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Amicus Brief Application

The Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) provides amicus curiae support in select cases that raise significant legal questions impacting the rights of the accused and the broader criminal defense community. The Amicus Committee, chaired by Donna Walsh of Myers, Brier & Kelly in Scranton, evaluates requests with care and selects cases that align with PACDL’s mission to promote fairness and justice in the criminal legal system.

How to Apply

To request amicus support, please complete the Amicus Request Application and submit it—along with the required documents—to pacdl@pacdl.org.

To be considered, your application must include the following:

  • A Clear Statement of the Legal Issue(s): Outline the legal questions presented on appeal and explain how they affect the criminal defense bar or constitutional rights of the accused.

  • PACDL’s Role: Delineate the issue or perspective PACDL should undertake in its amicus filing. Your request must explain how PACDL’s argument will complement—not duplicate—your own.

  • Procedural Background: Provide the procedural status of the case, including the court in which it is pending, relevant deadlines, and a brief case history.

  • Significance of the Case: Describe the broader implications of the case for criminal law or practice in Pennsylvania. Explain why this issue is important for the Commonwealth’s criminal defense community.

Timing Matters

Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the initial brief deadline to allow the Amicus Committee adequate time to evaluate the request and, if accepted, prepare a thorough and effective brief. We strongly encourage you to seek an extension of the briefing schedule from the appellate court where appropriate.

Additional Notes

  • Early submission is critical. Delays may limit the Committee’s ability to participate.
  • ​Membership Requirement: Amicus support is available to PACDL members. If you are not yet a member, we ask that you join before submitting your application.
  • ​Pennsylvania Supreme Court: Most of the Amicus Committee's efforts are directed toward filings in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. If you are interested in having the Amicus Committee consider your request to file an amicus brief, then please complete this application and attach the documents outlined on the form to pacdl@pacdl.org.