The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has adopted a new Appellate Criminal Justice Act Plan revising the procedures for appointment of counsel on appeal for persons who are financially eligible for representation at public expense in criminal or collateral-relief proceedings as provided in the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 3006A. The Plan calls for the creation of a formal court-approved panel of private attorneys eligible for appointment under the CJA when the federal defenders cannot or do not provide appellate representation.
The court invites private attorneys to apply for admission to the new appellate CJA panel. Starting in 2025, the court will appoint counsel in CJA-qualifying appeals pursuant to the terms of the Plan. Associated revisions to circuit rules take effect on December 31, 2024. (https://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/criminal-justice-act/CJA_Plan/Circuit_Rules_revisions_for_CJA.pdf)
Please see the court’s CJA page for details and the application form for panel membership. (https://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/criminal-justice-act/cja.htm)
Virtual townhalls will be held live January 14, 2025, and January 23, 2025, at noon CST. Further information will be made available on the court’s website.
Special note to attorneys willing to accept appointment to represent civil litigants on a pro bono basis: The court invites you to use the application form on the court’s CJA page to indicate your interest in accepting appointment to represent eligible civil litigants on a pro bono basis under the in forma pauperis statute, 28 U.S.C. Section 1915(e)(1), and Pruitt v. Mote, 503 F.3d 647 (7th Cir. 2007) (en banc). Please complete the appropriate sections of the application form.
