Palestinian-American Attorney Files Lawsuit Against Judges for Alleged Harassment
PLYMOUTH — A Palestinian-American attorney, Sundus Jaber, has filed a federal lawsuit against two judges of the 35th District Court, alleging that she and her clients faced harassment and discrimination. Chief District Judge Ron Lowe and District Judge James Plakas are the main defendants in this case. The judges have stated that they believe evidence will show a different story as the lawsuit moves forward.
The lawsuit, which Jaber filed in March in U.S. District Court, stems from her employment as a public defender at the court, which began in September 2023. On her first day, she claims Judge Lowe told her, “he heard she was a ‘true believer’ who ‘needs to understand that 95% of the people (she) will represent are guilty and if you contest more than 5% of cases, we will boot you out of here.’” Jaber argues that this kind of attitude creates a “bad reputation” for lawyers representing low-income clients.
Located in Plymouth, the 35th District Court serves areas including Plymouth Township, Canton, Northville Township, and Northville. Jaber’s complaint also claims that she experienced frequent harassment from staff associated with Judge Plakas. She alleges that they showed bias against criminal defendants during court proceedings, which Plakas firmly denies, stating that everything in a courtroom is recorded for transparency.
Plakas expressed strong feelings about his role, saying, “I believe I’m a darn good judge. I take what I do seriously and I try to help people who are in front of me.” He indicated that claims against him lack credible evidence, asserting there is no record supporting Jaber’s complaints.
Jaber filed the lawsuit as a last effort to address the situation after initially asking her supervisor, Teresa Patton, to report the treatment of indigent defendants to the appropriate commission. Patton, currently campaigning for a judgeship in the 34th District Court, has also been named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Furthermore, Jaber indicated that after making these complaints, the harassment intensified, and her work hours were cut significantly after she requested an investigation into the judges’ behavior.
“My choice to competently and ethically advocate for my clients resulted in unbearable harassment and my constructive firing,” she stated. Jaber noted that she is currently at the office only to finish existing cases and described her situation as a consequence of speaking out for her clients’ rights. She highlighted that such lawsuits are rare because many fear the repercussions of challenging judges.
Interestingly, Jaber’s journey to becoming an attorney comes from her own past experiences. She mentioned that as a teenager, she was wrongfully convicted of a misdemeanor in a trial overseen by Judge Lowe, an experience that ultimately motivated her to pursue law.
The judges have so far filed motions to dismiss the case, but these have been rejected. An amended complaint is in progress, and the case has been reassigned to District Judge Robert White. Both Lowe and Plakas are confident that the revelations during the discovery phase will vindicate them and show their side of the story.
Jaber is seeking compensation for lost wages and benefits, her reinstatement, along with damages for emotional and mental distress.
