by the Planning Committee: Leading at the Crossroads of Courage, 

Resilience, and Community.

National Sentencing Policy Institute Detroit, MI 10/18/22 10/20/22 $160,606 79 This program was held at the request of the Criminal Law Committee pursuant to 28 U.S.C 

Section 334 (Institutes and Joint Councils on Sentencing). The overall goal of the Institute was 

to engage the federal judiciary in dialogue about pretrial and sentencing decision-making and 

the impact of pretrial and sentencing decisions on justice-involved people and communities. The 

Institute included site visits to a Federal Correctional Institution and Federal Detention Center, a 

residential reentry center, and community-based substance use and mental health treatment 

providers.

Phase II Orientation Seminar for Newly 

Appointed U.S. Magistrate Judges

Washington, DC 10/24/22 10/28/22 $115,972 43 This seminar for new magistrate judges addressed evidence-based criminal pretrial decision 

making, presiding over civil hearings, integrating new ideas on the art of judging, the role of 

magistrate judges in the legal system, and ethics.

National Symposium for United States 

Court of Appeals Judges

Washington, DC 11/03/22 11/04/22 $178,640 93 This triennial symposium for U.S. Court of Appeals judges included sessions on the following 

topics: understanding the role of artificial intelligence, cutting edge issues, technology, and its 

impact; discussing the role of judges, judicial courage, decision-making and independence; 

understanding the goals, rules, principles, and trends of statutory interpretation; and discussing 

judiciary procedures and policies for preventing workplace harassment and promoting workplace 

civility.

Phase II Orientation Seminar for U.S. 

District Judges & Orientation Seminar for 

U.S. Court of Appeals Judges

Washington, DC 12/05/22 12/09/22 $136,316 51 This seminar for new district and appellate judges addressed case management, recent changes

to employment discrimination and FLSA caselaw, writing legal subjects, recent changes to

Section 1983 law, evaluating and implementing strategies for operating without a full bench,

understanding the role of technology and its impact, describing ways intuition and life 

experience affect decision-making, and ethics.

Workshop for Judges of the Ninth Circuit Tucson, AZ 01/30/23 02/01/23 $157,092 86 This workshop helped judges identify disparities in the power structure among judges and staff 

in the judicial workplace and ways to create a more positive, professional, and respectful 

workplace; evaluate the tension between the courts' occasional need to hold closed proceedings 

or seal documents and the public's right to know what courts are doing; and apply precedents 

created by recent Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit decisions. 

New Supervisors' Development Program 

Tier 2 Workshop

Birmingham, AL 03/07/23 03/09/23 $172,579 74 This workshop targeted specific skills, including documenting performance, emotional 

intelligence, giving and receiving feedback, coaching direct reports, strength-based team 

building, and delegating tasks.

Wm. Matthew Byrne, Jr. Judicial Clerkship 

Institute

Malibu, CA 03/09/23 03/10/23 $224,831 123 This program addressed Section 1983 litigation, new decisions covering the federal rules of civil 

procedure, a review of recent Supreme Court cases, preparing judges for sentencing, and 

workplace civility. 

National Workshop for U.S. Magistrate 

Judges I (AO Retirement Program 4/20-

21/2023)

San Diego, CA 04/17/23 04/19/23 $313,020 137

(FJC funded)

 

18

(AO funded)

Magistrate judges participated in plenary and breakout sessions to evaluate the purposes and 

efficacy of certain types of reentry courts; employ best practices in judicial security to protect 

judges and their families and staff; and properly apply new precedents arising from the latest 

term of the U.S. Supreme Court. In connection with the workshop, the Administrative Office 

conducted a retirement planning program for judges on April 20-21, 2024. 

Federal Court Leadership Development 

Program Phase III Workshop and 

Graduation

Memphis, TN 04/19/23 04/20/23 $128,481 70 The 12-month Federal Court Leadership Development Program (FCLDP) is for nonsupervisory 

staff working in appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts, circuit offices, and probation and 

pretrial services offices with three years or more of experience in the federal courts. It helps 

staff develop their leadership knowledge and skills and prepare for future leadership roles. 

Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Conferences that Cost More Than $100,000

(Federal Judicial Center)

7
Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Purpose

Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Conferences that Cost More Than $100,000

(Federal Judicial Center)

National Workshop for U.S. Bankruptcy 

Judges I & AO Retirement Planning 

Program (April 27 & 28, 2023)

Phoenix, AZ 04/24/23 04/28/23 $285,459 145

(FJC funded)

 

21

(AO funded)

Bankruptcy judges participating in this workshop identified key developments in the law; 

debated common judging questions; evaluated their own philosophy/approach to a series of 

hypothetical scenarios; had an opportunity to share and assess competing points of view on 

complicated judging concerns; and received concrete information to take back to their chambers 

and bench to implement, including to continue to foster an exemplary workplace environment. 

In connection with the workshop, the Administrative Office conducted a retirement planning 

program for judges on April 27-28, 2023.

National Leadership Conference for Chief 

Judges of United States District and 

Bankruptcy Courts

Washington, DC 05/04/23 05/05/23 $272,903 125 The conference provided opportunities for judges to engage with chairs of key Judicial 

Conference Committees about policies critical to their districts and courts and to network and 

problem-solve with peers. The conference also provided leadership education and information, 

including a keynote speaker emphasizing the importance of strategic leadership as the chief 

judge's role evolves from heavily administrative to navigating an ever-evolving environment and 

leading in a way that enhances public confidence in the Third Branch. 

National Conference for Appellate Staff 

Attorneys

Miami, FL 06/07/23 06/09/23 $192,850 107 Participants enhanced their knowledge of presidential pardons and executive authority; analyzed 

challenging ethical issues and how to avoid ethical violations; enhanced their knowledge of 

judiciary procedures and policies to promote professional workplace conduct; developed their 

skills to use technology in decision-making; discussed managing across generational gaps; and 

identified recent changes in immigration law.

Faculty Development Program Denver, CO 06/13/23 06/16/23 $120,476 64 The Faculty Development Program (FDP) offered FJC faculty (drawn from the ranks of court 

staff) and Directors of Workplace Relations in the courts to strengthen their facilitation skills, 

enabling them to deliver learner-centered training. This two-day program was packed with 

interactive activities for participants to experience as learners, who will then adapt them in their 

training context. 

Federal Trials and Great Debates in U.S. 

History Summer Institute for Teachers

Washington, DC 06/25/23 06/30/23 $110,259 39 The Summer Teacher Institute prepared high school teachers to integrate the history of the 

federal courts into their high school curriculum on U.S. History and U.S. Government. The 

Institute was jointly sponsored by the FJC and the American Bar Association Division for Public 

Education.

Becoming an Executive Concluding 

Seminar

Minneapolis, MN 06/27/23 06/30/23 $118,212 62 New Deputy Court Unit Executives explored best practices of leadership during crises and 

disasters and their implications for deputy executives. Participants adapted a leadership 

"toolbox" that includes leading with purpose; assessing, influencing, and working within culture; 

building trust; and applying influence. They also examined current behavioral and organizational 

dynamics impeding their court unit's work and developed proactive strategies for addressing 

them.

FJC-Center for Law, Brain & Behavior 

Workshop on Science-Informed DecisionMaking

Cambridge, MA 06/27/23 06/29/23 $262,721 71 The Workshop on Science-Informed Decision-Making brought together district judges, 

magistrate judges, pretrial services officers, and presentence officers to learn from scholars and 

clinicians about how scientific research can be applied at key criminal-case decision points, 

including initial appearance, violation hearing, presentence investigation, and sentencing. The 

Workshop is the result of a collaboration between the Federal Judicial Center and the Project for 

Law and Applied Neuroscience at the Center for Law, Brain & Behavior at Massachusetts General 

Hospital.

National Workshop for U.S. Magistrate 

Judges II

Atlanta, GA 07/10/23 07/12/23 $263,164 130

(FJC funded)

 

17

(AO funded)

As a result of attending this workshop, judges were able to evaluate the many civil and criminal 

uses of the dark web; evaluate the purposes and efficacy of certain types of reentry courts; 

explain some civil and criminal uses for Artificial Intelligence (AI); use the AO's Pretrial 

Dashboards to compare their own individual pretrial detention rates to those of their fellow 

judges, districts, and circuits nationwide; and employ best practices in presiding over pro se 

criminal and civil matters.

National Workshop for U.S. Bankruptcy 

Judges II & AO Retirement Planning 

Program (July 27 & 28, 2023)

Philadelphia, PA 07/24/23 07/26/23 $248,746 107

(FJC funded)

 

22

(AO funded)

Bankruptcy judges participating in this workshop identified key developments in the law; 

debated common judging questions; evaluated their own philosophy/approach to a series of 

hypothetical scenarios; had an opportunity to share and assess competing points of view on 

complicated judging concerns; and received concrete information to take back to their chambers 

and benches to implement, including to continue to foster an exemplary workplace environment. 

In connection with the workshop, the Administrative Office conducted a retirement planning 

program for judges on July 27-28, 2023.

8
Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Purpose

Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Conferences that Cost More Than $100,000

(Federal Judicial Center)

Mediation Skills Workshop for Federal 

Judges

Malibu, CA 08/09/23 08/10/23 $143,522 59 Judges attending this workshop learned to: distinguish a mediation session from a settlement 

conference; identify differences between the processes used in mediation and techniques

commonly used in settlement conferences; effectively convene a mediation; explain the process

of mediation to the parties; establish helpful ground rules for a mediation; and assist parties in

defining the issues to be mediated.

Management Development Program Baltimore, MD 08/15/23 08/17/23 $128,536 57 The Management Development Program (MDP) offered experienced supervisors the opportunity 

to strengthen their skills, enabling them to address daily challenges and achieve organizational 

goals. Participants identified managerial strengths and areas needing further development; 

applied strategies to foster a high-performing team; conducted challenging conversations with 

direct reports; and implemented strategies for fostering a great workplace.

Treatment Services: Negotiating Pathways 

and Supporting Successful Transitions

San Diego, CA 09/12/23 09/13/23 $159,479 80 Participants that attended this seminar identified evidence-based treatment modalities; 

practiced effective supervision strategies using the most recent science on the intersection of 

behavioral health disorders and criminal justice; assessed their own resilience and devised 

strategies to improve; and discovered ways to collaborate and communicate with treatment 

providers in accordance with AO policy.

2023 National Conference for Presentence 

Officers

Washington, DC 09/19/23 09/21/23 $244,347 97 This conference supported U.S. probation officers whose primary duties involve presentence 

investigation and reporting in developing skills and knowledge related to the FJC's ten 

Competencies for Experienced U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officers. Each district was 

invited to designate one nonsupervisory line presentence officer to attend the conference, which 

included a mix of plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and offsite educational experiences.

9
Fiscal Year 2023 Judiciary Meetings and Conferences That Cost More Than $100,000

(United States Sentencing Commission)

Conference Name Location Start Date End Date Cost Attendees Funded 

by the Judiciary

Purpose and Benefits

National Seminar on the Federal 

Sentencing Guidelines for Judges

Seattle, WA 6/21/2023 6/23/2023 $88,189

(USSC 

funded)

$83,026

(Courts and 

other judicial 

services and 

AO funded)

79 Total

23 (USSC funded)

56 (Courts and other 

judicial services and 

AO funded) 

The seminar focused on applying guidelines in a uniform manner across the nation, thereby 

reducing unwarranted regional sentencing differences. The national seminar convened federal 

judges in one location for a series of expert panels and presentations over a two-day period.

National Seminar on the Federal

Sentencing Guidelines

Los Angeles, CA 8/28/2023 9/1/2023 $331,438

(USSC funded

$976,018

(Courts and 

other judicial 

services and 

AO funded)

851 Total

53 (USSC funded)

706 (Courts and 

other judicial 

services and AO 

funded) 

92 (Private 

attendees)

The seminar focused on applying guidelines in a uniform manner across the nation, thereby

reducing unwarranted regional sentencing differences. The national seminars convened federal 

judges, probation officers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys in one location for a series of

expert panels and presentations over a four-day period covering such topics as “Drug Offenses,"

"Reductions in Term of Imprisonment/Compassionate Release," and "Sentencing in MultiDefendant Cases," amongst others. Panel members include federal judges and prominent 

members of the sentencing community.

With the expected cost of the conference exceeding $500,000, per Judicial Conference of the 

United States policy, the conference planners received prior approval from the Commissioners of

the USSC. The Commissioners of the USSC made a determiniation that the program was

necessary and that this was a cost-effective means of achieving a compelling purpose.

10