FIRST DISTRICT APPELLATE PROJECT

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

FDAP’s Annual Seminar: In-Person on April 14, 2023!

Join us on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Preservation Park in Oakland for FDAP’s annual training seminar. See your colleagues in person, hear from great speakers, earn some MCLE credit, and reconnect with the appellate defense community. Register here.

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Panel Alerts

March 21, 2023

FDAP’s Annual Seminar: In-Person on April 14, 2023!

Join us on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Preservation Park for FDAP’s annual training seminar. See your colleagues in person,… more

March 13, 2023

FDAP Is Hiring – Staff Attorney Vacancy

Who Wants to Be an Appellate Project Staff Attorney?   The First District Appellate Project (FDAP) is hiring a full-time staff… more

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First District Panel Victories

March 21, 2023

A166035

Panel Attorney: Cristina Gabrielidis

The juvenile court’s order terminating parental rights is conditionally reversed for ICWA compliance because the Agency failed to conduct an adequate inquiry under ICWA. This was prejudicial error because the record indicated there was readily obtainable information likely to bear meaningfully upon whether the child was an Indian child.

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Mat Zwerling – in memoriam

Matthew (Mat) Zwerling, co-founder of the First District Appellate Project (FDAP) and Executive Director for many years, passed away on March 24, 2022, after a long illness. We are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, and take this time to reflect on Mat’s life and the difference he made in the lives of so many. Mat was a mensch, a mentor, an activist, and a man of many and varied interests and talents.

Please visit our remembrance page and join us in celebrating Mat's life

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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