FIRST DISTRICT APPELLATE PROJECT

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

FDAP Is Hiring

The First District Appellate Project (FDAP) is hiring two full-time staff attorneys. We are looking for attorneys experienced with handling cases in the California Courts of Appeal. Join us in the rewarding work of representing indigent parties in the California Courts of Appeal in criminal, delinquency, child dependency, and civil commitment appeals.

At FDAP, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace, our legal work, California’s justice system, and the legal profession.

Visit the FDAP jobs page for more information.

Panel News

November 29, 2023

Reminder: Upcoming RJA and New Legislation Trainings

Register now for two upcoming trainings: The RJA on Appeal Part II: Implicit Bias and Language-Based Claims on Thursday, November 30th and New… more

November 3, 2023

Who Wants to Be an Appellate Project Staff Attorney?

The First District Appellate Project (FDAP) is hiring two full-time staff attorneys. We are looking for attorneys experienced with handling cases in… more

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Panel Victories

November 3, 2023

A167385

Panel Attorney: Mara Bernstein

In an appeal from disposition, the Court of Appeal finds there was insufficient evidence to support the court’s findings that the Department exercised due diligence to identify, locate, and contact minors’ relatives. The Court rejects the Department’s three arguments that mother had forfeited the challenge, that the findings were supported by substantial evidence, and that any error in making the findings was harmless.

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Pathways to an Appellate Practice

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.
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