Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorneys are private attorneys appointed by the court to represent indigent defendants the Federal Defender’s Office cannot. This is usually due to a conflict. Panel attorneys are experienced in criminal defense and knowledgeable of the rules, procedures, and policies that are specific to the practice of federal criminal law. They have demonstrated a commitment to indigent defense and to remaining current on developments in federal criminal defense law.
If you are a client who has had a panel attorney appointed to represent you and you are seeking contact information for your lawyer, you may search their name in our directory here.
Experienced attorneys interested in joining the CJA Panel should first review the requirements set forth on the cover page of the Application. Attorneys who meet the requirements for panel membership may submit their Application and accompanying documents to our office. The CJA Panel Selection Committee meets twice each year to consider applications.
Interested attorneys who do not have the requisite qualifications may seek to become a member of our training panel. The training panel aims to attract qualified but less experienced attorneys to indigent criminal defense, ensuring high-quality representation in the years to come. We work closely with these attorneys, providing regular education and training opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and supervision. Attorneys who are interested in joining the training panel may submit their application and accompanying documents to our office.
Existing panel attorneys may access training materials and other useful information in our CJA Portal: