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CJA Mentoring Program

About the Program

Pursuant to Section VIII(B)(7) of the District Court of Puerto Rico's 2025 Criminal Justice Act Plan, the Court administers a Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Mentoring Program designed to identify and help prepare qualified attorneys for possible future service on the Court's CJA Panel. The program includes case-based mentoring in a CJA case and participation in the Court's Mentoring Program training modules addressing federal criminal litigation concepts and techniques.

The Mentoring Program provides attorneys interested in federal criminal defense practice with opportunities to develop the substantive knowledge, practical skills, and experience relevant to representing individuals under the Criminal Justice Act.

To apply for case-based mentoring with an assigned mentor in at least one CJA case, and to participate in the Court's Mentoring Program training modules, agreeing to comply with the professional responsibilities expected of attorneys practicing before this Court, please fill-out the following PDF application form:  

Send the completed and signed form to Jorge_Soltero@prd.uscourts.gov

Preparing for CJA Panel Service

Under Section IX(C)(3)(a) of the District's CJA Plan, attorneys must have five years of experience representing persons charged with serious criminal offenses and demonstrate a commitment to the defense of people who lack the financial means to hire an attorney.

The Mentoring Program is intended to help develop attorneys interested in future CJA Panel service, including attorneys who are working toward satisfying the experience and other qualifications required for Panel membership. Participation in the Mentoring Program does not constitute appointment to the CJA Panel or guarantee future Panel membership.

Attorneys interested in future CJA Panel service are encouraged to use the period leading to eligibility to develop their knowledge and experience in federal criminal practice through training, Continuing Legal Education, mentorship, and practical experience.

Training and Practical Experience

The Mentoring Program combines substantive training with practical, case-based experience.

Participants attend the Court's Mentoring Program training modules addressing federal criminal litigation concepts and techniques. Topics include important aspects of federal criminal practice, including client representation and case preparation, pretrial proceedings, plea agreements, sentencing, trial preparation and advocacy, and other matters relevant to effective federal criminal representation.

The practical component provides participants with an opportunity to work alongside experienced CJA practitioners and apply the concepts and skills developed through training. Under the Court's current Mentoring Program structure, participants are expected to obtain meaningful experience alongside a mentor in at least two federal criminal cases.

This experience may include client interaction, discovery review, investigation, legal research and drafting, case preparation, motions practice, plea negotiations, preparation for hearings and sentencing, and other appropriate aspects of federal criminal representation. Participation in court proceedings is subject to authorization by the presiding judge and applicable Court procedures.

The Program's emphasis on working collaboratively with experienced CJA practitioners and obtaining meaningful exposure to federal criminal representation is consistent with the developmental purpose reflected in the Court's Mentoring Program materials.

Developing Experience in Federal Criminal Practice

Attorneys interested in federal criminal defense and future CJA Panel service are encouraged to pursue professional-development opportunities both within and outside the formal Mentoring Program.

In addition to Continuing Legal Education, attorneys may benefit from developing professional relationships with members of the CJA Panel, including attorneys identified as mentors on the District Court's website. Opportunities to work with or assist experienced practitioners in federal criminal matters, including through appropriate investigative, legal research, case-preparation, or paralegal work, can provide valuable exposure to federal criminal cases and help develop practical skills and familiarity with federal criminal proceedings.

Attorneys interested in these opportunities may consult the Court's list of CJA mentors and contact participating attorneys regarding opportunities that may be available within their practices.

View the Court's List of CJA Attorney Mentors

Training and Professional Development Resources

Attorneys interested in the Mentoring Program or future CJA Panel service are strongly encouraged to pursue continuing education in federal criminal law and practice. The following resources provide training, educational materials, and professional development opportunities:

  • Defender Services Office Training Division (FD.org) — Federal criminal defense training, resources, and educational programs, including opportunities for attorneys developing experience in federal criminal practice.
    FD.org — Training and Resources
  • United States Sentencing Commission — Training and educational resources concerning federal sentencing and the United States Sentencing Guidelines, including e-learning, primers, videos, case-law updates, and other materials.
    U.S. Sentencing Commission — Education and Training
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico — CJA resources and Court-sponsored Continuing Legal Education and training opportunities relevant to federal practice.
    District of Puerto Rico — Criminal Justice Act Information

Continuing Legal Education - U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico

Professional organizations can also provide valuable opportunities for training, professional development, networking, and interaction with attorneys experienced in criminal practice:

Participation in these organizations is not a requirement for the Mentoring Program or CJA Panel membership. They are provided as additional resources for attorneys seeking to expand their knowledge, skills, and involvement in federal criminal practice.

Additional Information

For additional information, please contact:

Office of the Clerk
United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico
CJA Attorney Panel Information
(787) 772-3016