The Paul Bell Memorial Fellowship is awarded annually by the board of directors of Appellate Defenders, Inc., in memory of Paul Bell, beloved assisted director of Appellate Defenders, Inc., until his untimely passing in July 1997.

In recognition of Paul's dedication to indigent appellate defense, and his well known interest in the development of promising appellate attorneys, the recipients of the fellowship are sent to the annual National Legal Aid and Defender Association Appellate Defender Training program. The next program will take place in New Orleans January 21-25, 2010. The four day program includes intensive training and individualized workshop activities with nationally known appellate advocates. The topics include reviewing the record, developing the facts, storytelling skills, issue spotting, issue selection, issue framing, issue evaluation, writing persuasively, briefing techniques, oral argument, and other topics. The fellowship includes conference tuition, air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, and meals.

Applicants for the fellowship must be members of the Appellate Defenders, Inc., panel. Since the program targets newer appellate attorneys, applicants who have filed more than four, but fewer than fifteen appellant's opening briefs (for the Appellate Defenders panel) will be preferred. Applicants must demonstrate dedication to the defense of the indigent accused, and possess the potential to be outstanding appellate advocates.

Application must be made by letter or E mail, to Elaine A. Alexander, Appellate Defenders, Inc., 555 West Beech Street, Suite 300, San Diego, CA, 92101, or eaa@adi-sandiego.com, no later than November 12, 2009. Applicants must describe how he or she meets the criteria mentioned above, and should describe how the applicant will benefit from the training offered.

For more details, click here.

Further information on the program is available at (202) 452 6020 or see http://www.nlada.org/Training.