FIRST DISTRICT APPELLATE PROJECT

Fighting for justice in criminal, juvenile, and civil commitment appeals.

Want to build an appellate practice? Join us on October 17 for a one-hour online panel discussion about how to develop a court-appointed appellate practice in which you can help shape the law, advocate for indigent clients, and enjoy greater work-life balance.

You don’t have to be a partner in Big Law to be an appellate rockstar. With an appellate indigent-representation practice, you can set your own hours, fight for justice, and have the prestige of an appellate practice. Join FDAP’s panel of contracted attorneys accepting appointments to represent indigent parties in the California Court of Appeal and the California Supreme Court.

Applicants should have exceptional writing and analytic skills, as well as a commitment to indigent appellate representation. While expertise in a relevant practice area (e.g. criminal law or dependency law) is an asset, it is neither sufficient, nor a prerequisite. For more information, visit our panel application information page or contact FDAP directly

September 2024 Panel Bulletin

Read on for important information about FDAP staff attorney hiring, recent California Supreme Court decisions, several upcoming training opportunities, and ...

August 2024 Panel Bulletin

Read on for important information about FDAP personnel updates, FDAP’s new legislation tracking page, oral argument procedures, CAP-LA’s August 2024 ...

March 12, 2024

A167362

Panel Attorney: Rob McLaughlin

In an appeal from the 18-month review hearing, the Court agrees that the reasonable services finding is not supported by substantial evidence. Father was improperly denied any form of visitation or contact wtih the children after the spring of 2021. The juvenile court’s delegation to the Agency of whether visitation between father and the children would occur was improper.

Interested in becoming an appellate attorney? Visit our Pathways to an Appellate Practice section for details on

  • becoming a panel attorney;
  • FDAP’s Associate Staff Attorney Program; and
  • law student opportunities.