Defense Counsel

The Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center staff members conduct research and evaluations and provide technical assistance to improve justice policy and practice at the national, state, and local levels. Urban researchers examine the development, implementation, and impact of policing, crime prevention, and gang disruption initiatives. The work includes a large breadth of topics ranging from risk assessment, community corrections and reentry, human trafficking, forensic science, courts and sentencing, to gun violence.

The National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) was formed in 1950 by local prosecutors to give a focal point to advance their causes and issues at the national level. NDAA representatives regularly meet with the Department of Justice, members of Congress, and other national associations to represent the views of prosecutors to influence federal and national policies and programs that affect law enforcement and prosecution.

The National Association of Drug Court Professionals is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1994 by pioneers from the first 12 drug courts in the nation.

This extraordinary group of innovative judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and clinical professionals created a common sense approach to improving the justice system by using a combination of judicial monitoring and effective treatment to compel drug-using offenders to change their lives.

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is the preeminent organization in the United States advancing the mission of the nation's criminal defense lawyers to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or other misconduct. 

The National American Indian Court Judges Association (NAICJA) is a national association comprised of tribal justice personnel and others devoted to supporting and strengthening tribal justice systems through education, information-sharing, and advocacy. NAICJA is a nonprofit corporation established in 1969 as a corporation in the State of Delaware following the enactment of the federal Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968. The Act required tribes to follow certain requirements similar to those in the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution.

The mission of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation is to support the neighborhood revitalization efforts of community groups by providing them with financing (e.g., grants, loans, and equity capital), technical and management assistance, training opportunities, and policy support.

The Justice Information Resource Network (JIRN) is a national nonprofit organization of state Statistical Analysis Center directors and other researchers and practitioners throughout government, academia, and the justice community who are dedicated to the use of research and analysis to make informed policy and program decisions.

American University (AU) creates meaningful change in the world. With highly ranked schools and colleges and internationally recognized faculty, AU offers a balance between class time and a career-advancing experience in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Its students, among the country's most politically active, distinguish themselves for their service, leadership, and ability to rethink global and domestic challenges and opportunities.