Legal Definitions - panel attorney

A panel attorney is a private lawyer who is appointed by a court to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire their own legal counsel. These attorneys are part of a pre-approved list or "panel" of lawyers available to take on cases for indigent clients. Their legal services are paid for by the government or a public fund, rather than directly by the client.

Here are some examples to illustrate the role of a panel attorney:

• Criminal Defense for an Indigent Adult: Imagine a person named Maria is arrested and charged with a misdemeanor offense, such as petty theft. During her initial court appearance, she informs the judge that she is unemployed and has no savings, making her unable to afford a private attorney. The judge, after verifying her financial situation, appoints a panel attorney from the local court's roster to represent Maria throughout her case. The panel attorney will then handle her defense, attend hearings, and negotiate with the prosecution, with their fees covered by the state.

• Juvenile Delinquency Case: Consider a situation where a 15-year-old named Alex is accused of vandalism. His parents work minimum-wage jobs and cannot afford the cost of a private lawyer to represent him in juvenile court. To ensure Alex's rights are protected and he has proper legal representation, the court assigns a panel attorney. This attorney will guide Alex and his family through the juvenile justice system, advocate on his behalf, and work towards the best possible outcome, all at government expense.

• Representation for an Appeal: Suppose a defendant, Mr. Henderson, was convicted of a felony and wishes to appeal the verdict, but he remains indigent and cannot afford an appellate lawyer. The court determines that he is still eligible for publicly funded legal assistance for his appeal. Consequently, a panel attorney specializing in appellate law is assigned to review his trial record, identify potential legal errors, and file the necessary paperwork and arguments with the higher court. The government compensates the panel attorney for their work on Mr. Henderson's appeal.