Conflict Panel Onboarding Guide
Your 90-day roadmap to building a successful conflict panel attorney practice in the Bay Area.
Updated: March 3, 2026
Welcome to Conflict Panel Work
Congratulations on taking the step to join a conflict attorney panel. This work is one of the most rewarding ways to practice criminal defense — you represent indigent clients when the public defender's office has a conflict of interest, which means every case you take directly protects the constitutional right to counsel. This guide will walk you through your first 90 days, from setting up your practice to building a sustainable career.
Whether you are fresh out of law school or transitioning from another practice area, this resource is designed to give you a clear, practical roadmap.
What Is a Conflict Panel?
When the public defender's office cannot represent a defendant — usually because it already represents a co-defendant or has another conflicting relationship — the court appoints a private attorney from a pre-approved list known as the "conflict panel" or "assigned counsel panel."
These cases are assigned through an administering organization (such as CAAP in Alameda County) or directly by the court. As a panel attorney, you are an independent contractor — not a government employee — which gives you flexibility but also means you manage your own practice.
The right to legal representation is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 15 of the California Constitution. Your work is fundamental to making this right a reality.
Major Bay Area Panels
CAAP (Alameda County)
The Conflict Attorney Assistance Program is one of the largest panels in the Bay Area. Handles felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile, and mental health cases for Alameda County Superior Court.
SF Conflicts (San Francisco)
San Francisco uses multiple conflict providers including the SF Alternate Public Defender's Office and private panel attorneys for additional conflicts.
Contra Costa County Panel
Manages conflict cases across Martinez, Richmond, and Walnut Creek courthouses. Applications accepted periodically.
Santa Clara County
Conflict cases in Silicon Valley managed through assigned counsel administrators. Known for higher rate structures.
Income Expectations
$60K–$90K
First year (typical)
$90K–$140K
Year 2-3 (established)
$140K+
Experienced/complex
Income varies by county, case type, and how many cases you carry. Panel attorneys who take felony cases generally earn more than those focusing on misdemeanors. Death penalty and LWOP cases carry the highest rates. Remember: as a 1099 contractor, you will need to set aside 25-30% for taxes.
Benefits of Panel Work
- Flexibility — set your own schedule and caseload
- Diverse experience across case types and courtrooms
- Build relationships with judges, clerks, and DAs
- No office politics — you're your own boss
- Meaningful work protecting constitutional rights
- Pathway to private practice or future PD leadership roles
- Trial experience that's hard to get elsewhere this quickly
Challenges to Prepare For
- Solo practice demands — you handle everything yourself
- Irregular income, especially in the first few months
- Administrative burden: billing, taxes, insurance, tech
- No employer-provided benefits (health, retirement)
- Emotional weight of criminal defense work
- Managing difficult clients with high expectations
- Keeping up with rapidly changing criminal law