Welcome to the CJA Panel Attorney Resource website

CJA panel attorneys frequently require the assistance of paralegals, investigators, and other service providers to adequately represent their clients in appointed cases. See 18 U.S.C. §3006A(e). However, finding appropriate service providers can be difficult in many locations. This website is designed to assist with connecting panel attorneys with service providers who work with CJA-appointed counsel. While the site currently provides information on paralegals, other service provider types may be added in the future.

Below are links to a national compilation of private paralegals who (1) have previously been authorized by a federal district court to provide paralegal services in CJA cases and (2) are willing to provide paralegal services in CJA cases. The first list is a national directory of paralegals organized name and the second is organized by state.

Private Paralegal listed in alphabetical order (updated March 22, 2024)
Private Paralegals listed by state (updated March 22, 2024)

If you are a paralegal providing services in CJA representations and would like to be added to the list, please contact Kelly Scribner at kelly_scribner@fd.org.

The Administrative Office of U.S Courts’ Defender Services Office (DSO) and Defender Services’ National Litigation Support Team (NLST) assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability, qualifications, or reputation of, or the services provided by, the listed individuals or companies. Inclusion on this resource site is in not an endorsement by the DSO or NLST. The attorney of record on a CJA panel case is responsible for assessing the suitability of service providers and supervising the work done by all service providers, including paralegals, under ABA Professional Rules of Responsibility 5.3. Be sure to contact a paralegal directly to learn more about their skills, prior work experience, and to obtain references.

If this is your first time using a paralegal contact your local Federal Defender Organization (FDO), CJA Panel Attorney District Representative (PADR) or DSO’s National Litigation Support Team (NLST) to help you identify the skills and scope of assistance you will need.
After performing due diligence and checking references, seek prior authorization for funds in an ex parte application to the court. For assistance with funding applications see the Guide to Judiciary Policy, Vol. 7A, Chap. 3, and contact your FDO, PADR, or DSO’s Legal and Policy Division (LPD).
After receiving authorization from the court, enter into an engagement agreement with the paralegal that sets forth the scope of work, negotiated hourly rate, and number of hours authorized by the court.
Sample ex parte applications, engagement agreements, and recorded webinars on how to secure funding for service providers can be found on FD.org.