Print Page

Become Published

Share your voice. Shape the practice.

Whether you're a newer attorney with a fresh take, a public defender on the front lines, or a seasoned practitioner with deep experience, For The Defense wants to hear from you. We’re looking for original articles that offer practical insight, thoughtful analysis, or useful updates for criminal defense lawyers across Pennsylvania.

What We Publish:

Articles should be:

  • Original – not previously published elsewhere.

  • Timely and practical – grounded in real-world application for defenders.

  • Well-sourced – legal citations welcome to strengthen the content.

  • Insightful – tackling current issues, procedural updates, case law trends, or strategic tools that impact criminal defense practice.

Ideal topics include:

  • Case law developments

  • Trial and pretrial strategies

  • Ethics, technology, or evidentiary challenges

  • Client advocacy and public defense insights

Author FAQs 

1. Who owns the copyright to my article?
Answer: You retain full copyright to your manuscript. PACDL receives an exclusive license to publish and distribute it, but you still own the work and can use it in your own publications, presentations, and teaching.

2. Can I post my article on my website?
Answer: Yes, after publication, you may post the PACDL PDF of your manuscript on your website as long as you include a link to the article in For The Defense.

3. Will PACDL edit my article?
Answer: PACDL may make editorial or stylistic changes for clarity and consistency. You will receive the revised article before publication and have 24 hours to review. Once published, the article is final. Corrections are handled through errata if necessary.

4. Can I use AI to write my article?
Answer: No. The manuscript must be solely authored by you. AI or automated content-generation tools may not be used to create, rewrite, or enhance any portion of your article. Any external assistance for editing or proofreading must be disclosed.

5. What warranties am I making by submitting my article?
Answer: You are confirming that your manuscript is original, factual, and does not violate copyright, trademark, privacy, or libel laws. You also confirm that PACDL has the right to publish any materials included in the manuscript.

How to Start:

Before you begin writing, send a quick email to pacdl@pacdl.org with your topic idea. We’ll let you know if it’s a good fit and offer any guidance to get started. An author who makes a pre-submission inquiry can anticipate a response normally within one week. A response may take longer if consultation between members of the Editorial Board is required. If you are invited to submit your manuscript, we will do our best to provide an expeditious initial assessment of the complete manuscript for suitability. 

We aim to keep the editorial process constructive and respectful—your ideas matter, and we’re here to help refine them.

Let your experience inform your colleagues. Be a voice in Pennsylvania’s criminal defense community.