Panel Insights Dashboard
Compare pay rates, resources, and OSPD standards compliance across California's conflict panel systems.
Pay Rate Comparison
Hourly rates across all California conflict panels. Click column headers to sort. Highest rates per column are highlighted in green.
| Panel | Misdemeanor | Felony | Serious Felony | Homicide | Capital/Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CAAP Alameda | $72/hr | $85/hr | $100/hr | $120/hr | $140/hr |
CAP-LA Statewide (Southern California focus) | — | — | — | — | $140/hr |
CCP Contra Costa | $89/hr | $100/hr | $125/hr | $150/hr | $166/hr |
CJA Federal — Northern District | — | — | — | — | $177/hr |
ICDA Los Angeles | $75/hr | $100/hr | $120/hr | $140/hr | — |
IDA San Francisco | $90/hr | $100/hr | $120/hr | $140/hr | — |
OAC San Diego | $80/hr | $95/hr | $110/hr | $130/hr | — |
OC Alt Defense Orange | $80/hr | $95/hr | $115/hr | $135/hr | — |
Sacramento Panel Sacramento | $75/hr | $90/hr | $110/hr | $130/hr | — |
SDAP Statewide (Northern/Central California focus) | — | — | — | — | $140/hr |
Resources Comparison Matrix
Support services available at each panel. A full defense team is essential for effective representation.
| Panel | Investigator | Social Worker | Expert Witness | Interpreter | Paralegal | Mentorship | CLE Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAAP | — | ||||||
| ICDA | — | — | — | ||||
| IDA | — | — | |||||
| CCP | — | ||||||
| OAC | — | — | |||||
| CJA | — | ||||||
| CAP-LA | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| SDAP | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Sacramento Panel | — | — | — | — | |||
| OC Alt Defense | — | — | — | — | |||
| Total | 8/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 |
OSPD Standards Compliance
The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) Feb 2025 Standards set requirements for indigent defense contracts in California.
Contract Standards
Eliminate flat-fee contracts for indigent defense services
Required by OSPDFlat-fee contracts create a financial incentive to minimize work per case, undermining the right to effective counsel
Set hourly compensation at or above county public defender pay rates
Required by OSPDPay parity ensures contracted attorneys are not financially disadvantaged compared to institutional defenders
Establish independent oversight of assigned counsel panel administration
Required by OSPDIndependence from the judiciary and prosecution prevents conflicts of interest in case assignment and attorney evaluation
Fund adequate support staff as part of the defense contract
Required by OSPDAttorneys cannot provide effective representation without investigators, paralegals, and social workers
Include CLE training requirements and funding in defense contracts
Best PracticeOngoing training in criminal defense practice areas ensures attorneys remain competent and current
Implement performance evaluation mechanisms with measurable criteria
Required by OSPDRegular evaluation using KPI benchmarks identifies underperformance and ensures accountability
Create a formal client complaint resolution process
RecommendedClients must have a clear path to report concerns about their representation without fear of retaliation
Mandate data reporting and transparency in all defense contracts
Required by OSPDData collection on caseloads, outcomes, and expenditures enables oversight, benchmarking, and continuous improvement
OSPD Staffing Ratios
investigator
1 investigator per 3 attorneys; essential for felony and serious misdemeanor cases
paralegal
1 paralegal per 4 attorneys; handles discovery, filings, and case management
social worker
1 social worker per 3 attorneys; provides client support, mitigation, and reentry planning
mitigation specialist
1 mitigation specialist per 5 attorneys; capital and life-without-parole cases
OSPD Requires Elimination of Flat-Fee Contracts
Flat-fee contracts create a financial incentive to minimize work per case, undermining the right to effective counsel. All panels tracked in this directory currently use hourly rates.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Performance benchmarks that OSPD recommends tracking for all indigent defense providers in California.
Active Cases Per Attorney
WorkloadTotal active cases per attorney per year, measured against NAC caseload limits by case type
Benchmark Target
< 150 felonies or equivalent weighted caseload per attorney per year
Average Hours Per Case
WorkloadAverage attorney hours invested per case, broken down by case type and complexity level
Substantive Motions Filed Rate
QualityPercentage of cases where at least one substantive pretrial motion is filed
Benchmark Target
> 40% of felony cases
Trial Rate
QualityPercentage of cases resolved at trial rather than plea agreement
Benchmark Target
3-7% of total caseload
Initial Client Contact Rate
Client ServicePercentage of clients contacted by their assigned attorney within 48 hours of appointment
Benchmark Target
> 90% within 48 hours
Case Disposition Breakdown
OutcomeDistribution of case outcomes: dismissal, plea agreement, trial verdict, and diversion program enrollment
Sentencing Outcome Comparison
OutcomeSentencing outcomes for indigent defense clients compared to county and statewide averages
Interpreter Usage Rate
Client ServiceRate at which interpreter services are utilized for non-English speaking clients across all case proceedings
Investigator Involvement Rate
QualityPercentage of felony cases where a defense investigator is actively involved in case preparation
Benchmark Target
> 60% of felony cases
Continuing Legal Education Hours
QualityAverage CLE hours completed per attorney per year, including criminal defense-specific training
Benchmark Target
> 15 hours per attorney per year
Average Cost Per Case
FiscalAverage total cost per case by case type, including attorney compensation, support staff, and overhead
Attorney Retention Rate
FiscalAnnual attorney retention rate; high turnover signals unsustainable workload or inadequate compensation
Benchmark Target
> 85% annual retention
Deep Dive: Alameda CAAP
A detailed look at Alameda County's Conflict Attorney Appointment Program — one of California's most established conflict panels.
Ready to Join a Panel?
Explore conflict panel opportunities, prepare your application, and take the next step in your criminal defense career.
Data compiled from county conflict panel reports, OSPD Feb 2025 guidelines, NLADA/ABA standards, and public records. Updated February 2026.
Insights are analytically generated and do not constitute legal, financial, or employment advice.