Hillman said the public defender office “is well equipped to handle complex criminal cases” and noted that the panel members must meet minimum standards, including having at least five years of experience as a bar member, having enough experience to provide “high quality representation,” being familiar with court rules, procedures, and statutes, and being in good standing.

“As Attorney Flavin conceded ... the CJA Panel includes numerous attorneys with the experience and ability to try complex cases such as the instant case. Given Attorney Flavin’s conceded inexperience with trying complex federal criminal cases, this court would be hard pressed to find justification for approving his appointment over the Federal Defender Office or a member of the CJA Panel,” Hillman said.