The Paul Bell Award is presented in honor of excellence in representation of the indigent accused on appeal. The Award is given annually by the Board of Directors of Appellate Defenders and Federal Defenders in memory of Paul Bell, beloved Assistant Director of Appellate Defenders until his untimely passing in July 1997.

Paul Bell was born on March 29, 1945. He graduated from Seattle University in 1967 with a degree in political science. He received his law degree from UCLA Law School in 1970. Paul started his career as an Orange County Public Defender and went on to work as a research attorney with the San Bernardino Court of Appeal. In 1974, Paul became a staff member of Appellate Defenders, Inc., when the office was barely one year old. He was named assistant director in 1979. In 1995, Paul served as the chair of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Appellate Court Committee.

Paul argued before the California Supreme Court on six occasions, posting an impressive win record of five wins out of the six appearances. Paul’s work at Appellate Defenders changed the face of criminal appellate law, effecting changes in the areas of delinquency, juvenile dependency, welfare law, no-issue cases, and sentencing.

One of Paul’s most noted achievements was in the case of People v. Wende (1979) 25 Cal.3d 436. Wende provided that criminal appellants were entitled to an independent review of the record by the appellate court where appointed counsel discerns no arguable issue.

Paul’s passion for the law was surpassed only by his love for his family. Paul and his wife Dianne were married for 25 years. His two children Daniel and Andra already demonstrate Paul’s commitment to excellence and humanity.