Brief-Writing Lessons From the January 6 Committee Hearings
The first three public hearings of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol provide some helpful lessons for clarity and persuasion in presenting a complicated story.
By J. Bradley O’Connell
MorePanel Alerts
June 28, 2022
Panel Attorney Hourly Rate Increased, Effective July 1, 2022
We are very pleased to report that the final state budget for fiscal year 2022-23 includes an increase of $15/hour… more
June 23, 2022
Tools for Addressing Delayed Records on Appeal
In many Contra Costa County felony cases, records on appeal are delayed or late. This is also true for some cases… more
First District Panel Victories
June 29, 2022
A162198, A162415, A163649
Panel Attorney: Neale Gold Carol Koenig
In this appeal from the termination of parental rights, the Department conceded the Department and juvenile court failed to fulfill its duty to conduct an adequate inquiry under the ICWA. There was a reason to believe the children might be Indian which triggered the duty of further inquiry. The Court determined conditional reversal, not conditional affirmance, was appropriate.
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 lifePathways 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.