SDAP Panel Manual Available Online
Some attorneys have asked if the SDAP panel manual is available Online. It is. Most of the manual is under Practice Tools and Claims. Some of it can be found under Contact SDAP > About SDAP.

Minor's Counsel in Santa Clara Appeals
Minors in dependency cases in Santa Clara County are now generally assigned to Legal Advocates for Children and Youth for legal representation in the superior court. LACY recently moved to 152 N. Third Street, Third Floor, San Jose CA 95112.

Supreme Court Filings
Effective January 1, 2010, the California Supreme Court will no longer accept filings at the courts of appeal. All papers must be filed at the Supreme Court in San Francisco.

No Issue Briefs in Dependency Cases
It is not yet clear how the Sixth District Court of Appeal will handle dependency appeals raising no claims of error in light of In re Phoenix H. SDAP suggests that the attorney should file a brief asking the court of appeal to adhere to the procedure it has been following with Ben C. briefs until such time as the decision in Phoenix H. becomes final. Alternatively, if the court is not inclined to follow the prior procedure, ask the court to permit the appellant 15 days to submit a letter establishing good cause to believe there is an arguable issue. Further request that if the appellant does establish good cause, then appointed counsel should be notified of the potentially meritorious issue and asked to brief it.

New Laws in 2010
Effective 2010, the dollar amounts necessary for some crimes to be felonies increased. The Legislature also superseded by statute some recent judicial decisions.

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Seminar for Appellate Attorneys
An educational opportunity is available for appellate attorneys. The CADC seminar will be held on Marh 19 and 20, 2010 in Sacramento.

CADC WEBSITE

For Panel Attorneys who Want a New Case
Panel attorneys who would like to request more cases can now send e-mails to SDAP's office manager, Yolanda Edwards: yoli@sdap.org