How do I receive assignments to represent individuals on appeal?
Attorneys interested in accepting assignments on appeal to the Fourth Department must attend a mandatory training seminar to become eligible to receive assignments. The Court offers an annual training seminar for criminal appeals, which also includes habeas corpus and SORA appeals, and an annual training seminar for Family Court appeals. Attorneys may attend either or both seminars. The full-day seminars are generally held on a Saturday and provide CLE credit for attorneys. Assignments by the Court are made in consultation with the assigned counsel administrator for the county from which the appeal was taken. On each appeal, the Court will contact the county administrator to request the name of an eligible attorney willing and able to accept assignment on that appeal. The Court retains authority to make the final determination as to the assignment of counsel on each appeal.
