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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 12, of the Panel Attorney Program Guide for the Suitability Hearing Process (revised 8-22-24)
  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.

Concerns with Panel Attorney Representation

An attorney is appointed for every person scheduled for a parole hearing, in order to offer advice and to ensure your rights are protected.  Attorneys on the hearing panel receive specialized training on representing individuals at parole hearings. They are generally experienced attorneys who are advising you based on the law and their experience. There may be instances where you might feel your attorney is not adequately fulfilling their responsibilities, and the Board may be able to help you.  The Board can help in instances where an attorney has failed to meet with a client, an attorney is not prepared for meetings, or an attorney has failed to communicate with a client. The Board will not be able to assist you if you disagree with recommendations from your attorney, or you have a personality conflict with your attorney.

If an incarcerated person has a concern or complaint regarding a panel attorney assigned to represent them at an upcoming parole proceeding, they should first reach out to their assigned attorney to resolve the issue.  If the issue is not resolved, they may bring the concern or complaint to the Board’s attention by writing a letter to the Board or having a family member or friend write a letter to or email the Board with the concern or complaint. Please do not disclose any privileged or confidential information discussed with your attorney and please do not attach any letters to or from your attorney.  A letter raising a concern or complaint regarding a panel attorney should be addressed to the Board’s mailing address:

Board of Parole Hearings

Post Office Box 4036

Sacramento, CA 95812-4036

An email raising a concern or complaint regarding a panel attorney should be sent to the Board’s correspondence unit: BPH.CorrespondenceUnit@cdcr.ca.gov.            

Upon receipt, the letter or email will be routed to appropriate staff for response.  Please note that the Board will work to resolve the complaint, but may not assign a new attorney.