A non-profit law firm providing quality legal representation and supporting the appellate defense community in the fight for justice.

Featured Resources

Appellate Practice Manual

ADI’s treatise on appellate procedure for appointed attorneys. 

Forms & Samples

Commonly used forms tailored to Fourth District practice.

Fourth District Practice

A summary of Fourth Appellate District practices, policies, and procedures.

Fourth District Filing & Service

Summary of filing requirements for briefs and other documents in non-capital criminal and juvenile cases in California Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

Statewide Claims Manual

California’s line by line instructions for filing compensation claims.

Claims Portal

ADI’s claims portal for appointed counsel to submit, review and check the status of claims.

ADI strives to provide quality resources to facilitate excellent indigent representation in California appeals.

Access to MCLE materials and confidential legal resources is contingent on an active membership with one of the project panels.

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How to Become a Panel Attorney

ADI regularly accepts applications for both our criminal and dependency panels. We value quality applicants who have a demonstrated dedication to indigent defense work, strong writing skills, and a willingness to be a zealous advocate for clients.

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News

  • Court and ADI Holiday Closures
  • Division Two Transfers to the First Appellate District
  • Audit Surveys
  • MCLE Opportunities

Events

Upholding Civility in Appellate Advocacy: Professionalism and Respect in the Practice of Law

February 19th from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. | Remote

In this virtual program, ADI Staff Attorney Donna Chirco will discuss the definition of civility, its impact on our practice and advocacy, and more.

1.0 Civility in the Legal Profession MCLE credit is offered for this training.

About ADI

Appellate Defenders, Inc., is a non-profit law firm administering the appointed counsel system for the California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District.

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