Court of Appeals Logo United States Court of Appeals
for the Seventh Circuit

Honorable Diane S. Sykes, Chief Judge
 
News and Announcements
December 31, 2024
Notice of Adoption of Modifications to Circuit Rules 46 and 51 and the Creation of Circuit Rule 46.1. On June 18, 2024, this court issued notice that it proposed modifications to Circuit Rules 46 and 51, and the creation of Circuit Rule 46.1. The court carefully considered the comments received. The court hereby provides notice of adoption of the aforementioned changes, effective immediately.

Please see the notice for details.
December 6, 2024
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has adopted a new Appellate Criminal Justice Act Plan revising the procedures for appointment of counsel on appeal for persons who are financially eligible for representation at public expense in criminal or collateral-relief proceedings as provided in the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A. The Plan calls for the creation of a formal court-approved panel of private attorneys eligible for appointment under the CJA when the federal defenders cannot or do not provide appellate representation.

The court invites private attorneys to apply for admission to the new appellate CJA panel. Starting in 2025, the court will appoint counsel in CJA-qualifying appeals pursuant to the terms of the Plan. Associated revisions to circuit rules take effect on December 31, 2024.

Please see the court’s CJA page for details and the application form for panel membership.

Special note to attorneys willing to accept appointment to represent civil litigants on a pro bono basis: The court invites you to use the application form on the court’s CJA page to indicate your interest in accepting appointment to represent eligible civil litigants on a pro bono basis under the in forma pauperis statute, 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(1), and Pruitt v. Mote, 503 F.3d 647 (7th Cir. 2007) (en banc). Please complete the appropriate sections of the application form.
December 5, 2024
In recognition of the National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter, Jr., the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit will be closed on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Any matter previously set for Thursday, January 9, 2025, is continued to Friday, January 10, 2025, or another date set by the presiding judge in the matter.