The IDSO takes seriously its obligation under MIDC Standard 7 to conduct periodic performance evaluations of the attorneys on our appointment roster. We expect every attorney to support our mission of providing competent, caring, and effective legal representation to their clients.

Attorneys will be evaluated on several "core competency" areas. Those can be seen here:

• Core Competency Areas

In evaluating these core competency areas, the IDSO will use the National Legal Aid & Defender Association Performance Guidelines for Criminal Defense Representation. The IDSO has made some modifications to these guidelines to align with Michigan legal standards. Those modifications are contained in this document:

• Performance Guidelines

The following document contains some guidance on the various areas the IDSO considers when evaluating an attorney's performance during a court proceeding:

• Proceeding Considerations

Attorneys will be asked to complete the following "self assessment" document prior to their evaluation:

• Attorney Report

The IDSO may also send a "stakeholder" survey to other criminal legal system actors, including judges and prosecutors:

• Stakeholder Survey

Attorneys who have been newly admitted to Oakland County's roster should review the following protocol document for a basic outline of the common progression of most felony cases in our system:

• Protocol Document for New Attorneys

If you would like to file a formal complaint against an attorney, please use this form. Please read all of the instructions on this form before submitting it:

• Attorney Complaint Form