Find Your Conflict Panel Opportunity
Whether you're a new attorney looking for your first criminal defense case or an experienced public defender transitioning to private practice, California's conflict panels offer meaningful opportunities with competitive rates and professional autonomy.
Why Conflict Panels?
Conflict panels offer a unique combination of professional autonomy, competitive rates, and the purpose of serving justice.
Professional Autonomy
Set your own schedule. Choose your cases. Be your own boss while serving justice.
Competitive Rates
$72-$177/hour. Panel rates are growing as counties expand capacity under OSPD standards.
Skill Development
Handle diverse cases across misdemeanor, felony, and specialty courts. Build trial experience fast.
Career Flexibility
Transition from PD to private practice. Panels are the bridge — keep serving while building your own client base.
Growing Demand
California is actively expanding panel capacity. 58 counties need qualified conflict counsel.
PSLF & Benefits
Many panel positions qualify for student loan forgiveness. Check each panel's specific benefits.
Explore Panels by Audience
Select your profile to see panel opportunities filtered and relevant to your experience level.
Showing 8 of 10 panels
Conflict Attorney Appointment Program (CAAP)
$72-$140/hr
160+
Available Resources
Highlights
- Open to newly barred attorneys (misdemeanor panel)
- $72-$140/hr by case class
- Full support: investigators, social workers, experts
- 35+ years serving Alameda County
Indigent Criminal Defense Appointments (ICDA)
$75-$140/hr
300+
Available Resources
Highlights
- Largest conflict panel system in California
- $75-$140/hr by case severity
- 25,000+ cases annually
- Multiple courthouse assignments available
Independent Defense Attorneys (IDA) Panel
$90-$140/hr
80+
Available Resources
Highlights
- Managed by Bar Association of San Francisco
- $90-$140/hr rate scale
- Developmental track for new attorneys
- Full support services available
Conflict Criminal Panel (CCP)
$89-$166/hr
85
Available Resources
Highlights
- $89-$166/hr competitive rates
- 85 panel attorneys
- Mandatory CLE keeps panel expertise high
- Full mentorship program
Criminal Justice Act Panel (N.D. Cal)
$177-$226/hr
120+
Available Resources
Highlights
- $177/hr non-capital, $226/hr capital
- Developmental panel for newer attorneys
- Federal CJA voucher system for all support
- Structured mentorship program
California Appellate Project — Los Angeles
$120-$140/hr
200+
Available Resources
Highlights
- $120-$140/hr appellate rates
- Structured brief review and mentorship
- Regular CLE training in appellate advocacy
- Remote-friendly — work from anywhere in CA
Sixth District Appellate Program
$120-$140/hr
150+
Available Resources
Highlights
- $120-$140/hr appellate rates
- Mentorship program for new appellate attorneys
- Northern and Central California focus
- Remote-friendly work arrangement
Sacramento County Conflict Criminal Defense Panel
$75-$130/hr
90+
Available Resources
Highlights
- $75-$130/hr by case class
- 90+ panel attorneys
- Growing panel — high demand
- State capital location
Looking for public defender offices? Browse the full Defense Provider Directory
Ready to Start Your Criminal Defense Career?
Use our career launcher tools to find the right panel opportunity, prepare your application, and connect with mentors in the field.