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Independent Defense Attorneys (IDA) Panel

San Francisco County · Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF)

Accepting ApplicationsConflict Panel
80+Attorneys
4,000+Annual Caseload
$90–$140/hrRate Range
N/ABudget

About

The IDA Panel is San Francisco's primary conflict defense system, administered by the Bar Association of San Francisco. The panel handles cases when the San Francisco Public Defender has a conflict. It offers competitive hourly rates and a developmental track that welcomes newer attorneys into criminal defense practice with structured mentorship.

Rate Schedule

Case TypeRate TypeAmount
misdemeanorPer Hour$90/hr
felonyPer Hour$100/hr
serious felonyPer Hour$120/hr
homicidePer Hour$140/hr
juvenilePer Hour$90/hr

Resources Available

Investigator

Panel-funded investigators for all case types

Social Worker

Social workers available for mitigation and client support

Expert Witness

Expert witness funding through BASF panel administration

Interpreter

Court-provided and panel-funded interpreters

CLE Training

Regular CLE trainings through BASF criminal law section

Requirements

  • Bar Admission: California
  • Minimum Experience: None for misdemeanor; 3+ years for felony
  • Case Experience: Felony: demonstrated trial experience
  • Malpractice InsuranceRequired
  • Background CheckRequired

Highlights

  • Managed by Bar Association of San Francisco
  • $90-$140/hr rate scale
  • Developmental track for new attorneys
  • Full support services available
  • Regular training and mentorship

Application Process

  • Method: Application through Bar Association of San Francisco
  • Timeline: Reviewed semi-annually

Quick Info

County
San Francisco
Admin Body
Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF)
Panel Type
Conflict Panel
Accepts New Attorneys
Yes
Developmental Program
Available

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