The Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS) is accepting applications to join
the assigned counsel roster. Applications should be submitted by August 31, 2018. This
is a competitive process and we encourage applications from conscientious appellate lawyers
with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and those who are committed to representing
indigent clients and contributing to the reform of Michigan’s indigent defense system.
Promising applicants may be invited to join the roster after attending an orientation and
training this fall. The orientation session will be held on Thursday, October 18 at the State
Appellate Defender Office (SADO) offices in Detroit. There will be two identical training
sessions: one on Friday, October 19 at WMU-Cooley in Auburn Hills and one on Friday,
October 26 at WMU-Cooley in Lansing.
It’s an exciting time to join the roster. Since its merger with SADO in 2014, MAACS has
implemented a number of important reforms, including:
A new Regional Assignment System, which consolidates assignment lists by region to
promote administrative efficiency. Participating circuit courts have adopted
standardized attorney fees of $75 per hour in the most serious cases. As of June 1,
2018, 37 of Michigan’s 57 circuit courts participate in the Regional Assignment System.
A map is available here http://www.sado.org/content/pub/10989_New-Circuit-Regions-Map.pdf and additional information about fees is available here http://www.sado.org/Page/85/MAACS-Resources-Fee-Information.
An innovative Appellate Investigation Project, which relies on federal grant funding
and has provided roster attorneys with investigative services and litigation support in
many assigned appellate cases statewide.
A subsidized legal research package, which includes a comprehensive Westlaw
subscription and complete web access to SADO/CDRC resources. Valued at over
$3,000, this package is currently available to roster attorneys for $250 per year.
Access to resources and training, including case rounds, frequent targeted seminars,
and the annual Appellate Writing Workshop, an intense three-day training focusing on
client-centered writing and appellate advocacy.
See application information at http://www.sado.org/content/pub/10984_MAACSAPPLICATION.pdf
Further information about MAACS can be found on the MAACS page on www.SADO.org. The
application to join the roster can be found at http://www.sado.org/content/pub/10984_MAACSAPPLICATION.pdf. If you have additional questions, please contact Kathy Swedlow at [email protected] or 517.334.1207.