For attorneys

Serve your community — join the Panel

A meaningful way for licensed Guam attorneys to uphold the constitutional right to counsel, as independent contractors appointed by the courts.

The Private Attorney Panel is a meaningful way for licensed Guam attorneys to uphold the constitutional right to counsel. Panel attorneys serve as independent contractors — not Corporation employees — and are appointed by the courts in conflict cases.

Confirm eligibility

Be an attorney licensed to practice law in Guam and meet the qualifications established by Board policy.

Apply to the panel

Submit your application to be retained as an independent contractor for the provision of public legal services.

Get qualified & appointed

Once approved under Board policy, you become eligible for court appointments when the Public Defender and Alternate Public Defender are both conflicted.

Compensation: an established hourly rate

Panel attorneys are paid an hourly rate set by Board policy, subject to case-type-based caps, per 12 GCA § 11104(d)(5). Current rate details are provided with the application packet.

Request Application Packet

How cases reach the panel

The panel accepts no walk-ins and no direct requests for counsel. Representation is assigned only by court appointment — either by the court directly, or by conflict referral when the Public Defender and Alternate Public Defender are both conflicted out.

If the court has appointed panel counsel for you, your assigned attorney will be in contact regarding your case.