About The Assigned Counsel Plan

The Assigned Counsel Plan (“the Plan”) was established in 1966 to provide for representation of indigent individuals who were charged with crimes but who could not, due to a conflict of interest, be represented by an Institutional Provider, that is, a nonprofit organization which has as its primary purpose the furnishing of legal services to indigent persons through a contract with the City of New York. 

The rules for the operation of the Plan in New York and Bronx counties were established by the Appellate Division, First Department; those that govern the operation of the Plan in Kings, Queens and Richmond counties were promulgated by the Appellate Division, Second Department.

Attorneys may apply for certification to the following panels:

• Misdemeanor
• Felony 
• Homicide A1 Panel
• Criminal Appeals
• Parole

Appellate Division, First Department

To apply for the panels in the Bronx and Manhattan, please visit the Assigned Counsel Plan page at the Appellate Division, First Department website.

Appellate Division, Second Department

To apply for the panels in the Kings, Queens and Richmond counties, please visit the Assigned Counsel Plan page at the Appellate Division, Second Department website.