Beginning April 1 and continuing through April 30, 2025, the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Louisiana will be accepting applications for membership on the Criminal Justice Act Panel ("CJA Panel"), as authorized by the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the Middle District of Louisiana ("the Plan").
The Plan allows for the creation of a panel of attorneys who will be available to accept federal criminal appointments under the Criminal Justice Act in those cases in which the Office of the Federal Public Defender cannot accept appointments.
Section IX(C) of the Plan establishes the following minimum qualifications for CJA Panel membership:
- Must be in good standing with the Middle District of Louisiana.
- Must have demonstrated experience in, and knowledge of, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and the Sentencing Guidelines.
- Must have demonstrated an interest in providing criminal defense services and a reputation for competent and vigorous representation.
All interested attorneys are encouraged to apply for CJA Panel membership by April 30, 2025. Applications may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Federal Public Defender at (225) 382-2118. All completed applications should be returned to the Office of the Federal Public Defender via U.S. Mail, facsimile or email to:
Office of the Federal Public Defender
707 Florida Boulevard, Suite 303
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801
(225) 382-2118
(225) 382-2119 (Facsimile)
Vanessa_Landry@fd.org
The CJA Panel Selection Committee will review the applications and make membership recommendations to the Chief Judge of the District for approval in accordance with the Plan.