CJA Panel Attorneys: A Critical Line of Defense

Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorneys are highly qualified, private attorneys who are appointed by the federal court to represent indigent defendants in criminal cases. These lawyers play a critical role in protecting a defendant’s constitutional rights, including their right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment.

“I joined the CJA panel because I wanted to be a part of making a difference, making a difference in the lives of people who oftentimes have been underrepresented,” said Doneaka Brooks, a CJA panel attorney in Indianapolis.

Nationwide, more than 10,000 panel attorneys accept CJA assignments annually. Most panel attorneys are solo practitioners or work in small to medium sized law firms, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO).

Panel attorneys are paid at the statutory maximum hourly rate for their time, and use court funds to hire investigators, interpreters, and other necessary experts to prepare a defense. Panel attorneys also have access to AO’s Defender Services Office training and legal resources to ensure they can provide high-quality representation to CJA clients. Federal defender organizations also provide training and support for their local panel attorneys.

“We don't have a Constitution or a country that provides rights to people without the work that we do,” said Anthony Solis, a CJA panel attorney in Calabasas, California. “If we can't protect people from the government, basically, we don't have a free society.”

To learn how to apply to the CJA panel in your district, speak to a CJA panel attorney or visit the website of the local federal district court or federal defender organization. For additional CJA attorney resources, visit: https://www.fd.org/

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