Pro Bono Gateway
Due to current closures and restrictions, please contact organizations directly to confirm that clinics/events are moving forward as planned.
Sign up to volunteer on your own time with our new Detroit Bar Association Virtual Legal Clinic starting in January!
Here’s the form to complete: Detroit Legal Services Virtual Clinic Attorney Volunteer Registration Form.
Through referrals from the Detroit Bar website, our collaboration with the Wayne County Third Circuit Court Family Division, the 36th District Court and other organizations, potential clients will be directed to complete an online intake form identifying their legal issue. The Detroit Bar Detroit Legal Services Clinic (DLSC) will then provide the information from the intake to you, as a volunteer attorney, so you can reach out to the client to schedule a virtual consultation.
Virtual consultations can be scheduled in the evenings, on weekends, or at any mutually convenient time for you and the client. The consultations can be held via Zoom, Skype, Facetime, phone, email or text, and should last no more than one (1) hour. We do ask that you complete a brief online summary of the service provided, similar to the in-person clinics, to assist the DBA in continuing to improve the DLSC.
This clinic is advice and counsel only, and you will have access to various resources to assist you during your consultation.
The Detroit Bar needs you, our community needs you, volunteer now!
Julie VanHove
jvanhove@detroitlawyer.org
313-961-6120 ext. 210
FOR CLIENTS: Click here to schedule a virtual legal consultation.
http://michiganlegalhelp.org/self-help-tools (Michigan Legal Help -- self-help resources by legal topic)
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch
/0,1607,7-132-4645---,00.html
(State of Michigan Vital Records Office)
http://www.law.msu.edu/clinics/rhc/resources.html (Tenants’ Rights Manual)
Landlord-Tenant FAQs and Reminders (Word Document)
ictcourt.org/ (36th District Court, which includes online case search which shows all types of cases, including traffic and parking tickets)
https://www.3rdcc.org/ (Wayne County Circuit Court)(allows access to Friend of the Court information, case search, and forms)
http://courts.mi.gov/administration/scao/forms/pages/search-for-a-form.aspx (compilation of Michigan approved court forms)
Pro Bono Clean Slate Expungement Contact Information (PDF)
Eviction Cases - Help Needed!
To volunteer, contact Michelle Erickson
merickson@lakeshorelegalaid.org
313-242-0811 Ext. 1303
https://lakeshorelegalaid.org/pro-bono-legal-services/
Additional resources:
- United Community Housing Coalition and Michigan Legal Services hotline: 313.355.3352
- Lakeshore Legal Aid hotline: 888.783.8190
- Legal Aid and Defender: 313.967.5800
- Michigan Department of Human Services:
- Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency: 313.388.9799
- United Community Housing Coalition: 313.355.3352
American Bar Association Coronavirus (COVID) Task Force resource materials:
State Bar of Michigan Covid-19 Rapid Response Helpline
https://www.michbar.org/alawyerhelps/rapidresponsehelplne
Premier Providers
Lakeshore Legal Aid is a not-for-profit law firm providing legal representation for qualifying low-income people in Family Law, Consumer, Housing, Estate Planning, Expungements and Driver’s License Restoration.
https://lakeshorelegalaid.org/pro-bono-legal-services/
Michelle Erickson
merickson@lakeshorelegalaid.org
313-242-0811 Ext. 1303
Lakeshore is seeking volunteer attorneys to assist with eviction cases in the 36th District Court in Detroit. When the eviction moratorium is lifted and courts begin to hear cases remotely, we expect to be inundated with cases and clients who need representation. With the high volume of cases expected, we need volunteers to provide legal advice, negotiate on behalf of clients, and provide direct representation.
In preparation for this work, please complete a series of three webinars designed to prepare you for
- Eviction Defense Representation,
- Working with Poverty Clients, and
- Representing Clients in Zoom hearings.
The trainings are accessible on our portal, along with a wide range of other resources to assist you. Once you confirm your ability to assist the link to the portal along with the login information will be sent to you.
Please confirm your ability to commit to assisting us with our efforts, including whether you are available for in-person hearings, remote representation, or both by responding to Michelle Erickson at merickson@lakeshorelegalaid.org.
At this time it is unclear how 36th District Court plans to reopen and whether or not it will include in person hearings. We will take all measures necessary to ensure the safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff during this time.
We greatly appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Since 2003, the Committee on Justice Initiatives (CJI) has continued to promote the effective delivery of high-quality legal services to all Michigan citizens, reducing barriers to the justice system so that it is strong, equal, and fair. The many accomplishments of the CJI over the past 14 years are the result of hard-working volunteers, dedicated to access to justice for all.
Pro bono attorneys can assist with providing initial advice and brief service at LAD’s office on a variety of legal civil matters and/or at outreach clinic. LAD provides direct hands on training, mentoring and support for all attorney volunteers.
Caroline Bermudez Jomaa
cbjomaa@ladadetroit.org
Phone: (313) 967-5636
Provides free and low cost mediation and facilitation and relies on volunteers in many cases.
Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center is offering upcoming mediation training in both General Civil Mediator Training (April 2021) as well as Domestic Relations Mediator Training (May 2021). Please visit www.wcdrc.org to learn more and sign up! Additional training will be offered later this year.
Already a certified mediator? The Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center and your community needs you! Volunteer opportunities to mediate civil and domestic cases virtually via Zoom are available. Please reach out to Executive Director Zeina Baydoun to learn more.
For those attorneys who have taken mediation training but not mediated cases in a while, the WCDRC can help! Opportunities to observe, co-mediate, etc are available as well as fulfilling continuing education and other requirements.
General Civil Mediation Training PDF
Domestic Relations Mediation Training and Domestic Violence Screening Training PDF
Zeina Baydoun, Executive Director WCDRC
zbaydoun@mediation-wayne.org.
313-561-3500 ext. 311
313-561-3500
Recurring Opportunities
Helps low income taxpayers resolve their disputes with the IRS through written and telephone advocacy. Our pro bono attorneys respond to audits, file appeals, advocate for collections alternatives and represent clients before the U.S. Tax Court.
- Intake Specialist
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) Intake Specialists are responsible for preparing quality intakes for taxpayers who need help resolving a tax problem. LITC Intake Specialists will work with clients over the phone to make sure they have all of the necessary information, complete the intake packets, and guide them through the LITC process to make sure they feel comfortable and understand their rights as taxpayers. - Tax Resolution Specialist
If you are a CPA, attorney, or Enrolled Agent, you can help individuals who have disputes with the IRS settle their claims. Our clients need expertise and representation to make appeals, settle disputes, and untangle cases of identity fraud. You can be one of these critical subject matter experts.
http://accountingaidsociety.org/
volunteer@accountingaidsociety.org
313-556-1920
Access Community Health and Research CEnter is sponsoring two new programs where volunteer attorneys are needed.
Victims of Torture Program - an intense outpatient mental health progam that helps survivors integrate back into their communities.
Victims of Crime Act Program - proivides services and assistance to more than 2500 victims since 2007, helping with mental health recovery.
Legal services for both programs include general legal advice and assistance in completing forms. Issues may include immigration, social security disability divorce and applying for victims compensation.
Volunteer attorneys will be provided training.
This is an ongoing opportunity. Please contact Meredith Steih
mailto:msteih@accesscommunity.org
313-550-2293 for further scheduling information.
ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services) has been serving the community for more than 47 years. Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers ACCESS was created to assist the Arab immigrant population adapt to life in the United States. ACCESS’ ability to assist, improve, and empower those in need rests with the support of the community.
2651 Saulino Court
Dearborn, MI 48120
https://www.accesscommunity.org/
Merideth Steih
msteih@accesscommunity.org
Phone: (313) 297-4533
(CSK) Legal Clinic provides an opportunity for guests of CSK to meet one-on-one with attorneys to address the legal issues contributing to their homelessness. The CSK Clinic takes place at 1264 Meldrum in Detroit on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
www.cskdetroit.org
Kim Paulson
kpaulson@bodmanlaw.com
The mission of First Step is to eliminate both domestic and sexual violence and to provide comprehensive services to individuals and families impacted by these crimes. Survivors of domestic and sexual violence can receive First Step services such as emergency shelter, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, medical, housing, and legal advocacy, and referrals. Legal clinics and direct referrals are available for First Step clients. All of First Step's services are free, comprehensive, confidential, and accessible through First Step's 24-Hour Helpline at 734-722-6800.
Laura Markward
Community Response Program Coordinator
lmarkward@firststep-mi.org
734-713-0672
Jeni Hooper
Community Response Program Coordinator
jhooper@firststep-mi.org
734-656-0727
734-713-0670
734-722-6800
Freedom House Detroit is a temporary home for indigent survivors of persecution from around the world who are seeking asylum in the United States and Canada. Guided by our belief that all persons deserve to live free from oppression and to be treated with justice, compassion and dignity, we offer a continuum of care and services to our residents as well as to other refugees in need. We advocate for systemic change that more fully recognizes the rights of asylum seekers.
2630 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit, MI 48216-2019
www.freedomhousedetroit.org
Marie Nelson, Senior Attorney
mnelson@freedomhousedetroit.org
(313) 964-4320 x 16
The International Institute is dedicated to working with foreign-born and with all Americans in the constant task of solving social problems, acculturation, education and acceptance.
Recurring need every Thursday at 111 E. Kirby for experienced volunteer immigration attorneys for our walk-in immigration legal services.
Robert Sullivan
resulliv@umich.edu
(313) 871-8600 ext. 229
The Joseph Project is a nonprofit organization that connects human trafficking survivors with pro bono legal services. It is inspired by the Biblical account of one of history's earliest recorded survivors, who transitioned from exploitation to empowerment.
Nate Knapper
Founder & CEO
The Joseph Project
248.497.0444
josephproject.com
nate@josephproject.com
Amanda Paletz, Esq.
Legal Coordinator
The Joseph Project
248.274.6643
josephproject.com
amanda@josephproject.com
Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development, Inc. (LA SED) has served residents of Southwest Detroit since 1969. LA SED assists people of all ages with variety of services. . At LA SED, we believe that by work together we can make a difference.
4138 W Vernor Hwy
Detroit, MI 48209-2145
www.lasedinc.org
Mary Carmen Munoz
mcmunoz@lasedinc.org
(313) 554-2025
Founded by the Mack Avenue Community Church in 2010, MACC Development is one of the most innovative nonprofits in Detroit. MACC Development exists to seek the holistic revitalization of Detroit’s 48214 zip code, block by block, neighbor by neighbor.
7900 Mack Ave.
Detroit, MI 48214
https://www.maccdevelopment.com
Kimberly Chadwick
legal@mackave.com
313-732-9302 x3
Michigan Community Resources provides an array of services to support organizations that serve low-income communities. Our flagship program is the Pro Bono Legal Assistance Program. This leverages the support of volunteer business attorneys to provide transactional legal services to qualified nonprofits.
Neighborhood Legal Services is conducting its elder law workshop virtually via Zoom. The "First Tuesday" workshop is offered the First Tuesday of every month starting at 2pm. Those who wish to volunteer should call the office at 313-937-8291 and ask for Erin Peets.
Clinic is conducted every 1st Tuesday of the month. The clinic runs from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. They also have volunteer opportunities in the office on a daily basis to meet client need. Please contact:
Erin Peets
Erma Yarbrough Thomas
313-937-8291
Free clinics are available to all Pope Francis Center guests on a rotating basis. This includes legal advocacy.
438 St. Antoine Street, Detroit, MI 48226
www.popefranciscenter.org
Anne Blake
Anne@popefranciscenter.org
313.964.2823
The Ruth Ellis Center is a Detroit area social services agency that serves the needs of runaway, homeless and at-risk lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. Among their services are a drop-in center, Street Outreach Program, transitional living programs, and emergency housing shelter.
77 Victor St
Highland Park, MI 48203-3127
Ruthelliscenter.org
Pamela Alexander
Pamela.alexander@ruthelliscenter.org
Phone: (313) 252-1950
The Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center provides free and low-cost legal services to those who can least afford them. Issues include immigration, family, landlord, traffic and others.
Southwest Legal Clinic - 2826 Bagley, Detroit
Wednesday noon - 7:00 p.m.
Eastside Legal Project - 15491 Maddelein St., Detroit
Thursday - noon - 5:00 p.m.
For more information go to: www.detimmigrantcenter.com
To volunteer go to: info@detimmigrantcenter.com or call 313-437-1550
The Maurice and Jane Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing advocacy and support to poor and working people on important societal issues with national impact.
4605 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
www.sugarlaw.org
Tony Paris
tparis@sugarlaw.org
313-993-4505
Offers assistance for parties without attorneys. Must apply through website:
http://www.mieb.uscourts.gov/program-services
Melanie Beyers: (989) 894-8853
Suzanne Hert: (989) 894-8850
Limited scope legal services provided to low-income litigants representing themselves in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The Federal pro Se Legal Assistance Clinic continues to operate remotely. Anyone interested in remote pro bono opportunities with the clinic, may contact Rebecca Simkins Nowak at 313-596-9409, or by email, simkinrg@udmercy.edu.
http://www.law.udmercy.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics.php
The YWCA Interim House’s Mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by helping them to realize the ability to control their lives. This includes legal advocacy referrals
985 E. Jefferson Avenue
Suite 101
Detroit, MI 48207
Ywcadetroit.org
Emma Peterson
epeterson@ymcadetroit.org
Phone: (313) 259-9922
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Please BCC dba@detroitlawyer.org on your initial emails so that we may track participation.
Pro Bono Award
Pro Bono Awardees are Detroit Bar members who contributed 30 hours of pro bono work from November 1, 2019 through October 31, 2020 by volunteering for the Detroit Legal Services Clinic or for one of the many pro bono opportunities listed on the Detroit Bar Repository. Awardees receive a certificate and an electronic badge that can be used professionally on their website, business cards, etc. They are also recognized at the annual Archer Award Gala in November.
The Detroit Bar Association does not provide any legal services and is not responsible for any acts, errors or omissions occurring during the rendering of any pro bono services through any of the agencies participating in the repository, and volunteer attorneys are advised to verify that their professional liability insurance covers any potential claims or that the participating agency provides professional liability coverage for the volunteers providing pro bono legal services through the programs of the participating agency.