National Association Of Criminal Defense Lawyers Inc.

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, registered in SAM.gov since 2010 and dedicated to improving the criminal justice system through professional support, training, and advocacy for criminal defense lawyers. As a tax-exempt corporate entity, NACDL provides specialized services to the federal government through cooperative agreements, focusing on enhancing legal representation, training, and systemic improvements in criminal justice processes. The organization works collaboratively with various partners to develop resources, conduct training programs, and implement innovative approaches to critical challenges within the legal system.

NACDL has secured significant federal grant awards from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), including a $1,000,000 cooperative agreement to develop innovative jury pool diversity strategies and another $1,000,000 cooperative agreement supporting capital case litigation training and technical assistance. The jury diversity project involves partnerships with the National Center for State Courts, Disability Belongs, and Ideas42, aiming to redesign jury summons forms using behavioral science to increase participation from marginalized communities. The capital case litigation grant focuses on providing comprehensive training and support for defense teams, offering in-person and virtual "Bring Your Own Case" programs, technical assistance, and resources to improve representation in death penalty cases. NACDL has also engaged in sub-grant work, including a recent subcontract with Research Triangle Institute, demonstrating its ability to collaborate across multiple organizations to advance criminal justice objectives through targeted, evidence-based interventions.