November 2004

Ten years ago I attended the Trial Lawyer's College (TLC) on a ranch in Dubois, Wyoming. It was 1994, and I had just left the public defender's office in Kansas City to be a plaintiff's lawyer in a trial firm. I had a new son and a young marriage. I remember sitting on a bluff near the ranch where we lived that August and recommitting myself to indigent defense. I remember each miracle that opened me up, excited me, and rejuvenated me. I ran home renewed and afraid. I left private practice, and I embraced the Adamned-in our system. I joined the public defender's Capital Trial Division.

The TLC gave me the power to find my way in the dark. Capital work is hard and unforgiving and it comes without a compass. Few seem to know the way, and those that do, did not follow the conventional road. The clients have compelling stories and the traumas that bring them to us test even the most hardened among us. Our work compels us to become experts in many fields, and tests our resolve. If we are to grow we must continue to find ways to challenge how we develop and prepare our cases. We must be prepared to examine ourselves.

A few years ago TLC expanded its program to include a Death Penalty College. I have had the privilege of participating in each of these workshops. I have attended many death penalty related training events and this one is unique.

At the Death Penalty College we look at our role in the system, it's effect on us, and how those issues affect our relationship with the jurors, our clients, the victims, our teams, and our adversaries. We spend time in action working on our cases, learning who our clients are, and how we can communicate their stories to those who will determine if they will live or die. Importantly, we look at who we are, and how our beliefs impact our clients and the ultimate justice they will receive from the community.

Join us for an invigorating and challenging look at our work as capital lawyers. I guarantee it will be worth every minute of your time!

Cyndy Short
TLC '94

Close