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Request for Proposals to Conduct a Michigan Appellate Public Defense Caseload Standards Study

Submissions due May 31, 2021

The State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) is requesting proposals from qualified vendors to assist SADO in determining appropriate workload standards for providers of indigent legal representation in criminal appeals in the state of Michigan. SADO seeks to procure the services of a vendor to conduct a study which can be used as a basis for stipulating numerical caseload/workload standards for adult criminal appeals in Michigan courts. Read More


We are Hiring an Assistant Defender

Applications due by May 3, 2021

Join Michigan’s State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) as an Assistant Appellate Defender working statewide to address injustices and disparities in the criminal legal system based on race, class, ability, behavioral health, and other identifying characteristics and statuses. We are appointed by the trial courts to work with our clients to appeal their felony convictions. This starting to mid-level position pays from $57,000 to $77,000, depending on experience. Read More


SADO Takes Internal and External Action on Race and Diversity

In July 2020, SADO staff got together for yet another Zoom meeting. But this was no ordinary meeting. It was the first gathering of SADO’s Racial Justice Initiative (RJI)—a space dedicated to open dialogue about how race and racism operate within the walls of our office and in the criminal legal system. Read More


COVID-19 Pleadings and Resources for Attorneys and Advocates

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for the defender community to advocate for the release of incarcerated individuals. Keeping people unnecessarily incarcerated dangers public health and safety. SADO has created and gathered sample pleadings, information, and resources here. This page will be continually updated. Read More


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This project was funded by the Byrne JAG grant #2010-DJ-BX-0003, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and administered by the Michigan state Police (MSP). Points of view or opinions contained within this document do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the MSP or DOJ.