The Second Chair Program is a year-long training and mentoring program for attorneys who want to apply for the CJA Panel, but may lack the requisite experience.
The program is led by the Federal Public Defender office, and includes an intensive monthly orientation that covers all phases of a federal criminal case and the federal sentencing guidelines. Attendance at these sessions is mandatory for continued participation in the program. Each participant will also be assigned to a more experienced mentor attorney to shadow on selected cases. Participants should plan to commit about 8-10 hours per month. Materials and compensation ($88 per hour) are provided courtesy of the Bench-Bar Committee.
The 2025 program will take place in Wichita, Kansas beginning in July 2025. If you would like to apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and the names of three references to dana_burton@fd.org. Applications are due May 30, 2025. If you have questions about this program contact CJA Resource Counsel Jim Pratt at Jim_Pratt@fd.org.