Capital Area Private Defender Service

Become a Mentee


Mentorship Application Process



Application deadline is December 15, 2023


  • Attorneys may apply for our misdemeanor mentorship, felony mentorship, or MH mentorship.  Please review the programs below.
  • The CAPDS application process utilizes an online application hosted by Google.  This is the only method to apply.  If you have any problems using this form or viewing this website please contact us at help@capds.org.
  • If you close your browser during the application process all work will be lost.

CAPDS Misdemeanor Mentorship Program


The goal of this program is to qualify the attorney for membership in CAPDS with the stated purpose of active membership for a minimum of two years.  This application should be completed by attorneys not on the CAPDS panel and who may not meet the minimum qualifications or wish to apply directly to the misdemeanor mentorship program.  Attorneys who meet the minimum requirements should complete a new application.


We will accept a limited number of applicants who:

  • Are licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
  • Demonstrate a commitment to indigent defense
  • We encourage Spanish speakers and attorneys interested in representing people with mental illness to apply.


Applicants admitted to the program will:

  • Attend a mandatory orientation and training program
  • Receive six months of mentoring by a CAPDS panel attorney and staff
  • Receive training in trial techniques and strategies
  • Receive tips and guidance in setting up a criminal law practice
  • Meet weekly with the mentorship group for case conferencing
  • Meet bi-weekly with your assigned mentor
  • Receive misdemeanor assignments during the program
  • Mentee will be required to accept a meaningful number of monthly assignments to remain in the program
  • Attorneys are paid either a flat fee per case or hourly for work done on the case. Additional pay is available for Spanish speakers.  The full fee schedule is available here.
  • Have access to investigators, experts, second-chair assistance, legal research, motions bank, and attorney assistance. After successful completion of the program, be placed on the misdemeanor panels. 








CAPDS Felony Mentorship Program


The goal of this program is to qualify the attorney for the Felony C or B panel with the stated purpose of active membership for a minimum of two years.  This application should be completed by attorneys not on the CAPDS panel and who may not meet the minimum qualifications or wish to apply directly to the felony mentorship program.  Attorneys who meet the minimum requirements should complete a new application. This application may be completed by panel attorneys who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the Felony C or B panel.  Panel attorneys who meet the qualifications for the felony panel should submit a status change application.  Panel attorneys must complete both a retention application and a mentorship application.


Applicants admitted to the program will:

  • Attend a mandatory orientation and training program
  • Receive one year of mentoring by a CAPDS panel attorney and staff
  • Receive training in trial techniques and strategies
  • Meet regularly for case conferencing
  • Meet with your assigned mentor
  • Receive felony assignments during the program
  • Mentee will be required to accept a meaningful number of monthly assignments to remain in the program
  • Attorneys are paid hourly for work done on the case. Additional pay is available for Spanish speakers.  The full fee schedule is available here.
  • Have access to investigators, experts, second-chair assistance, legal research, motions bank, and attorney assistance. After successful completion of the program, be placed on either the Felony C or B panel. 







CAPDS Mental Health Mentorship Program


The goal of this program is to qualify the attorney for the mental health panels with the stated purpose of active membership for a minimum of two years.  This application should be completed by attorneys not on the CAPDS panel and who may not meet the minimum qualifications or wish to apply directly to the mental health mentorship program.  Attorneys who meet the minimum requirements should complete a new application. This application may be completed by panel attorneys who do not meet the minimum qualifications for the mental health panels.  Panel attorneys who meet the qualifications for the mental health panels should submit a status change application.  Panel attorneys must complete both a retention application and a mentorship application.

Applicants admitted to the program will:

  • Attend a mandatory orientation and training program
  • Receive one year of mentoring by a CAPDS panel attorney and staff
  • Receive training in relevant mental health issues
  • Meet regularly for case conferencing
  • Meet with your assigned mentor
  • Receive mental health assignments during the program
  • Mentee will be required to accept a meaningful number of monthly assignments to remain in the program
  • Attorneys are paid hourly for work done on the case. Additional pay is available for Spanish speakers.  The full fee schedule is available here.
  • Have access to investigators, experts, second-chair assistance, legal research, motions bank, and attorney assistance. After successful completion of the program, be placed on either the misdemeanor or felony mental health panel.