Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood, Chief Judge
GENERAL ORDER
Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood, Chief Judge
Whereas the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit has promulgated a Criminal Justice Act and Budgeting Policy in which "[a]ppointed counsel are encouraged to use lower-billing associates, contract lawyers, paralegals or other means to minimize costs where lead attorney expertise may not be required.” IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED AS FOLLOWS:
In non-capital cases, the court approves use of associate attorneys for tasks in which lead attorney expertise is not required, in all cases in which the total fees for CJA counsel do not exceed the statutory maximum. For purposes of this Order, “associate attorney” is defined as an attorney who is an employee of the CJA attorney's law firm. The associate attorney shall be permitted to bill at the rate of $85.00 per hour.
This Order shall be effective June 15, 2022.
SO ORDERED. 1