Assessment of the Michigan State Appellate Defender Office and Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System

In 2014, the Michigan State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) merged with the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS), creating a joint agency (referred to as “SADO/MAACS” in this report). In 2022, SADO Director Jonathan Sacks requested an assessment from the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD). NAPD brought together a team of national experts to assess SADO/MAACS operations in five areas. To complete this report, NAPD staff reviewed the assessment team’s findings and additional information from SADO/MAACS staff.

Overall, the assessment found that the merger has been beneficial and that SADO/MAACS uses many model practices for public defender and managed assigned counsel systems. Further improvements are needed, however, to improve agency cohesion and provide high-quality representation for all clients.