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Long Beach and Glen Cove, the only two cities in Nassau County, each have their own City Courts which hear misdemeanor and violation cases which are alleged to have occurred within each city’s borders. The geography of Nassau County can make it difficult for attorneys to attend court in Long Beach and/or Glen Cove, so attorneys must affirmatively opt into joining each of those Panels. To join our District Court Panel, an attorney must have been actively engaged in the practice of criminal law for at least 1 year.

Review General Qualifications

Qualification Pathways

District Court Panel Qualifications

Attorneys can qualify for admission to the District Court Panel in any of the following categories:

Category I

Experienced Criminal Practitioners

Category II

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Category III

Experienced Trial Attorneys

Category IV

Former Judges

Category I

Experienced Criminal Practitioners

Experience Required

Applicants must have handled at least five criminal cases within the past three years, including:

  • Three negotiated pleas, dismissals, or other non-trial dispositions;
  • Two litigated motions involving oral testimony and a decision; and
  • One jury trial and one bench trial, or two jury trials.

References Required

  • Two judges before whom the applicant conducted a litigated motion or trial;
  • Two opposing counsel; and
  • Two co-counsel or attorneys familiar with the applicant’s courtroom work through direct observation.

Category II

Co-Counsel Experience

Experience Required

Applicants must have:

Appeared as co-counsel with an experienced criminal attorney in at least ten criminal cases within the past three years, including:

  • Five negotiated pleas, dismissals, or other non-trial dispositions;
  • Two litigated motions involving oral testimony and a decision; and
  • Two jury trials, or one jury trial and one bench trial.
  • Successfully completed an intensive criminal law and procedure course approved by the Administrator.

References Required

  • Attorneys with whom the applicant served as co-counsel;
  • Two judges before whom the applicant appeared; and
  • Two attorneys familiar with the applicant’s legal ability and courtroom experience.

Category III

Experienced Trial Attorneys

Experience Required

Applicants whose primary experience is outside criminal law may qualify by demonstrating substantial trial experience.

Applicants must have:

  • Conducted at least five jury trials in any area of law within the past three years;
  • Participated in the Assigned Counsel Mentor Program;
  • Appeared as co-counsel with an experienced criminal attorney in:
  • Three negotiated pleas or other non-trial dispositions;
  • One litigated motion; and
  • One jury trial.
  • Successfully completed an approved intensive criminal law and procedure course.

References Required

  • Three judges before whom the applicant conducted jury trials;
  • Three trial adversaries; and
  • Three attorneys familiar with the applicant’s trial skills and legal ability.

Category IV

Former Judges

Former judges of the District Court, County Court, Criminal Court, or Supreme Court (Criminal Term) who have recently retired or voluntarily resigned from the bench are eligible to apply.

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A commitment to excellence

The strength of any assigned counsel program depends upon the strength of its attorneys. We are committed to cultivating the next generation of skilled advocates while supporting experienced practitioners throughout their careers. By providing meaningful educational programming and practical guidance, we strive to create an environment where attorneys can continue learning, collaborating, and growing professionally. Our investment in attorney development is ultimately an investment in every client they serve.

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Professional Development

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