Kansas Holistic Defenders

Kansas Holistic Defenders Our Mission:

To defend Kansans effectively, zealously, and respectfully.

We use an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to champion our clients’ individual goals and address the root causes of their involvement in the legal system.

As summer winds down, we want to give a huge thank-you to our incredible interns — Emeri, Jess, Luis, and Megan — whose ...
08/07/2026

As summer winds down, we want to give a huge thank-you to our incredible interns — Emeri, Jess, Luis, and Megan — whose last day with us is today!

This summer, they dove headfirst into the work of holistic defense, bringing energy, curiosity, and genuine care to everything they took on. From client-facing work to research to the countless small tasks that keep a public defender's office running, they made a real difference for the people we serve and for our team.

We're so grateful for their time with Kansas Holistic Defenders, and we can't wait to see the incredible advocates they become.

06/25/2026

We're raising money to get the best training possible for our attorneys and you can contribute here: https://givebutter.com/send-anshul-to-the-national-criminal-defense-college-xgnjfk

Public defenders carry a lot for our people. The sleepless nights before a jury trial. The clients whose lives hang on a cross-examination we didn’t see coming. The feeling that no matter how hard we work, we could always be sharper on our feet.

That’s why we're asking you to invest in something: a spot for Anshul Banga at the Deryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute of the National Criminal Defense College.

For over 35 years, NCDC’s original two‑week trial skills program has transformed over 9,000 public defenders and criminal defense attorneys. It’s not a lecture hall. It’s a boot camp for the soul of our work.

What Anshul will get:

128 participants, broken into 16 small groups by experience level – so feedback is personal, not generic.

A three‑step method that actually works: creative lectures, on‑your‑feet exercises, and real demonstrations.

Faculty who are nationally renowned trial lawyers and coaches – not academics.

Professional actors playing clients and witnesses – so you learn to handle the unpredictable.

I can teach Anshul important trial skills, but I can't teach him what NCDC can, and that is how to find his own voice and style as a trial attorney. As one alum said: “I learned more here than I thought possible.” Another called it a family of dedicated people to turn to for help in the field.

The ask:
We’re raising $3,000 to cover tuition and a significant portion of Anshul’s tuition, lodging and food.

Anshul fights every day for clients who can’t afford anything less than zealous, client‑centered, trial‑ready counsel. This training doesn’t just sharpen skills – it builds community. And in our line of work, that community is a lifeline.

Please give what you can. No amount is too small. And if you’ve been through NCDC yourself, you already know: this is the gift that keeps landing punches in court.

Join KHD this Friday, May 15th, for an evening of insightful conversation at the Cider Gallery. We are honored to host a...
05/12/2026

Join KHD this Friday, May 15th, for an evening of insightful conversation at the Cider Gallery. We are honored to host author and public defense thought leader Emily Galvin-Almanza for a deep dive into the data behind justice reform.
We’ll be discussing how strategic investments in community services can promote public safety more effectively than a reliance on mass incarceration.

When: Friday, May 15 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Cider Gallery
RSVP: This event is free and open to the public. Secure your spot at KHD.link/mercy

Bad news and good news.The bad news is Emily had to cancel her trip to Kansas, due to COVID exposure in her family. The ...
04/20/2026

Bad news and good news.

The bad news is Emily had to cancel her trip to Kansas, due to COVID exposure in her family. The good news is that she’s agreed to come to Kansas just for this event on May 15, same time, same place!

Join KHD for a discussion with author and public defense thought leader Emily Galvin Almanza about what data and experie...
04/03/2026

Join KHD for a discussion with author and public defense thought leader Emily Galvin Almanza about what data and experience tell us about the ways that investments in services can promote public safety better than reliance on mass incarceration. The discussion is open to all - RSVP at KHD.link/mercy

"I find it hard to tell someone that represents themselves how they could defend themselves against an attorney on the o...
03/26/2026

"I find it hard to tell someone that represents themselves how they could defend themselves against an attorney on the other side — where I can often get the case dismissed before even going to court."
— Heddy Pierce-Armstrong, KHD

Yesterday, Douglas County commissioners voted to give tenants a fighting chance. The new Tenant Eviction Defense pilot program will connect renters facing eviction with legal representation — and KHD is proud to be part of it.

None of this happens without the tireless advocacy of Lawrence Tenants and everyone who showed up, spoke out, and kept pushing. This is what community organizing looks like.

Following months of tense discourse about tenant right to counsel, Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday voted 3-2 for a pilot program that will grant some tenants facing eviction access to legal representation.

Address

2518 Ridge Court #200
Lawrence, KS
66046

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30am
Tuesday 9am - 4:30am
Wednesday 9am - 4:30am
Thursday 9am - 4:30am
Friday 9am - 4:30am

Telephone

+17852849835

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