The Michigan Appellate Defender Commission honored Jessica Newton, SADO Assistant Defender in the JLU, as the 2024 recipient of the Norris Thomas Award for excellence in advocacy. Jessica (or “Lionel Jessi” as she is known in some circles) received her bachelor’s degree with Honors from Michigan State University and her Juris Doctor Degree Magna Cum Laude with a Certificate of Concentration in Social Justice Advocacy from Stetson University College of Law.

In 2016, Jessica came to SADO to work in mitigation at the newly formed Juvenile Lifer Unit. Later, Jessica became an Assistant Defender in the Direct Appeals division of SADO, but when a retirement created a void in the attorney staff of the JLU, Jess returned to the Unit.

As a lawyer and advocate, Jess is relentlessly client-centered and an advocate of the highest caliber. One of the individuals who nominated her for the award said, “Jessica is a brilliant, passionate advocate who goes above and beyond in every case. She cares deeply about her clients and keeps them informed and involved at every step of the process.”

Jessica is always ready to share her knowledge of juvenile lifer issues with others and goes above and beyond in providing training with her extensive knowledge of Michigan Department of Corrections records, policy directives, and more. She mentors new attorneys in the Unit and is an outstanding colleague in every way.

Jessica has litigated in courts throughout the state and has been instrumental in securing relief for dozens of people serving unconstitutional mandatory life without parole sentences for offenses committed as youth. In August, Jessica secured release for an individual who had been incarcerated for 57 years. You can read more about Jessica here. 

Congratulations, Jessica, and thank you!

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