Pro Bono Spotlight - Susan Kornfield and Justin Bagdady Win Successful Miller Hearing
06/24/25
In January 2025, after 30 years in prison, Mr. James Adrian returned to his community in Ypsilanti to start a new life. Originally sentenced as a juvenile to “life without the possibility of parole,” he had the opportunity to seek a new sentence in light of a Supreme Court decision about the unfairness of mandatory life sentences for most youthful offenders.
Bodman partners Susan Kornfield and Justin Bagdady represented Mr. Adrian pro bono, a process that began in 2012 and included years of travel to numerous prisons, locating witnesses, reviewing extensive proceedings, and live testimony and legal arguments.
Mr. Adrian’s hearing before the trial court was the first of its kind in Washtenaw County. The judge heard about Mr. Adrian’s transformation within the prison system including years of education, practical training, and successful efforts within the prison to reduce violence. Bodman is now representing Mr. Adrian in the formation of a new business focusing on restorative justice, community engagement, violence prevention, and youth mentorship.