Great Lakes Wire

Two prosecutors from the Michigan Department of Attorney General have received notable recognition for their work in the legal field. Robyn N. Liddell, Division Chief of the Criminal Trials Division, and Melissa Palepu, Attorney Specialist in Human Trafficking and Child Abuse, were both honored with awards that highlight their professional achievements and service to Michigan residents.

“Robyn and Melissa exemplify the very best of the Department of Attorney General,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “Their tireless work to protect Michigan residents and uphold the law makes a real difference every day, and these honors are well deserved.”

Liddell was named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Class of 2025 “Influential Women of Law.” This award recognizes women attorneys and judges for their commitment to justice, community service, and leadership within the profession. Liddell began her career at the Department in 2014 as an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division. She was promoted to First Assistant Attorney General in 2020 before becoming Division Chief in 2023. Her current responsibilities include investigating and prosecuting complex criminal cases such as sexual assaults, intimate partner violence, police misconduct, and public integrity matters.

Prior to joining the Department of Attorney General, Liddell worked as an Assistant Prosecutor for Washtenaw County, focusing on domestic violence, sex crimes, and child abuse cases. She also provided crisis intervention services at Ann Arbor's Domestic Violence Project. Liddell holds a Bachelor’s degree in African American Studies from Oberlin College and a law degree from Michigan State University Law School.

Melissa Palepu received the International Association of Prosecutors Special Achievement Award for her efforts against child sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Michigan. The award is given to prosecutors who show exceptional dedication under challenging circumstances and whose contributions are recognized internationally.

Palepu has been instrumental in prosecuting human trafficking cases within the Department of Attorney General. She also serves as Chair of the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission. Before her current role, she worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with Wayne County and served as General Counsel for the Wayne County Land Bank. Palepu earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science and History from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.