Providing Access to Justice by Ensuring Oversight and Quality Control in California’s Appointed Appellate Counsel System.
Announcements
Panel Hourly Rate Increase of $25/Hour – 7/1/2026
The Governor has officially signed the Budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 and it includes the $25/hour increase for panel attorneys. This rate increase is effective for case appointments on or after July 1, 2026 and brings the rates for assisted cases to $145, for independent cases to $155 and for upper tier cases to $165. This is the largest single increase for the panel.
Line 22 (Administrative Tasks) Guideline Change
We are pleased to announce that AIDOAC has approved an increase to the administrative time guideline (Line 22). The new guideline will be 3.0 hours, and it will apply to cases appointed on or after July 1, 2026.
It will operate like any other guideline. It is neither a floor nor a ceiling. An attorney claiming more than 3.0 hours must provide an explanation. As with the other guidelines, even when the claimed amount is at or below the 3.0 guideline, we may inquire as to the tasks involved when the amount claimed seems high for the circumstances of the case. Those circumstances would include but are not limited to such things as how many filings there were, how long the case was pending, the complexity of the compensation claim, whether it was necessary to send the record to the client, etc.
Upcoming MCLE Opportunities
OSPD - New Defense Tool: RJA Disparity Screener - Webinar Oct. 8, 2026
Presented by: BROOKE McCARTHY, Racial Justice Act Attorney, Office of the State Public Defender, and ZOFIA STANLEY, Director of Rsearch, Office of the State Public Defender
Time: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Join us to learn about OSPD’s RJA Disparity Screener! Developed in collaboration with QSIDE, the screener allows any individual to anonymously input a conviction and sentence to determine if publicly available CDCR data may support a disparity argument under the Racial Justice Act (RJA). The screener generates a plain language report intended to provide data that can assist defenders in assessing validity of claims, prioritizing cases, and supporting discovery requests. This webinar will provide an in-depth explanation of the underlying data set while walking you through how to use the screener in your everyday practice. Please join us to learn about this useful addition to the RJA litigation space!
***1 hour of MCLE and Legal Specialization Credit is offered for this training***
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.
Interns 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. 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?
