Attorney Panel
Support System
Mentoring
Individual and group mentoring is available to attorneys seeking guidance, support, and professional development. Individual sessions provide one-on-one assistance tailored to the attorney’s specific questions, cases, courtroom skills, client communication, ethical issues, or practice management needs. Group mentoring sessions allow attorneys to learn collaboratively, discuss common challenges, review best practices, and share practical experience with peers and experienced mentors. Both formats are designed to strengthen attorney performance, improve confidence, and support high-quality representation.
Rapid Response Meetings
These meetings provide a focused opportunity to discuss time-sensitive concerns, case-related challenges, policy questions, ethical issues, or other matters requiring prompt attention and guidance. Meetings are by request and can typically be arranged within the week.
DWI Panel Meetings
The DWI panel has been dissolved for some time, but LPDO has plans to renew in late 2026. These meetings are similar to the general mentoring meetings, with a dedicated focus on DWI cases.
In-house Investigators
Two licensed investigators and a mitigation specialist are on staff to assist with investigative tasks. Common requests include locating a witness, interviewing the complaining witness, and acquiring an Affidavit of Non-Prosecution. Many other services are available, we encourage you to leverage their expertise whenever necessary.
Mental Health Caseworkers
LPDO started as a mental health office and remains committed to providing holistic defense with a focus on mental health. Six caseworkers on staff assist with communicating and maintaining a positive relationship with clients who qualify. Through their work, Lubbock County experiences greatly reduced recidivism of qualified clients.
Qualifying individuals must receive at least one of the following diagnoses: Major depressive disorder with psychotic features, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, schizophrenia, shizoaffective, or intellectual development disability (IDD).
Second Chair Assignment
Every case that progresses to trial is assigned a second chair panel attorney. The defense team shares the burden of trial preparation and performance to ensure fair justice is won.
Expert Witnesses
LPDO provides a list of qualified experts for a number of forensic specialties. In the past five years, LPDO has worked with over 50 experts in various fields. Expert fees that do not exceed $2,000 do not require an Ex-Parte Order.
panel Feedback
"It is well run and I like the ability to talk with Rusty (or whomever) when I call."
JEFF NICHOLSON
"I believe LPDO does a great job of providing resources to the panel attorneys."
MATTHEW JOHNSON
"I'm just getting started but so far, so good!"
JILL PROPST
"I've enjoyed being on the panel thus far and representing indigent clients."
SARAH KANNEL
Panel Wheel placement
Qualifying to participate on the panel
Upon acceptance, each panel attorney will be evaluated by the Chief Defender to determine the appropriate placement on the panel wheel. The wheel has different levels of assignment according to the charge's level of offense.
To ensure highly effective assistance of counsel for the accused, the Chief Defender shall have the authority to elevate or lower an attorney's eligibility for assignment to a different level of offense when necessary and proper.
Category 1
Includes all misdemeanors EXCEPT DWI 2nd and Assault with Domestic Violence cases
Placement on this level requires the attorney to meet the following criteria:
- Licensed to practice law by the State Bar of Texas and be in good standing
- Primary office must be in Lubbock County
- Complete 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education in criminal defense annually
- Maintain membership in the Lubbock Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association
Category 2
Includes all Category 1 cases PLUS DWI 2nd and Assault with Domestic Violence cases
In addition to the requirements for Category 1, the attorney must meet the following criteria:
- Licensed at least one year
- Sat at least second chair on four trials (any level)
*Preference will be given to those that have attended a Trial College*