Amy Campanelli - Director of Public Defender's Office Muskegon County

In this in-depth episode of Muskegon County Municipalities at Work, DJ Hilson interviews Amy Campanelli, Director of the Muskegon County Public Defender’s Office, who shares her powerful journey from leading reform efforts in Cook County to implementing holistic defense in Muskegon. Campanelli discusses her passion for treating clients as whole people, not just cases—emphasizing trauma-informed legal advocacy, wraparound services, and strong community partnerships. She highlights the importance of therapeutic courts, the impact of interns in her office, the evolving perception of public defenders, and her commitment to community outreach through efforts like the July 12th expungement clinic. This conversation offers a compelling look into how Muskegon’s public defense system is leading with compassion, justice, and a client-centered approach.

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