How to Get on a Conflict Panel in California: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about California conflict panels: qualifications, the application process, pay rates, and how to build a career in court-appointed defense work.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Conflict panels exist in every California county — they ensure counsel when the PD’s office has a conflict of interest
- ✓Many panels accept newly barred attorneys, especially for misdemeanor cases
- ✓Rates range from $72–$226/hr depending on case class and jurisdiction
- ✓Support resources (investigators, social workers, experts) are available through most panels
- ✓The application process varies by county — we walk through Alameda CAAP as a worked example
What Is a Conflict Panel and Why Do They Exist?
The Sixth Amendment guarantees every person accused of a crime the right to effective assistance of counsel. In California, that duty falls primarily on county public defender offices. But what happens when the PD’s office can’t represent a defendant?
Conflicts of interest arise constantly. When two co-defendants are charged in the same case, one attorney’s office cannot represent both — the interests may diverge. When a current defendant is a former client of the PD’s office, or when a witness is a current client, the office must recuse itself. These conflicts create a structural need for outside counsel.
California’s Multi-Layer Defense Model
Primary Public Defender
County PD office handles the case
Alternate Public Defender
Separate office handles conflicts (not all counties have one)
Conflict Panel / Nonprofit Defender
Private attorneys on an approved panel are assigned the case
Private Assigned Counsel
Individual attorney appointed directly by the court
When the first layer has a conflict, the case cascades to the next available layer. Conflict panels (Layer 3) handle the bulk of conflicted-out cases in most counties.
Estimated share of felony cases requiring conflict counsel in multi-defendant cases
Source: California Indigent Defense Commission data, 2025
Types of Conflict Defense Systems in California
Not all conflict defense looks the same. California uses a patchwork of models depending on county size, budget, and history. Understanding the landscape helps you target the right opportunities.
County Conflict Panels
- •Alameda CAAP, Sacramento, Riverside
- •Private attorneys on approved roster
- •Hourly pay, case-by-case assignment
Alternate PD Offices
- •LA ICDA, San Diego OAC
- •Salaried county employees
- •Full county benefits package
Nonprofit Defenders
- •Contra Costa CCP, SF IDA
- •County contract for representation
- •Training and mentorship programs
Federal CJA & Appellate Panels
- •CJA: $172/hr (2026)
- •CAP-LA, SDAP for appellate work
- •Requires significant experience
What Are the Qualifications?
Requirements vary by panel and case type, but here are the common qualifications you will encounter across most California conflict panels:
California Bar admission — active, in good standing (required by all panels)
Experience requirements vary widely: some panels accept newly barred attorneys for misdemeanor cases; felony panels often require 2–5+ years and jury trial experience
Malpractice insurance — usually required ($1M/$3M policy typically costs $3,000–$6,000/year for new attorneys)
CLE requirements — some panels (e.g., Contra Costa CCP) require ongoing criminal defense CLE beyond the State Bar minimum
Background check — standard for all panels; no criminal history that would create a conflict
References — typically 2–3 professional references from attorneys or judges familiar with your work
Just Passed the Bar? You Can Still Get Started
Several panels actively welcome newly barred attorneys. Alameda CAAP’s misdemeanor panel, SF IDA’s training program, and Federal CJA’s developmental panel all provide pathways for attorneys with limited trial experience. Many pair you with a mentor for your first cases. The key is starting on the misdemeanor panel, building your skills, and working your way up.
Step-by-Step Application: Alameda CAAP Walkthrough
To make this concrete, let’s walk through the actual application process for the Alameda County Assigned Counsel Program (CAAP), one of the largest and most established conflict panels in California. While every county is different, the Alameda process is representative of what you will encounter.
Check Eligibility
Confirm you hold an active California Bar license and have (or can obtain) professional malpractice insurance. For the misdemeanor panel, no prior criminal defense experience is required.
Submit Application Through ACBA
Applications are submitted through the Alameda County Bar Association. The form asks for your bar number, areas of practice, language skills, and a brief statement of interest.
Indicate Panel Preferences
Choose which panels you qualify for: misdemeanor, felony, homicide, or capital. You can apply to multiple panels and will be evaluated for each based on your experience level.
Background Check and References
CAAP conducts a State Bar discipline check and contacts your professional references. Any history of discipline or malpractice claims will be reviewed.
Acceptance: Orientation and Mentorship
If accepted, you attend an orientation session covering billing procedures, case management expectations, and courtroom protocols. New attorneys are paired with an experienced panel mentor for their first cases.
First Case Assignments Begin
Cases are assigned as conflicts arise. Misdemeanor panel attorneys typically receive their first assignment within 2–4 weeks of completing orientation.
Timeline: Alameda CAAP uses rolling admissions, reviewed quarterly. From application to first case assignment typically takes 6–12 weeks depending on the time of year and background check processing.
What to Expect: Rates, Caseload, and Resources
Conflict panel compensation varies significantly across counties and case types. Here is a representative snapshot of 2026 rates:
| Case Type | Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | $72–$125/hr | Entry point for most new panel attorneys |
| Felony | $100–$158/hr | Requires prior trial experience in most counties |
| Homicide / Life cases | $150–$200/hr | Significant trial experience required |
| Capital / Death penalty | $175–$226/hr | Most restrictive; extensive qualifications |
| Federal CJA | $172/hr | Flat rate set by Judicial Conference |
Hourly rate range for California conflict panel attorneys
Rates vary by case type, jurisdiction, and attorney experience level
Caseload and Autonomy
Unlike PD office attorneys who often carry 100+ open cases, conflict panel attorneys control their own volume. You accept or decline case assignments based on your capacity. A typical part-time panel attorney might carry 10–20 active cases; a full-time panel attorney might handle 30–50. This flexibility is one of the biggest draws of panel work.
Resources Available
Most panels provide access to defense resources that would be prohibitively expensive for a solo practitioner:
- •Investigators — to interview witnesses, locate evidence, and conduct background research
- •Social workers and mitigation specialists — for sentencing advocacy and client support services
- •Expert witnesses — DNA, forensic accounting, mental health evaluations, and more
- •Interpreters — for client communication and court proceedings
Billing and Payment
Panel attorneys bill hourly using voucher systems. You submit detailed time records to the administering body (county bar association, court administrator, or nonprofit). Vouchers are reviewed for reasonableness and approved by a judge or program administrator. Payment cycles vary: some counties pay within 30 days of approval; others take 60–90 days. Build this into your cash flow planning.
Two Pathways: New Attorneys vs. Experienced PDs
New Attorney Track
Experienced PD Track
Quick Reference: Which Panels Are Accepting Applications?
The following is a representative list of panels that accept applications on a rolling or periodic basis. Availability changes — check our full conflict panel directory for the most current information.
Alameda CAAP
Rolling admissions. Misdemeanor through capital panels. Mentorship program for new attorneys.
SF Indigent Defense Administration
Training-focused. Strong developmental track for newer attorneys. CLE support.
Contra Costa CCP
Nonprofit model. Requires ongoing CLE. Team-based approach with investigators and social workers.
Sacramento Conflict Panel
One of the state’s largest panels by volume. Accepts applications annually.
Federal CJA Panel (N.D. Cal / E.D. Cal)
Federal cases. Competitive application. Developmental track available for newer attorneys with strong credentials.
For the complete, searchable directory of all California conflict panels with current rates, application links, and contact information:
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you are newly barred and looking for your first panel appointment, or an experienced defender ready to transition to panel work, we can help you find the right opportunity. Browse the full conflict panel directory or launch your career profile to get matched with open positions.