Assistant Defender - Juvenile Lifer Unit

Position Overview

Following the 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life without parole sentences for juveniles convicted of homicide are unconstitutional, this role focuses on advocating for those affected in Michigan, which has one of the largest juvenile lifer populations. Recent judicial expansions in 2022 and 2025 have increased eligibility for resentencing relief to nearly 580 individuals sentenced at ages 18 to 20. The Assistant Defender plays a crucial role in collaborative legal teams, aiming to investigate, mitigate, and litigate contested resentencings.

This position is based in either the Detroit or Lansing office of SADO, both offering distinct community benefits from Detroit's rich cultural scene to Lansing's sports and outdoor activities. SADO supports a hybrid working model combining in-office and remote work to foster flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain trusting relationships with clients, their families, and other stakeholders.
• Regularly visit incarcerated clients across various Michigan prison facilities.
• Gather and develop mitigation evidence and social histories through comprehensive record reviews and conducting interviews with clients and related parties.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team including second chair attorneys, investigators, and mitigation experts or social workers.
• Analyze trial transcripts and appellate rulings pertinent to each case.
• Identify emerging legal issues and advocate through motion practice.
• Manage and engage expert witnesses and consultants as necessary.
• Negotiate persistently with prosecutors on individual cases.
• Represent clients in hearings across Michigan trial courts.
• Coordinate with SADO’s Project Reentry to create reentry plans for clients.