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Public Defender Office to add three attorneys as MIDC monitors caseloads
Summary
Chief Public Defender Scott Sanford told the Berrien County Administration Committee that the MIDC is requiring monthly caseload reports and asking that attorneys not be assigned new cases once their caseload reaches the MIDC standard; Sanford said the office expects three new attorneys after the July bar results.
At the May 28 Berrien County Administration Committee meeting, Chief Public Defender Scott Sanford told commissioners the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) is asking the office to guarantee that "once the attorney’s caseload reaches the max that the MIDC has declared as the standard, that they would not be given any cases." Sanford said the MIDC is also requesting monthly caseload numbers and that he will continue to work with the MIDC Regional Office on that requirement.
Sanford said staffing pressures remain acute but he expects relief this summer: "they are expecting three new attorneys on staff following passing of the BAR this July," which he said would bring the office much closer to filling vacancies. To help recruit, Sanford said he has spoken with the Chamber about relocation incentives that could be shared with other entities seeking attorneys.
Sanford emphasized the staffing shortage is not solely a Berrien County problem but a nationwide issue, and said he will continue to provide caseload data to the MIDC as requested. No formal action was taken at the meeting; Sanford said he will keep the committee informed of recruitment progress and any further direction from MIDC.
