Justice does matter

We are a law firm providing representation by court appointment in criminal and juvenile appeals for indigent clients in the San Jose area
(we are not the court of appeal)

  • Call (408) 241-6171

    Sixth District Appellate Program

The SDAP Way

A Passion for Justice

SDAP’s attitude toward the representation of indigents is that expressed in Von Moltke v. Gillies (1948) 332 U.S. 708:

“Undivided allegiance and faithful, devoted service to a client are prized traditions of the American lawyer. It is this kind of service for which the Sixth Amendment makes provision. And nowhere is this service deemed more honorable than in case of appointment to represent an accused too poor to hire a lawyer, even though the accused may be a member of an unpopular or hated group, or may be charged with an offense which is peculiarly abhorrent.” (Id., at pp. 725-726, fn. omitted.) Read more.

San Jose Historic Courthouse

News From The Director

Preparing Your SDAP Compensation Claim: A Practical Guide for Panel Attorneys

This Zoom seminar will be on November 18 at 12 noon. Join SDAP Assistant Director Anna L. Stuart for a practical, nearly line-by-line guide to preparing compensation claims. We’ll cover what to include, where to claim particular tasks, and when a fuller explanation ...

Juvenile Delinquency Appellate Seminar

Nov. 5, 2026, from 12:00-1:30 p.m. - ZoomHosted by CAPLAPresented by: Former FDAP Staff Attorney Richard Braucher and SDAP Executive Director Jonathan GrossmanYouth justice is one of the most interesting and rewarding areas of appellate practice. However, much has changed within the last ...

Court of Appeal Staff Attorney Opening

The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District is looking for a Staff Attorney. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Court decides cases at the forefront of California's civil and criminal jurisprudence. The Court is currently recruiting talented lawyers with a ...

The Gerald Z. Marer Award for Panel Excellence

The Gerald Z. Marer Award for Panel ExcellenceSDAP conducts an annual seminar that offers four hours of continuing legal education relevant to the practice of criminal appellate law. At the conclusion of each seminar, SDAP announces the winner of that year's Gerald Z. ...
augment

Mandatory Form for Augment Motions

There is now an updated form proposed order for augment motions. All motions to augment the record filed in the Sixth District Court of Appeal must be accompanied by the court's fillable standard order form that can be found here. For civil cases, use this ...

Proofs of Service With No-Issue Briefs

SDAP has been informed by the Court of Appeal that in several, recent cases – particularly in juvenile cases – the Court has had difficulties getting the client’s address to send the client the standard letter advising them of their rights when a ...

File Omission Letter in 6DCA

When filing an omission letter in the superior court, the Sixth District Court of Appeal requires the letter be filed and served on the Court of Appeal through TrueFiling. It is not enough to just serve the Court of Appeal. If the letter ...

Preparing Your SDAP Compensation Claim: A Practical Guide for Panel Attorneys

This Zoom seminar will be on November 18 at 12 noon. Join SDAP Assistant Director Anna L. Stuart for a practical, nearly line-by-line guide to preparing compensation claims. We’ll cover what to include, where to claim particular tasks, and when a fuller explanation can help SDAP advocate for the fullest compensation available for your work. […]

Juvenile Delinquency Appellate Seminar

Nov. 5, 2026, from 12:00-1:30 p.m. – Zoom Hosted by CAPLA Presented by: Former FDAP Staff Attorney Richard Braucher and SDAP Executive Director Jonathan Grossman Youth justice is one of the most interesting and rewarding areas of appellate practice. However, much has changed within the last 5 years. Our legislature shut down California’s youth prison […]

Court of Appeal Staff Attorney Opening

The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District is looking for a Staff Attorney. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Court decides cases at the forefront of California’s civil and criminal jurisprudence. The Court is currently recruiting talented lawyers with a love for the law and writing, a strong work ethic and a […]

The Gerald Z. Marer Award for Panel Excellence

The Gerald Z. Marer Award for Panel Excellence SDAP conducts an annual seminar that offers four hours of continuing legal education relevant to the practice of criminal appellate law. At the conclusion of each seminar, SDAP announces the winner of that year’s Gerald Z. Marer Award. The late Gerald Z. Marer was an inspirational figure. […]

Mandatory Form for Augment Motions

There is now an updated form proposed order for augment motions. All motions to augment the record filed in the Sixth District Court of Appeal must be accompanied by the court’s fillable standard order form that can be found here. For civil cases, use this form. The court has given us the following guidance regarding three aspects […]

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