MSU COL: State Appellate Defenders Office and the Michigan Indigent Defense Council

Project Description

Project Description

***THIS PROJECT IS FOR FALL 2026 1L MSU COLLEGE OF LAW STUDENTS ONLY***

Access to Justice issues will be discussed at all sites.  Some sites require participants to pass through security protocols, including metal detectors.  If you are visiting one such site, you may need to remove belts, jewelry/watches, cell phones, and bags may be searched.  Travel lightly to promote ease of entry.  

We recommend all participants wear their Foundations Week Polo shirts and business casual pants (not shorts nor jeans). 

All participants must check-in at the welcome event held in the Hannah Community Center.  All transportation will depart from the Hannah Community Center. and you must check in to receive your confirmed site, bus number and table assignment.

Schedule for the Day

9:00–9:30 a.m.           Check-in/Coffee and Snacks               Hannah Community Center.

9:30–10:00 a.m.         Program                                               Hannah Community Center.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Access to Justice Day Site Visits        Community, Various

1:00–3:00 p.m.           Lunch & Reflection                             Hannah Community Center.

Project Date

August 27, 2026

Project Coordinator

Audra Foster

audra.foster@law.msu.edu

517-432-6810  

 

Community Partner - State Appellate Defenders Office

About State Appellate Defenders Office

Mission and Values

Our Mission

Fighting injustice through access, advocacy, compassion, and education.

Our Values

Freedom

We address injustices and failures in the criminal legal system and strive to right systemic wrongs, achieve redemption, center human dignity, and help those we represent to reclaim their lives.

Inclusivity

We are a diverse group with varying ideas, beliefs, experiences, and abilities. We are committed to being open, welcoming, and supportive of all people.

Empathy

We work to understand the lived experiences and perspectives of others and to relate to our colleagues and those we represent.

Respect

We treat each other and the people we represent with appreciation and dignity and approach interactions with maturity, understanding, and open-mindedness. We are honest, ethical, and accurate in the messages we share with the world, each other, and the people we represent. We believe in each other and believe that each of us is motivated to act in the best interest of the team and the people we represent.

Community

We work to build fellowship, trust, and understanding with each other so we can be better for the people we represent and for the external community. Together, we recognize and acknowledge difficulties and we celebrate and champion successes.

Excellence

We are committed to doing our best and to continually learning and improving our skills. We are passionate about our work. We are motivated to reach our full potential and to work with others to transform the legal system through passionate, thoughtful, and tenacious advocacy. We innovate, generate new possibilities, and strive to transcend what has always been.

Website: https://www.sado.org/