The Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS) is accepting applications to join the assigned counsel roster. Applications should be submitted by August 30, 2019. 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. We welcome applications from new attorneys – as well as from more seasoned veterans.
Promising applicants may be invited to join the roster after attending an orientation and training this fall. The orientation session is currently scheduled for Thursday, October 10 at the State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) offices in Detroit. The two identical training sessions are currently scheduled for Friday, October 11 at WMU-Cooley in Auburn Hills and Friday, October 18 at WMU-Cooley in Lansing.
It’s an exciting time to join the roster. Since its merger with SADO in 2014, MAACS has implemented many 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, 2019, 43 of Michigan’s 57 circuit courts participate in the Regional Assignment System. A map is available at http://www.sado.org/content/temporary/11133_New-Circuit-Map_June-2019.pdf and additional information about fees is available at http://www.sado.org/content/pub/11118_MAACS-Regional-Assignment-Lists-St...
Assistance from MAACS’s Litigation Support Counsel, former SADO assistant defender Jessica Zimbelman. Jessica helps roster attorneys with issue spotting, securing investigative and other expert services, and litigation support. MAACS also provides new roster attorneys with specialized mentorship with their early assignments.
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 monthly online 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 above.
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/11135_MAACS-Roster-Application.pdf. If you have additional questions, please contact me at [email protected] or 517.334.1207.