Seek Attorney with Experience as Disabilities Advocate

The Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, Inc. (MPAS) has an immediate opening for a full-time attorney with experience representing individuals with disabilities. They are seeking someone with experience in federal, state and administrative law and disability rights law.

Anyone interested can contact Camilia Limas at the MPAS, 4095 Legacy Parkway, Suite 500, Lansing, MI 48911. Her telefax number is 517.487.0827.

Golfers for Justice

More than 140 friends, staff and board members of Legal Aid and Defender defied the threat of rain June 19 to show up for the organization's ninth annual Golf Outing and fundraiser at Links of Novi. By early morning the rain had passed and a beautiful day ensued. Not only was the weather great, but the food and prizes were outstanding, everyone had a great time as usual, and several thousand dollars were raised to provide legal services to the needy.

Top golfers of the day included Tim Igbawua, Duval Benon, Naomi Jenkins, Ronnie Poset, Bruce Binson and Barbara Dent.

Shown here eyeing up a shot is Nathan White, attorney in our Civil Law Group. Nate didn't win anything but he sure looked good.

Thanks again to Tanya Cleveland and her crew for all the hard work.

Pro Bono Award Goes to Edward Hudson

Legal Aid and Defender Association has bestowed its 2007 Pro Bono Service Award on Edward F. Hudson II of Detroit in recognition of his “commitment to assure equal access to justice for all.”

Hudson is an attorney with the firm of Stull PLC, Detroit. Previously, he was a staff attorney for Legal Aid and Defender and United Auto Workers Legal Service Plan, and an associate attorney for Harris, Karsteadt, Jamison & Powers, P.C., Englewood, Colo.

Hudson is a graduate of Duquesne University School of Law, Pittsburgh, Pa., and Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, W.Va. He and his wife, Dr. Heidi M. Hudson, and their two children live in Detroit.

"I feel strange getting this award because what I did is no more than attorneys are supposed to do,” Hudson said. “We are supposed to give back to our community."

Lynda Krupp, managing attorney of Legal Aid and Defender’s Private Attorney Involvement unit, presented the award to Hudson at the annual meeting of the Oakland County Bar Association June 13.

"Ed helped clients at a number of our assisted pro se divorce clinics for indigent residents of Oakland County,” Krupp said. “We conducted these clinics at our Oakland office in Pontiac after the Women's Survival Center there closed last summer. Ed’s work was critical in assuring that Oakland residents could continue receiving these necessary legal services."

Legal Aid and Defender is Michigan’s largest provider of free civil legal services to low-income residents. It serves metropolitan Detroit through its offices in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. It also represents criminal defendants in Wayne County and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Including brief consultations and comprehensive legal services, the public law firm handles some 15,000 legal matters yearly.

“We work with clients in a comprehensive manner, so that as we solve their legal problems, we help solve other problems as well,” said Executive Director Deierdre L. Weir. “We help people rebuild their lives and help families stay together.”

Legal Aid Fights for Residents of Dangerous Apartment Building

Legal Aid and Defender made news recently with a case being handled by the Civil Law Group on behalf of several residents who have been living under deplorable conditions in an apartment house at 53 Marston in Detroit.

Here, attorney Robert Day of the Civil Law Group is being interviewed by TVFox2 reporter Bill Gallagher in front of the apartment building. Behind Day is Gwen Dozier (left) and Michele Hall-Edwards.

Some of the dangerous conditions of the building include a broken alarm system and elevators that do not operate.

Management Institute Spotlight on Performance Appraisals

The Management Institute will re-convene Wednesday, Sept. 12 for a full-day session on how to conduct performance appraisals, including a review of the organization's current performance evaluation forms and procedures. The session will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. All members of the Management Group are required to attend. Lunch will be served.

The Management Institute was established in 2002 to provide continuous professional training and development for managers, supervisors and directors in all of the Law Groups and Defender Offices at Legal Aid and Defender.

Town Hall Meeting Slated for Sept. 19 at New Headquarters

If all goes according to plan, employees will get a sneak preview of Legal Aid and Defender's new headquarters building at 613 Abbott in downtown Detroit when they attend the next Town Hall Meeting, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. The meeting will focus on the relocation from the Penobscot Building and the current Free Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC) to the new location.

"Attendance at the meeting is mandatory," said Deierdre L. Weir, executive director. "We will cover specific plans and procedures regarding the move, and hear from the various subcommittees of the Facilities Planning Committee, as well as from the Fun-raising Committee."

Stand by for further details -- meanwhile mark your calendar for Sept. 19.

More Than 100 Turn Out for Mothers Day Brunch

Keyboardist Pam Wise provided the mellow background sounds.

More than 100 guests turned out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the Detroit Yacht Club to participate in the pre-Mothers Day brunch at the Detroit Yacht Club -- a fundraiser for Legal Aid and Defender's Legal Legacy Campaign. Here are a few early scenes from the enjoyable afternoon.

Theatre Draws 125 Supporters for LAD Campaign

More than 125 supporters turned out at the Detroit Repertory Theatre recently to see a performance of the play "Wrongful Death" and raise funds for the Legal Legacy Campaign of Legal Aid and Defender.

Among the crowd were Ken Till of Redico,

and Deierdre L. Weir, LAD Executive Director.

Managers Confer

Regina Daniels Thomas (left) and Joan Puscas were two members of the Management Grop confering at the recent Management Institute session regarding the organization's future direction.

Federal Defender Officer Manager Carole McQuire listens intently to points being made.

Leaders Recommend New Management-Staff Committee

If there was a singlemost message to come from the January 19 All-Staff Plenary Conference it is that communications between the organization's management and its employees must improve. That issue will be addressed soon as one of the priorities of a new committee comprised of managers and employees to work ways to improve internal communications as well as other concerns employees identified at their conference.

Managing Attorney Richard Helfrick of the Federal Defender Office and Chief Counsel Miriam Siefer of the Federal Defender Office join the discussion on improving employee-management communications.

Managers discussed internal communications in great detail at their recent Management Institute becaause it was identified by staff as being so important. A committee of managers and employees to address this and other issues was also a recommendation from the All-Staff Plenary Conference that was heartily endorsed by the managers.

Management Institute Convenes March 27

Working on a vision statement for Legal Aid and Defender, and reviewing the top 10 skills and knowledge requirements for the future workplace are just two items on the agenda for the upcoming Management Institute Spring Session. .

All members of the Management Group will attend the session Tuesday, March 27noon- 4 p.m. in the 25th floor conference center.

The session will be a follow-up to the February Leadership Conference attended by the management group, and the February 19 plenary conference attended by all staff -- both facilitated by Dr. Brenda Pridgen.

"We will use the information obtained and learned from those two meetings to begin to plot a strategy and vision for moving us forward," says Executive Director Deierdre L. Weir.

At the March 27 session the Management Group will use the issues and concerns raised at both prior sessions to develop recommendations, Weir said. She also urged any employee or manager to bring her any issue to consider at the March 27 session.

Lunch will be served at the March 27 session.

Legal Information in Arabic Moves Forward

For the past several months, a group of Legal Aid and Defender employees have been working on a project that will create a streaming video presented in Arabic on Michigan's statewide legal website assisting residents of Middle Eastern descent in working with local courts.

Two members of that group are attorney Mayada Saroki (left) and Gina Polley, director of government and community affairs, shown here reviewing a draft script for the video.

The project is made possible through a technical initiative grant from Legal Services Corporation.

Employees Briefed on Internal Fundraising

Some 75 Legal Aid and Defender employees attended two sessions March 20 to learn more about their participation in the Legal Legacy Campaign.

The campaign has a goal of $1.5 million in donations and pledges from the entire community over a three-year period to cap off the relocation costs of moving to the organization's new headquarters building at 613 Abbott in downtown Detroit later this year.

Deierdre L. Weir, executive director, and consultant James Yunker were on hand to present details of the campaign and to answer questions.

"The important point we want to stress is that we are asking for 100 percent participation," said Yunker. "When we approach corporations, foundations and law firms they will ask what kind of support are we getting from within the organization and we want to be able to say 100 percent participation from our employees and our board of directors." Asking employees to donate to a campaign of this nature is typical, said Yunker.

Weir stressed that an employee's decision to make a contribution is entirely voluntary and that no employee is required to participate. She said that making a contribution is more important than the actual amount an employee can contribute, so that the organization can demonstrate strong internal support for the project. Employees can pledge to make their contribution over a three-year period, she said.

An internal "fun-raising" committee of employees has already been at work raising money for the Legal Legacy Campaign through social events. So far they have held two successful bowling parties and upcoming events include a theatre party, April 15, Mothers Day brunch, May 6, wine tasting, Oct. 6, and a black tie affair. The committee has set a goal of $100,000 for the campaign.

Employees can contact Evetta Adams regarding any questions about the Legal Legacy Campaign.

Hall-Edwards Speaks at Beaumont Hospital

Michele Hall-Edwards, deputy chief counsel of the Civil Law Group spoke recently to the Diversity Council of Beaumont Hospitals on African-Americans and health care. She discussed the changing demographics of the Metro Detroit area served by both Beaumont and Legal Aid and Defender as it becomes more racially and ethnically diverse.

"Having health care professionals who reflect the diversity of the community we serve helps build trust," she noted. In this photo Hall-Edwards is introduced by Beaumont Director of Diversity Lauren Hill.

Personnel Changes in Civil Law Group

Michelle Johnson (left) and Alicia Skillman

Several changes in the Civil Law Group were announced recently by Michele Hall-Edwards, deputy chief of the group. Effective April 1, Michelle Johnson has been promoted to coordinator of litigation and Alicia Skillman has been promoted to director of the Fair Housing Unit, both reporting to Hall-Edwards.

Several re-assignments will also take place at the same time. Anson Rhodes will be reassigned as a staff attorney in the Detroit-Wayne office. Nathan White will be reassigned as a staff attorney in the Free Legal Aid Clinic. Shalini Nagia and Mark Trombly will be reassigned as staff attorneys in the intake unit. Angenique Smiley will be reassigned as a staff attorney in the Oakland Office.

Johnson joined Legal Aid and Defender as a Civil Law Group staff attorney in 2002, later becoming director of the newly-created Fair Housing Unit. Her experience includes positions as case law editor for Lexis/Nexis and assistant corporation counsel for the city of Detroit. She is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School and earned her B.S. at Eastern Michigan University.

Skillman joined the Civil Law Group as a staff attorney in 2004, after working at several law Detroit area law firms. She earned her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School and her B.S. in business administration from Florida A&M University.

All Staff Invited to Internal Fundraising Information Session Tuesday, March 20

All employees of Legal Aid and Defender will be briefed on the internal fundraising campaign Tuesday, March 20 in the 25th floor conference center. Employees have a choice of attending either a 10 am. or 2:30 p.m. session -- both lasting one hour.

Executive Director Deierdre L. Weir and fundraising consultant James D. Yunker of Smith, Yunker Beers will present information and materials on the campaign and field questions from employees.

"I hope that everyone will attend a session, " said Weir. "We want to make sure everyone understands the campaign, and we want to clear up any questions that people still have about it."

Golf Alert: June 19

We are all looking forward to a great day of golf at The Links of Novi on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 benefiting LAD and its low-income clients, residents of metropolitan Detroit who turn to our experienced lawyers and staff for expert legal advice. Last year, we provided free legal services to more than 20,000 clients in civil and criminal cases.

LAD is one of the oldest (founded in 1909) and largest legal services organizations in the country and The oldest and largest in Michigan. In addition to proceeds from our golf outing and other charitable gifts from individuals, law firms, foundations and corporations, LAD depends upon funding from the Legal Services Corporation, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Michigan State Bar Foundation, City of Detroit, County of Wayne, and the Administrative Offices of the U.S. Courts.

This year is special for LAD, our clients and staff! In the fall, we will cease being a tenant in the Penobscot Building and take ownership of our own building at 613 Abbott in downtown Detroit. This cost-effective decision to better serve our clients, and own rather than rent, culminates years of planning by our board of directors and executive leadership.

Your participation in this year’s golf outing will directly benefit this exciting new chapter in our 98-year history of serving Detroit’s low-income citizens. Proceeds from the golf outing will help purchase of furniture, fixtures and technology for the new building.

We look forward to your support and seeing you on the green, Links of Novi on Tuesday, June 19, 2007. Contact Tanya Cleveland at tcleve@ladadetroit.org for details.

Skills for Future: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

The two most important skills to develop for success are the ability to think critically and solve problems, according to a recent management survey. Legal Aid and Defender's management group was asked recently to rank these and nine other skills in order of importance. The respondent with the best score was Michelle Johnson, managing attorney of the organization's Fair Housing Center.

According to the study the other critical skills in order of importance include the application of information technology, teamwork and collaboration, creativity and innovation, diversity, leadership, oral communications, professionalism and work ethic, ethics and social responsibility, and written communication.

The Management Group's top three are: leadership, teamwork and collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving.

Transformational Change Conference Follow-Up

from Deierdre L. Weir

I would like to thank all of you who participated in the February 19th plenary session with Dr. Brenda Pridgen. In terms of steps for the future, the management staff and I will be meeting March 27 to begin to discuss both the management conference and the February 19 session. We will use the information obtained and learned from the sessions to begin to plot a strategy and vision for moving us forward.

To ensure that we have as much information as possible, at the end of the plenary session, four groups were given a particular 'issue' to discuss and formulate recommendations. It would be most appreciated if the scribe/secretary for those four groups would send me a copy of their 'issue,' as well as their recommendations. I would like to incorporate those thoughts/ideas in our forward planning.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the conferences or steps planned for the future, please feel free to contact me directly at extension 6341 or dweir@ladadetroit.org

Federal Chief on Hand for McCree Award

Federal Chief Defender Miriam L. Siefer (third left) was on hand recently at the Federal Bar Association's meeting where it presented the 2007 Wade McCree Award for the Advancement of Social Justice to Fr. Norman P. Thomas (left), pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Detroit. U.S. District Court Judge Arthur J. Tarnow is between Fr. Thomas and Siefer. At right is Kevin Boyle, professor of history at Ohio State University and author of "Arch of Justice: A Saga of Race, Civil Rights and Murder in the Jazz Age," and keynote speaker at the bar meeting.

Photo by John Meiu

Legal Aid Will Help Ex-Offenders Get Started

Legal Aid and Defender recently signed agreements with the Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative to provide legal information and assistance to ex-offenders re-entering communities in Oakland and Wayne counties.

The goal of the MPRI is to create safer neighborhoods and better citizens by giving returning ex-offenders the critical information and guidance that they need to prepare themselves to become productive and valuable members of our society.

Legal Aid and Defender will provide in both counties legal services to MPRI clients in the areas of identification restoration, child custody, fatherhood responsibility, and other areas that provide legal expertise as identified by MPRI. The organization has provided similar services through MPRI in Macomb County for the past year.

"Our initial grants for these efforts are small," says Civil Law Chief Joan Glanton Howard. "But we have our foot in the door and are hopeful that we will expand the effort in the next round of funding for MPRI."

For more information click here.

Managers Learn 8 Domains of Leading Change

If there's one thing every member of the Management Group took away from the Transformational Change Conference Feb. 8-9 it was the eight domains of leading change. These were the fulcrum of Dr. Brenda Pridgen's message as she led the group through an intense day-and-a-half of sessions about how to manage and lead an organization through an ever-changing future.


Mark Montgomery and Shirley Whitsitt

For the curious, the eight domains are: 1. increase urgency. 2. build a guiding team. 3. get the vision right. 4. communicate for buy-in. 5. empower action. 6. create short-term wins. 7. don't let up. 8. make change stick.


For more information on the conference, contact your manager or chief.

Welcome to Our New Blog

by Deierdre Weir, Executive Director

There's been so much going on recently at Legal Aid and Defender that we have definitely needed a way to improve communications between and among law groups and defender offices, and among all of us as individuals. This need became even more apparent at our recent Leadership Conference and Staff Plenary Conference. At both events, we heard from ourselves that the organization needed better communications and we heard from Dr. Brenda Pridgeon that you can never communicate too much. "Communicate lavishly," she said.

A blog seemed the quickest way to respond to this need. A blog is easy and fast, and can be updated daily if needed. It will also allow individuals to comment on individual posted items or have their own items posted. Guidelines for posting appear elsewhere on the blog. I only ask that we exercise good taste, restraint and civility. This will give everyone an opportunity to be heard on any subject pertaining to Legal Aid and Defender.

So let's have at it, and happy blogging!

Get Your Surveys In!

Earlier this week each employee received a brief survey regarding safety and security issues at our new 613 Abbott location. If you have not done so already, please return yours as soon as possible.

Group Continues to Prepare for Big Move

The Facilities Planning Committee met again yesterday to review the status of various projects related to Legal Aid and Defender's upgoing move from the Penobscot Building to 613 Abbott scehduled for November 2007.

Many concerns are being taken up by the group including technology, furnishings and equpment, parking, safety and security, and the phycial relocation of the organization.

Employees interested in participating in the committee can contact Deierdre Weir at dweir@ladadetroit.org

SEARCHING FOR MOTHER OF THE YEAR!

PRE-MOTHER’S DAY AWARD LUNCHEON

Please tell us in one page or less why your “Special Mom”, Mother, Grandmother, God parent, Step parent, Aunt, Sister, Cousin, Mentor, or Mother Figure should be Mother of the Year! Submit your entry form with a non-refundable registration fee of $10.00.

If selected, your special Mom or Mother Figure will be invited to the Detroit Yacht Club for lunch with three of her special guests, and become part of a special Mother’s Day tribute that will include a certificate and award for “Mother of the Year”, (4) AMC Gold Movie Passes good anytime and a featured photo in The Detroit Legal News. The theme this year is, “The Mixing Bowl; Mixing Motherhood and Careers” featuring special guests panelists.

Contact Tanya Cleveland at tcleveland@ladadetroit.org or 313-965-9419 extension 1-6340.

Submitted By

Name___________________________________________________Relationship___________________
Address__________________________________City____________State___Zipcode_______________
Telephone Number ( ) _________________________Alternate Number________________________

I nominate_________________________________________________________________for Mother of the Year because ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Continue on additional sheet of paper
$10.00 Application Fee Deadline Date April 15, 2007

All Checks Payable to: Legal Aid and Defender Association 645 Griswold Street, Suite 3466

Detroit, Michigan 48226
Debit/Credit Cards Also Accepted
Master Card Credit Card Number____________________________________________Exp._______________
Visa Authorized Signature______________________________________________________________
American Express Verification Code ________ (Last 3 Digits on Back of Card) Amount $_______________________
Souvenir Photo $12.00 Each
Luncheon Tickets $40.00 Each

For additional information contact Tanya Cleveland or Evetta Adams at (313) 965-9419 Ext. 16341 or 16342 or Fax (313) 965-9694

Committee Members Sought

There are several openings on the facilities planning committee. If you are interested please contact our executive director, Deierdre Weir at dweir@ladadetroit.org . This is your chance to get involved with the upcoming move and have a say in how we get the job done.

Fall 2007 Target for Move

Detroit-based Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc., one of the nation’s oldest and largest providers of legal services to low income citizens, has announced its purchase of a six-story 78,000 sq. ft. building located at 613 Abbott in downtown Detroit.

The building will become Legal Aid and Defender’s new headquarters when it takes occupancy in October 2007, housing most of its 180 attorneys and support staff who provide a wide range of civil legal services as well as represent defendants in criminal matters in state and federal courts. The organization serves some 20,000 clients annually.

The property also includes twp parking lots with 74-spaces adjacent to the building and a 6500 sq. ft. single story annex building.

Currently Legal Aid and Defender occupies six floors of the Penobscot Building at 645 Griswold St. in downtown Detroit. The organization also has offices in Clinton Township and Pontiac serving clients in Macomb and Oakland counties, and an office on the campus of Wayne State University. The organization serves clients in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties and the city of Detroit.

Located on the western edge of downtown on the corner of Abbott and Third Street, the building was purchased from the Walbridge Aldinger Company, a prominent Detroit construction firm that currently occupies all but two floors of the building.

Deierdre L. Weir, executive director of Legal Aid and Defender, stressed that the decision to relocate was based on the organization’s strategy to build long-term financial security, the desire to own its own headquarters and to accommodate growth.

“We have grown significantly in recent years and have outgrown our space in the Penobscot Building,” said Deierdre L. Weir, executive director of Legal Aid and Defender.

“About two years ago, with our continuing growth, it became apparent that it made more economic sense to own our own building, rather than continue leasing space,” Weir added.

That’s when the organization began looking at properties for sale in the downtown area suitable for the organization, said Weir.

“We wanted to stay downtown because the courts and other services are here, and we looked at several options before the Walbridge property became available,” she said. The location is ideal for Legal Aid and Defender for several reasons, according to Weir.

“The most critical advantage is that it will turn a large annual rent payment into a mortgage payment and this will create growing equity, eventual ownership of a major downtown property, and free up funds to serve more clients,” said Weir.

The new location is more convenient for clients and staff, according to Weir. On-site parking will be easy for clients, visitors and staff, and affordable metered parking is available on adjacent streets she said.

“Having our own building in a highly visible location will be easier for clients to find, and it will give the organization a higher profile in the community,” said Weir.

The building will also consolidate all employees in a central location rather than have them scattered on six different floors of an office tower, she added.

“The 613 Abbott building will be operationally more cost-efficient because our different law groups and departments can share common meeting rooms, reception areas and technology,” said Weir.

The move will also benefit legal services in Macomb and Oakland counties, and western Wayne County, all part of the organization’s service area, according to Weir. “The efficiencies created by being in our own building will add capacity that can be used to improve service to clients in Macomb and Oakland counties,” she said.