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, the capacity to accept appointments regularly, 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 July 2026 Panel Bulletin
Read on for important information about hourly-rate increases and a compensation-claim guidelines change, and more … Hourly Rate Increase ($25/hour) ...
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 ...
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.
A174004
Father appealed from several orders, including those made at a combined jurisdiction/disposition hearing. The Court agreed that father’s due process challenges relating to notice were not forfeited on appeal even if they were not timely or adequately raised in the juvenile court. Father did not receive written notice of the hearing and the juvenile court’s “oral” notice was not explicit and clear. The Court found these defects violated his due process rights and the defects were consequential. The jurisdiction and disposition orders were reversed and remanded for further proceedings.