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.
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.
News
- Court & ADI Holidays
- Notable Legislative Action
- Statewide Policy for Project Office Approval for Expert/Investigator & Translator Expenses
- Capital Appointments Available
- MCLE Opportunities
Events
New Legislation Webinar 2025
December 3, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. | Remote
Hosted by FDAP.
As 2025 draws to a close, FDAP Staff Attorneys will provide an overview of new legislation relevant to our work and the people we serve.
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.