FIRST DISTRICT APPELLATE PROJECT
Panel Attorney Hourly Rates Likely to Increase by $25/Hour on July 1, 2026
The Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 includes a $25/hour raise for attorneys accepting court-appointed appeals in California. If adopted, it would raise rates to $145, $155, and $165/hour. Given that the increase was included in the Governor’s May Revise budget and given the warm reception the increase received in the Legislature, we are quite optimistic that when the budget is finalized this month (June), the increase will be included.
As with past increases, the raise will apply only to cases appointed on or after July 1.
Join us on October 10 to meet with colleagues in person, hear from some great speakers, and connect with the appellate indigent representation community. Additional details provided in the seminar brochure. Refreshments and lunch provided.
This year’s seminar will have criminal and dependency break out sessions and joint sessions, including a conversation with Justice Monique Langhorne Wilson and Justice Charles A. Smiley. Visit our events page for details and to register.
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.
FDAP June 2026 Panel Bulletin
Read on for important information about hourly rate increases, case offers, year end compensation claims, trainings, and panel victories. Panel ...
FDAP May 2026 Panel Bulletin
Read on for important information about sending legal mail to county jails, a new practice guide on communicating with clients ...
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.
A175108
Mother appealed from the juvenile court’s jurisdictional finding under WIC 300(c) [substantial risk of serous emotional harm]. The Court of Appeal agreed that the finding pertaining to mother’s conduct was not supported by substantial evidence. The appellate court exercised its discretion to review mother’s appeal because the validity of the jurisdictional finding could affect the juvenile court’s subsequent orders as well as further family court proceedings.