Join nationally renowned prosecutor Linda Dunikoski for an in-depth exploration of the ethical challenges and lessons from one of the most pivotal cases in recent history—the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. With over 23 years of courtroom experience, Dunikoski currently serves as Deputy Chief of Appeals for the Augusta Judicial Circuit, where she leads appellate litigation and trains prosecutors across Georgia. She is perhaps best known for her role as lead prosecutor in the Arbery case, which was reassigned to her office amid widespread concerns about conflicts of interest and law enforcement and prosecutorial misconduct.

The case, which saw multiple district attorneys recused, unchecked discretion by law enforcement first responders, and a delayed arrest of the suspects—despite clear evidence—raised urgent questions about ethics, accountability, and justice. Dunikoski will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how these challenges occurred, the outcome of ethical misconduct claims, the broader implications for prosecutorial ethics, and what this landmark case means for the future of fair and impartial justice.

This webinar qualifies for 2 hours of Ethics CLE credit in California and is essential for any prosecutor or criminal justice professional committed to integrity and accountability.

Speaker

Linda Dunikoski, Deputy Chief of Appeals, Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office

Linda Dunikoski is a veteran prosecutor with over 23 years of courtroom experience, known for her mastery of complex litigation and a strong commitment to justice. Currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Appeals for the Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, she leads the appellate section, overseeing all appeals to the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court. A respected legal educator, she trains prosecutors across Georgia and the nation, with presentations spanning topics from closing arguments to strategic case analysis.

Prior to her current role, Linda served for over five years as Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Appellate Section of the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office, where she led high-level appellate litigation and supported trial attorneys with challenging legal issues. Linda ultimately became the lead prosecutor in the Ahmaud Arbery case after the case was reassigned to her office to ensure an impartial prosecution.

Linda built a significant portion of her career at the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, where she held several leadership positions over 17 years. As Executive Assistant District Attorney, she mentored junior prosecutors, managed a demanding homicide caseload, and worked on high-profile cases. As Deputy District Attorney, she spearheaded the office’s training program and played a central role in the successful RICO prosecution of the Atlanta Public Schools CRCT cheating scandal—the longest criminal trial in Georgia history. Known for her courtroom acumen, she was recognized as “Attorney of the Year” in 2013 after a series of successful homicide prosecutions.

Linda’s earlier experience includes serving as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County’s Major Case Division and Crimes Against Women and Children Unit. Over her tenure, she tried or prepared for trial dozens of complex felony cases, including homicides, gaining deep expertise in forensic evidence, discovery rules, and courtroom procedure.

Before entering the legal field, Linda spent nearly 14 years in the trade show and event marketing industry, rising to the position of Sales Director where she managed large accounts and led sales teams in delivering high-end marketing exhibits to corporate clients.

Linda holds a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Indiana University Bloomington. She remains a sought-after speaker for legal education conferences, including recent presentations for Georgia Superior Court Judges and the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia.

In June of 2022, Linda received the Daily Report’s Georgia Legal Awards “Attorney of the Year.” In July of 2023, she received the Assistant District Attorney of the Year award from the Georgia District Attorneys Association.

With a career marked by leadership, tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to public service, Linda Dunikoski continues to shape the legal landscape both inside and outside the courtroom.