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
Preparing Your SDAP Compensation Claim: A Practical Guide for Panel Attorneys - Zoom November 18, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Join SDAP and Assistant Director Anna L. Stuart for a practical, nearly line-by-line guide to preparing compensation claims. We’ll cover what to include, where to claim particular tasks, and when a fuller explanation can help SDAP advocate for the fullest compensation available for your work. We’ll explain SDAP’s first and second reviews, including common reasons we may unsubmit a claim or request clarification before transmitting it to the Judicial Council of California (JCC). We’ll also provide an overview of subsequent JCC review and auditing.
Submit your questions through the Zoom registration form, and SDAP will aim to address them throughout the training.
Please note: This training is specific to SDAP’s claims process, but much of the content may also be useful for other project claims.
Panel and staff attorneys from all of the appellate projects are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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?
