---identifier: "/us/cfr/t28/s543.12"source: "ecfr"legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"title: "28 CFR § 543.12 - Retention of attorneys."title_number: 28title_name: "Judicial Administration"section_number: "543.12"section_name: "Retention of attorneys."chapter_name: "BUREAU OF PRISONS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE"subchapter_number: "C"subchapter_name: "INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT"part_number: "543"part_name: "LEGAL MATTERS"positive_law: falsecurrency: "2026-03-24"last_updated: "2026-03-24"format_version: "1.1.0"generator: "[email protected]"authority: "5 U.S.C. 301; 18 U.S.C. 3621, 3622, 3624, 4001, 4042, 4081, 4082 (Repealed in part as to offenses committed on or after November 1, 1987), 5006-5024 (Repealed October 12, 1984 as to Offenses committed after that date), 5039; 28 U.S.C. 509, 510, 1346(b), 2671-80; 28 CFR 0.95-0.99, 0.172, 14.1-11."cfr_part: "543"---
Identifier
/us/cfr/t28/s543.12
Currency
2026-03-24
Positive Law
No
Updated
2026-03-24
Chapter
Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice
Authority
5 U.S.C. 301; 18 U.S.C. 3621, 3622, 3624, 4001, 4042, 4081, 4082 (Repealed in part as to offenses committed on or after November 1, 1987), 5006-5024 (Repealed October 12, 1984 as to Offenses committed... 5 U.S.C. 301; 18 U.S.C. 3621, 3622, 3624, 4001, 4042, 4081, 4082 (Repealed in part as to offenses committed on or after November 1, 1987), 5006-5024 (Repealed October 12, 1984 as to Offenses committed after that date), 5039; 28 U.S.C. 509, 510, 1346(b), 2671-80; 28 CFR 0.95-0.99, 0.172, 14.1-11.
# 543.12 Retention of attorneys.(a) The Warden shall allow an inmate to contact and retain attorneys. With the written consent of the inmate, staff may advise an attorney of the inmate's available funds. Staff may not interfere with selection and retention of attorneys if the inmate has attained majority and is mentally competent. If the inmate is a mental incompetent or a minor, the Warden shall refer to the inmate's guardian or to the appropriate court all matters concerning the retention and payment of attorneys.(b) The Bureau of Prisons may not act as guarantor or collector of fees. As to correspondence with attorneys and telephone calls to attorneys, see part 540 of this chapter.