A Message from the Dean

Dean’s Message 2026 by Bruce Edge

May, 2026 -- Dear NCDD Members,

The early years of my legal career were anything but easy. I took every case I could, accepted payment in any form (once even a car—only to discover it had no engine), and carried the weight of it all alone. Everything changed the day I walked into my first NCDD seminar.

I didn’t go to Vegas for the lights. I went because I needed answers—and I found them. I listened to legends like Lawrence Taylor, met peers like John Hunsucker (who still owes me lunch), and discovered a community that changed my entire career.

Through NCDD, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. I found not just training, but inspiration and friendships that reshaped my path. My practice was transformed when I became Board Certified—because this College showed me what was possible.

Today, I’m deeply honored and grateful to serve as your Dean.

Thank you for this opportunity to lead. It’s a privilege I take seriously.

I wish to report that the College is stronger than ever. Our membership continues to grow, and we offer:

• Four major seminars each year
• ABA-accredited Board Certification in DUI Defense
• Free webinars
• Science-based training in breath and blood
• SFST and ARIDE courses
• A growing national network built on support and excellence
• Amicus briefs filed in 15 states and 12 SCOTUS submissions

But we will not sit on our laurels.

We will continue to explore new areas and bring you programs filled with the information you need.

An example is the upcoming winter session. We’ll host a first-of-its-kind seminar in Austin, Texas, exploring:

• Cutting-edge police technology- (CAD, ALPR cameras, Stingray devices and much more)
• AI’s growing impact on policing, prosecution, trial practice, discovery and law office operations

This goes far beyond research and brief writing—AI is already in courtrooms. Check out this short clip of an AI-generated statement submitted in a real case:

• Watch Now

There are many opportunities for you within the college and as you avail yourself of them, you are also helping support the college. A few things for you to consider are

Attend seminars. Participate on the Listserv, volunteer, blog, journal, mentor, task force, encourage a colleague, sit for Board Certification. Whatever you choose, stay connected. We're just getting started.

With deep appreciation,

Bruce Edge

Dean, NCDD