Alumni, students, and friends are invited to learn more about the Wayne Law and School of Social Work partnership on the Holistic Defense initiative, featuring Dan Ellman, Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of Externships (Law School), and Athena Kheibari, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Holistic Defense Coordinator (School of Social Work).

Wayne Law and the School of Social Work's Holistic Defense initiative: Virtual Lunch Talk

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. EDT (via Zoom)

About the Holistic Defense Initiative Virtual Lunch Talk: Holistic defense is a multifaceted approach to legal representation that recognizes the many social and legal challenges that can drive an individual into the criminal legal system, and the collateral or enmeshed consequences that may result from an individual's contact with the system. These potential consequences include effects on a person's immigration status, housing and employment opportunities, access to public benefits, mental health and substance use, and the custody of children.

Historically, Michigan has long struggled to provide high-quality legal defense to indigent persons. Recently, though, a reform movement has swept the state with a particular emphasis on improving holistic services. Recognizing the ability to contribute, in 2021, Wayne Law and the School of Social Work unveiled the Holistic Defense initiative, a unique, interdisciplinary partnership in which law and social work students practice holistic defense at one of the initiatives' placement sites, and study-related concepts in the classroom. During this virtual event, the presenters will discuss the concept of holistic defense, and share how Wayne and its students are making substantial contributions to improving client representation in the criminal legal system.

This event is virtual (Zoom) and login details will be shared with registered guests ahead of the event.