SADO is hiring! Apply now!

Multiple positions open; application due dates vary by position

SADO is the oldest and only state-wide public defender office in Michigan. SADO staff works to fulfill our mission of fighting injustice in the criminal and youth legal systems through access, advocacy, compassion, and education. Read more


SADO Attorneys to argue before the Michigan Supreme Court

December 10 & 11, 2025, Hall of Justice (Lansing, MI)

SADO’s Jessica Zimbelman, Emma Lawton, and Ali Wright will present argument before the Michigan Supreme Court on December 10 and 11, 2025. Read more


SADO seeks summer interns

Applications are due by January 12, 2026 at 5 PM

SADO is seeking first- and second-year law students committed to public service, racial equity, and social justice to join its Summer Internship Program. Read more


Project Reentry: Successful Reentry through community

From the November 2025 Criminal Defense Newsletter

At Project Reentry, we are fortunate enough to witness the beginning of a client’s successful reintegration the moment they exit prison. But celebrating a homecoming is just a small part of a far longer, more complex reentry journey. Read more


Project Reentry: Holiday gathering

For former clients, families, and reentry friends

Project Reentry will be bringing our former clients, families, and reentry friends together to nurture the positive relationships that help us all thrive next month. Read more


A word on youth and long term-of-years sentences

From the November 2025 Criminal Defense Newsletter

There were three published decisions addressing long term-of-years sentences for youthful offenders this past year, with two defendants winning relief. With the possibility of an upcoming decision from the Michigan Supreme Court, we provide a skeletal snapshot of the sentences and surrounding circumstances. Read more


Ask an appellate attorney: What happens when the court reporter cannot prepare a transcript for the trial?

From the November 2025 Criminal Defense Newsletter

At the CDRC, we regularly receive questions from defense attorneys around the state. In this column, we will reprint our answers to common or interesting questions (with any identifying case details omitted or modified) that might be helpful to a wider audience. Read more


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