Public Defender Receives Prestigious Award

Lloyd E. Powell, Washtenaw County Public Defender, was presented with the prestigious Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Servant Award at the Annual State Bar of Michigan Meeting. 
 
Here are highlights from the nomination letter submitted by Sheila Blakney, Senior Assistant Public Defender:

 "In his capacity as Public Defender, Lloyd has worked tirelessly to promote a better understanding of our Constitution and Bill of Rights.  He sees his work as a calling, not as a career choice.  He is wholly committed to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and views them as “the bedrock of our country".  As a result, he has provided his time and talents to community groups throughout Washtenaw County by appearing and organizing community meetings, as well as speaking to churches and schools, from elementary through law school, about our justice system.  The importance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights in our justice system is always emphasized and as a result, he has fostered a better understanding and appreciation for the rule of law and instilled a greater respect for law and the courts, while inspiring a deeper sense of individual responsibility. He makes sure that every business card given out by any staff member also contains information about an individual’s legal rights and responsibilities."

"Lloyd has worked very closely with police departments throughout Washtenaw County to promote awareness and education about racial profiling, advocating a race neutral approach.  In the past, he did a presentation on bias awareness before every shift of the City of Ann Arbor Police Department for a twenty-four hour period.  For over nine years, Lloyd has presented a public forum during the Washtenaw County Bar Association Bias Awareness Week on "Enhancing Police and Community Trust" (ENPACT).  He has garnered the support and participation of virtually every police agency working within Washtenaw County.  At ENPACT, a representative from each agency interacts with community members at this yearly gathering, exchanging ideas and information as well as making law enforcement aware of problems or issues within their particular community or the county as a whole. [Note: ENPACT is on October 21 this year] Lloyd also became an early member and advocate of ALPACT, "Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust", a multi-county taskforce that is quite active in engendering police and community participation to foster trust and awareness."

"Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie has described Lloyd as a "foot soldier for the Constitution" and noted that Lloyd has spent his entire life in public service.  Lloyd's father was a minister and he learned early on that we are here to serve.  Prosecutor Mackie further characterized Lloyd as a "joyous crusader for justice" stating:  "Lloyd is always on the correct side of social issues and tirelessly believes in a person or a cause.  You  can't have an event where children want a speaker or kids need money for a program that Lloyd isn't  there.  Many kids go to an event because Lloyd bought tickets.  If invited to speak to support a cause,  especially if kids need a break, Lloyd will help.  Lloyd will be there.  He talks to new lawyers and helps  them navigate the system.  He always helps with a real passion.  He believes that this is the greatest  country on earth but that it can be made better""

View the entire nomination letter.

Congratulations to our Public Defender, Lloyd E. Powell.