35 years ago today, I was Motioned in by Ron Bretz to become a member of the Michigan State Bar. I came to law school in Lansing MI (Cooley) with one purpose. To leave as a criminal defense attorney. If ever asked, I have often said I am living the ultimate “hippy” dream. I get paid to hold the government accountable and to fight for the Constitution.
I have dedicated my entire career to indigent defense (along with also representing parents and children in abuse and neglect cases) and as an elected board member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of MI for over 2 decades, I have had a direct hand in reformation of the indigent defense system. Our crown jewel contributing to the creation of and having critical oversight of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission. Lawyers have resources as do our clients. Best regardless of charge, anyone accused of a crime has a lawyer at a bail hearing. As many will be enjoying a well earned time off for Memorial Day weekend, I will be at a courthouse (Sat) arraigning people countywide, who were arrested. I cannot not think of a better thing to do as we honor men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to our Country.
It has been a gift of the Creator to have had 1000s of clients on my public defense docket, along with many who paid for my services. I have never distinguished delivery of defense between those assigned and those paying. All get zealous advocacy with a holistic approach. The latter being that we will, together, explore the underlying causes/contributions of the behavior and develop strategies to address them. My personal journey of recovery is implemented but not imposed. Each client I have served is a human regardless of what they have been charged with.
I am so grateful that I have been entrusted with the lives of many people. The reviews that have been posted on my law office pages are reflective of that trust.
I have been blessed to meet some of the best colleagues in the world. Some are now sitting on benches throughout this great state. My life is better because of these folks
These are trying times for lawyers. There is regrettable action afoot to undermine the Constitution and the Rule of Law-the cornerstones of our democracy. Each day, I do a self check and ask myself, do I still have the fight in me. Each day, a resounding yes.
Creator, thank you for these 35 years as an attorney . . .
