A comprehensive discussion of new Ninth Circuit cases, and of other new legal challenges and ideas, can be found on the Ninth Circuit blog. The Ninth Circuit blog contains Federal Defender Jon Sands' weekly Ninth Circuit summaries, interesting new defense challenges and theories posted by AFPDs David Porter and Steve Sady, and the “Case o’ The Week” memos by Federal Defender Steve Kalar. The Ninth Circuit blog is a useful starting place for the latest developments in federal criminal defense.

To search the Ninth Circuit blog use the white search box next to the orange "B," in the upper left hand corner of the site. Note that many blog entries have been tagged by Judge involved or by subject. Clicking on those tags will pull up all blog entries related to that tag entry.

CJA counsel are encouraged to comment on the blog postings – many new ideas have been fleshed out and enhanced by attorney commentary.

January 2026 CJA Conference: Mitigation

January 22, 2026, 1-5pm @ UC Law San Francisco, 200 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102

In an era of data-driven sentencing and increasingly complex client needs, mitigation is no longer a closing-argument afterthought—it is a core component of effective representation from day one. These sessions will equip defenders with practical strategies for conducting early-life-history investigations, collaborating with social workers and mitigation specialists, and weaving trauma-informed narratives into plea negotiations and sentencing presentations.

Using real-world case examples and multidisciplinary tools, we will explore how to uncover the human story behind the arrest, counter government character framing, and present judges with compelling, evidence-based arguments for second chances. Participants will leave with concrete techniques, templates, and frameworks they can apply immediately in their practice.

David ConcepciónDecember 10, 2025

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January 2026 CJA Conference: Mitigation