Neuhard retires as appellate defender
The Appellate Defender Commission accepted on January 4, 2011, the resignation and retirement of James R. Neuhard, Director of the State Appellate Defender Office (SADO). Neuhard directed the statewide office, which provides appellate representation to indigent criminal appellants, since September 6, 1974. SADO has been recognized as one of the nation’s premier public defense offices, receiving the prestigious Clara Foltz Award from the ABA in 2009. Neuhard has received numerous awards based on his leadership, including the Michigan Lawyers Weekly recognition as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2009.
“We wish Jim well in his retirement, and thank him for his inspired leadership, and many years of service to the State of Michigan and clients of SADO,” said Donald Martin, Chair of the Appellate Defender Commission. The Commission appointed Dawn Van Hoek, SADO’s Chief Deputy, to serve as Acting Director pending a decision on Neuhard’s permanent replacement. The Commission is a statutory body comprised of Governor’s appointees, overseeing both SADO and the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System.
U.S. high court rejects appeal from lawyer who is ‘birther’ leader
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from a lawyer who has been in the forefront of the challenge to President Barack Obama’s citizenship.
The high court on Monday did not comment in refusing to hear the appeal filed by California lawyer Orly Taitz. She was contesting a $20,000 fine for filing what a federal judge determined was a frivolous lawsuit.
The suit was filed for Army Capt. Connie Rhodes, who sought to avoid deployment to Iraq by claiming Obama wasn’t born in the United States and thus, is ineligible to be president and commander in chief.
“Birthers” claim Obama cannot prove he was born in the United States. Many of the skeptics contend he was born in Kenya — his father’s home country. Obama was born in Hawaii.
SBM Representative Assembly accepting nominations for awards
Nominations are being accepted for two State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly awards. The Michael Franck Award is given annually to an attorney who has made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of the legal profession. The Unsung Hero Award is presented to a lawyer who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others.
Nominees for both awards must be members in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan. Candidate contributions may have been made during the past year or by virtue of cumulative effort or service. Nominations should include sufficient details about the nominee’s accomplishments. The Assembly’s Nominating and Awards Committee will review the applications and make a recommendation to the Representative Assembly. The nomination deadline is Friday, March 1, 2011. Online applications are accepted at www.michbar.org/programs/eventsawards.cfm. Nominations can also be mailed to:
Ms. Anne M. Smith, Representative Assembly Awards, State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend Street, Lansing MI 48933-2012.
Further information on Representative Assembly awards can be found at the State Bar of Michigan website, www.michbar.org, or by calling (517) 346-6374 or (800) 968-1442 ext. 6374.
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