MDefenders Data for Defenders curates a public database to promote evidence-based advocacy & provide defenders with model briefs & motions that incorporate cutting-edge social science research into criminal defense advocacy #d4d datafordefenders.org

MDefenders Alumni Network more than 400 alumni working in indigent defense in 30+ different states. With alumni listerv, monthly newsletters, annual reunions & Zoom sessions, we keep our alumni connected & help them grow as advocates & raise level of representation nationwide

MDefenders Career Support with job resources & mentorship to Michigan Law students interested in public defense. 1on1s with faculty with public defender experience to discuss types of indigent defense & application strategy for specific offices & roles, & a PD OCI recruiting week

MDefenders Public Defender Training Institute 3L course immersion IRL of public defense & trains trial ready defenders. Intensive simulations with PDs & focus on selfcare PDTI teaches essential skills to disempower unjust punishment systems & to care for self while helping others

First up, MDefenders has a faculty sponsored student org that hosts weekly events designed to create community and introduce students to public defense and criminal legal system reform through speakers, panels, faculty and student-led discussions, social gatherings, and trainings

MDefenders is a faculty-led initiative at Michigan Law that combines education, student advising, mentorship, and national engagement to strengthen public defense and advance justice. MDefenders has five key components and this week we’ll highlight a bit about each

New year, same us, new spaces. MDefenders is now on BlueSky, LinkedIn, and X and our student group is on Insta. And we have a new website! Follow us as we train and inspire the next gen of zealous, client-centered Public Defenders #introduction michigan.law.umich.edu/mdefenders