LAD Names Thomas "Pro Bono Attorney of the Year"

11/12/2009

Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc., Michigan's oldest and largest provider of free legal services to low-income people, has named Bodman's Michelle T. Thomas its Pro Bono Attorney of the Year for 2009.

Thomas, who is based in the Detroit office, focuses her legal practice in commercial litigation matters.

In its announcement of the award, LAD cited a complex expungement matter Thomas recently handled on behalf of 32-year-old single mother of four children who could not find work due to a criminal conviction. The case was complex because the original probation order required that the mother pay restitution of $5,400. Although a judge later ordered community service in place of the restitution, the Michigan Department of Human Services, through the attorney general's office, had continued to enforce the earlier order and was deducting the restitution payments from the family's benefits. Thomas obtained an order that ended the deductions and secured a refund of past deductions as the client had already completed the community service. After resolving those issues, she successfully argued the client's expungement case. Thomas devoted more than 80 hours to the matter, removing a serious barrier in her client's quest for employment.

Bodman has partnered with LAD for years to provide free legal advice to low-income, predominately minority individuals. According to LAD, Bodman has donated more attorney time to indigent clients through its volunteer programs than any other Michigan law firm.

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