Legal Definitions - panel attorney

A panel attorney is a type of private attorney who is appointed by the government to represent individuals who cannot afford to hire their own attorney. These individuals are often referred to as indigent defendants.

Panel attorneys are paid by the government for their services, and they are typically assigned cases on a rotating basis. This means that they may not have control over the types of cases they handle or the clients they represent.

For example, in a criminal case, a panel attorney may be appointed to represent a defendant who cannot afford to hire their own attorney. The panel attorney will work to defend the defendant and ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Another example of a panel attorney is in a civil case, such as a child custody dispute. If one of the parties cannot afford to hire their own attorney, a panel attorney may be appointed to represent them in court.

Overall, panel attorneys play an important role in ensuring that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.