Wayne County attorneys frustrate over missed payments and billing delays

In Michigan, attorneys representing indigent defendants in Wayne County have expressed significant frustration over pending payments for their services. Many have reported substantial amounts of unpaid fees, with one attorney claiming nearly $8,000 in billable hours awaiting approval. The issues began after a shift in the billing system from event-based pay to an hourly rate back in March. Attorney Robyn McCoy, who has not worked with the Wayne County Indigent Defense Services Department since April, stated that the transition introduced added scrutiny, which has made the approval process more tedious and time-consuming. McCoy also emphasized how these delays detrimentally affect their ability to represent clients effectively. Attorney Nicole Saady articulated the broader impact these financial struggles have on their clients, highlighting that many of those being defended by these attorneys cannot afford legal representation. She expressed concern that the inability to secure prompt payment could leave vulnerable defendants without adequate legal support. Additionally, the department's director, Robin Dillard-Russaw, countered that she was unaware of any attorneys owed significant amounts of money and claimed that many of the allegations concerning unpaid fees were unfounded. Despite the assurances from the department, McCoy and her colleagues feel compelled to continue their work in the community, albeit hesitantly. Some attorneys have paused their involvement with new cases, awaiting payments for outstanding invoices, while others have gone inactive or ceased their practices altogether. The ongoing delays in billing not only impact the attorneys financially but also raise concerns about the quality of defense that indigent clients receive. The situation in Wayne County signals a larger issue within public defense systems, where funding and adequate resources are often at the forefront of discussions. Legal representatives are primarily concerned that without resolving these billing disputes effectively, clients may not receive the quality of representation they deserve. They call on the Wayne County Indigent Defense Services to streamline payment processes and ensure timely compensation for attorneys.