Providing Access to Justice by Ensuring Oversight and Quality Control in California’s Appointed Appellate Counsel System.
Announcements
Panel Attorney Recruitment Event – May 21, 2026 – Zoom
May 26, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Remote
Hosted by FDAP
Discover the advantages of appellate practice. The five Court of Appeal appellate projects are co-sponsoring a panel discussion featuring staff and panel attorneys who will speak to the unique rewards of court-appointed appeals work — including work-life balance, the pursuit of justice, and the lasting impact of shaping the law.
Which “Facility” is Your Client Housed in at the CDCR
The CDCR Inmate Locator now lists multiple housing facilities within certain prisons. To determine which specific facility your client is housed in, the most reliable approach is to call the CDCR Inmate Locator number (below) and provide the client’s CDCR number. They will give you the appropriate mailing address by P.O. Box. Each P.O. Box corresponds to a specific facility within the institution. However, CDCR does not disclose the facility letter or number directly, so that information must be inferred based on the assigned P.O. Box.
- CDCRs Identification Unit – (916) 445-6713, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST
Upcoming MCLE Opportunities
Writing to Win - May 20, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Zoom
- Panel Attorneys from FDAP, CAP-LA, CCAP, ADI, and SDAP are all welcome and encouraged to attend.
Presenters: ADI staff attorneys Deanna Lopas and Christine Johnson
This MCLE program will discuss how to use the essential components of introductions, headings, and conclusions to frame your issue, tell a cohesive story, and leave a lasting impression upon the court.
1.0 hour of MCLE general and appellate specialization credit will be offered.
Summer Internship Opportunities
CAP-LA is looking for rising 2L or 3L students with a strong interest in social justice, criminal defense, juvenile delinquency, or juvenile dependency law.
Up to four (4) summer interns in this 10-week, full-time internship will gain hands-on experience in appellate criminal defense and juvenile law. Working closely with staff attorneys, interns will review case records, draft legal memoranda, and contribute to active appellate cases, including writing an opening brief under supervision. The hybrid program includes in-person work at our downtown Los Angeles office and opportunities to observe both appellate and trial-level proceedings. This is an ideal opportunity for law students seeking practical experience in appellate work while deepening their understanding of the criminal justice and juvenile systems.
Applicants should have:
- Excellent legal research and writing skills,
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently,
- Ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid office environment, and
- Demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, and/or the rights of parents and children.
Attorneys Wanted
Join the Panel for Indigent Representation with Flexibility and Impact!
- Are you passionate about justice and ensuring fair legal representation for all?
- Are you a new attorney looking to start an appellate career with training opportunities and case assistance?
- Are you a seasoned attorney looking to shift gears and bring your expertise to a more flexible and fulfilling practice?
