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Criminal Court Appointed Attorneys Program

Now Accepting Applications to our Panel! Apply today!

The Criminal Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP) administers the conflicts program for the County of Alameda 

Through this program, qualified attorneys represent indigent criminal defendants or minors whenever the public defender is restrained by a conflict of interest. The program maintains a panel of  qualified private attorneys who provide professional and excellent representation for those entitled to court appointed attorneys.

CAAP is committed to the promotion of justice and high standards of professionalism, competency, diligence, and integrity among members of the criminal defense bar in Alameda County.

Apply to the Panel Here

CAAP general phone:

(510) 302-2205

New! CAAP Grievance Line 

Phone: (510) 433-8707

Attorney Complaint Form

Interested in joining CAAP? Check out our FAQ.

Newly Approved CAAP Incentives

We’re excited to announce new financial incentives for attorneys participating in the Court-Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP), effective immediately. These bonuses are designed to recognize your commitment and help grow our panel of qualified defenders.

Networking Bonus
$1,000

Earn $1,000 when current CAAP panel attorneys refer a new attorney to CAAP. If your referral is invited to join the panel and accepts a case, you receive the bonus.

Signing Bonus
$1,000

New to CAAP? Attorneys who join the panel and accept cases in 2025 are eligible for a $1,000 signing bonus.

Dedicated Defender Bonus
$2,000

Panel attorneys who joined prior to 2025 and take at least 5 new clients will receive a $2,000 bonus in recognition of their continued service.

Apply to the Panel Here

Criminal defense attorneys – apply today to join the ACBA Court Appointed Attorneys Program (CAAP) Panel! Our panel of independent contractor attorneys step in to represent indigent clients when there is a conflict with the Office of the Alameda County Public Defender. Take as many or as few cases as your schedule dictates while you seek justice and build your professional profile.

CAAP is committed to promoting justice and high standards of professionalism, competency, diligence, and integrity among members of the criminal defense bar in Alameda County.

For more information, including hourly rates, please see below and check out our FAQ. If you have any questions, contact the Director, Andrea Zambrana, by email or phone (andrea@acbanet.org | 510.302.2202). Please note that CAAP will review all applications and consider waiving some of its requirements for suitable applicants, particularly those with the experience to take higher-level cases.

Hourly Rates Increased on July 1st!

As of July 1, CAAP hourly rates have increased - ensuring better compensation for panel attorneys serving our community.

CAAP Attorney Hourly Rates

CAAP Hourly Attorney Rates

Did you know that you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness?

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for California Defenders

Learn More

Social Worker Payment Rates

CAAP Social Worker Rates

Rules

Forms

Resources

SJC’s Consultation Program is Live!

Social Justice Collaborative (SJC) is a nonprofit based in Berkeley, CA, committed to providing legal representation to low-income immigrants. They have partnered with the  Court Appointed Attorney Program to offer crimmigration consultations, providing insight and support on immigration-related matters. 

Consultation Program: To request a consultation, please complete the designated form. You can find the link to the right. The form collects your information and essential details about the case. After receiving a request, the SJC team will email you relevant information and next steps.

Thank you for joining us on this mission to impact the lives of individuals facing unique challenges positively.

Please note: this form is only to be used by CAAP Panel Attorneys.