Client's habeas claim of ineffective assistance of state appellate counsel prevails in the Sixth Circuit

Client(s) Hardaway, Holland

Jones Day continued its string of appellate pro bono victories with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit's decision in Hardaway v. Robinson. Holland Hardaway was convicted of murder in Michigan state court and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Hardaway maintained his innocence and appealed his conviction through both Michigan and federal courts, but was repeatedly denied relief. After the Michigan federal court denied Hardaway's request for a writ of habeas corpus, Jones Day began representing Hardaway pro bono before the Sixth Circuit. On Hardaway's behalf, Jones Day argued that Hardaway had been denied his right to have his claims heard through a direct appeal in Michigan court due to his counsel's ineffective assistance. In a published opinion issued on April 14, 2011, the Sixth Circuit agreed, and ordered the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus. Jones Day partner Chad Readler and associates Erik Clark and Kurt Copper prepared the briefing on Hardaway's behalf, and Copper presented the oral argument.

Holland Hardaway v. Kenny Robinson, Case No. 08-1156, __F.3d__ (6th Cir. 2011)