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Attorney Appointment Overview

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Panel Attorney Appointment Application Instructions

The purpose of the Panel Attorney Program is to comply with section 2256 of title 15 of the California Code of Regulations, which requires the Board of Parole Hearings (Board) to provide incarcerated persons with attorney representation at state expense if they cannot afford to retain a private attorney for a hearing before the Board.

Attorneys can be expected to be assigned 7 to 13 clients who will be scheduled for a parole hearing during one-week period every month for an estimated but not guaranteed compensation range of $79,380 – $147,420 per year. Travel expenses, per diem, and other costs are not reimbursed.

This is not to be considered full-time work. Work under this program is not guaranteed. The Board will assign cases as operational needs dictate.

Desired Qualifications

  • Active membership in the California State Bar with good standing.
  • Close proximity to surrounding prison facilities and willingness to travel to prison facilities.
  • Knowledge of Penal Code section 3040 et seq. and general knowledge of the Board’s parole suitability hearing processes.
  • Knowledge of criminal law and Divisions 2 and 3 of Title 15 of the California Code of Regulations.
  • Experience working with incarcerated persons and knowledge of the California correctional system.
  • Experience representing clients in administrative or judicial proceedings.
  • Applicants must be able to pass a background check for admission into a state prison; applicants with prior felony convictions may not pass a background check.

How to Apply

Submit the following documents:

  1. Resume
  2. A statement of qualifications using one inch margins, 12-point font, single spaced, and no more than two pages in length.
  3. A minimum of four references, including name, title, address, telephone number and/or email address.
  4. A completed Panel-Attorney Information and Certification Form (see page 10, of the Panel Attorney Program Guide for the Suitability Hearing Process (revised 8-8-23)
  5. Applications for panel attorney assignments will be accepted until positions are filled.

Documents should be submitted electronically via email to: BPH-AttorneyScheduling@cdcr.ca.gov

Applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the desired qualifications.

Only applicants deemed most qualified will be contacted for an interview as needed.

Please direct requests for reasonable accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled.

Questions about the Panel Attorney Appointment Program may be directed via email to: BPH-AttorneyScheduling@cdcr.ca.gov.