Pro Bono Gateway
Due to current closures and restrictions, please contact organizations directly to confirm that clinics/events are moving forward as planned.
october 2023
14oct1:00 pm4:00 pmWayne County Free Child Support Help Event
Details
Wayne County Free Child Support Help Event Saturday, October 14, 2023 1:00 – 4:00 pm Wayne County Community College Northwest Campus Wayne County Friend of the Court Seeks Attorney Volunteers Wayne County Friend
Details
Wayne County Free Child Support Help Event
Saturday, October 14, 2023
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Wayne County Community College Northwest Campus
Wayne County Friend of the Court Seeks Attorney Volunteers
Wayne County Friend of the Court is once again looking for attorney volunteers for its Wayne County Free Child Support Help Event. This fall’s event will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 1-4pm at Wayne County Community College’s Northwest Campus.
If you are willing and able, please go to this link to sign up.
There is more information about the event on that website and on the flyer.
October 2023 Wayne_County_Free_Child_Support_Help_FINAL
For those looking to brush up on their Wayne County Friend of the Court knowledge prior to the event, the DBA has a video available in its Pro Bono Gateway at https://www.detroitlawyer.org/probono/: training video #15, and the passcode is #*4*UZC5.
Time
(Saturday) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Help us evaluate the efficacy of our Repository:
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 through October 31 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.
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!
FOR CLIENTS: Click here to schedule a virtual legal consultation.
Lakeshore Legal Aid Video Library
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)
Michigan Clean Slate Expungement Laws (PDF)
How to Create an Expungement Application (PDF)
National Pro Bono Programs from ABA
State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Calendar
Return of In-Person Hearings – Landlord/Tenant Docket June 2023
Detroit Housing Network
Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine
Detroiters who have questions about property taxes, home repairs and evictions can now call a new hotline to be directed to resources.
The hotline — 866-313-2520 Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm
Michigan Legal aid Pro Bono Portal Launch Training - Password: 5J$sF#VR
Volunteer Training #1:
Your Guide to Friend of Court Services & Procedures / Passcode: #DetBar21
Docket Directive 2013-26 (PDF)
2021 MI Child Support Formula Manual (PDF)
How to Navigate the Wayne County Friend of the Court (PDF)
Volunteer Training #2:
Probate Court Training Webinar
Probate Court Training PDF Presentation
Volunteer Training #3:
Understanding the Covid Emergency Rental Assistance Program
CERA Powerpoint Presentation
Volunteer Training #4:
"Unemployment Benefits" Training Recording
Overpayments Slide Presentation PDF
Introduction into MI UI PDF
Volunteer Training #5:
"The Ethics of Pro Bono" Training RecordingHandout-Debt-Collection-Suits
Volunteer Training #6
"Consumer Protection/Debt Collection Issues" Training Recording
Debt Collection Suits Handout
Volunteer Training #7:
Eviction Law Powerpoint
Post-Presentation Survey
Volunteer Training #8
Training Recording - passcode: xu*y7%jN
Legislation Overview (PDF)
Project Clean Slate (PDF)
Volunteer Training #9
Training Recording "Clean Slate to Drive Legal Clinics" - passcode: %K6eIw9c
Volunteer Training #10
Training Recording "Navigating the Land Bank, How to Help Detroiters Purchase Homes and Lots in the City" - passcode: x@!0gfsk
Volunteer Training #11
Training Recording "Modifying Custody, Parenting Time and Child Support Orders" - passcode: %nk4U#EG
Powerpoint Presentation
Volunteer Training #12
Training Recording "Election Protection" - passcode: ik@TTd2B
Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
Volunteer Training #13
Training Recording "Afghan Asylum Program"
Email to assist the program
I-598 Form
Other Resources
Volunteer Training #14
Training Recording "Pro Bono Volunteer Opportunities"
Volunteer Training #15
Training Recording "Wayne County Friend of the Court Free Child Support Event Training' - passcode: #*4*UZC5
Volunteer Training #16
Training Recording "Michiganlegalhelp.org as a Resource for Pro Bono Attorneys"
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
ADM File No. 2020-08 (PDF)
CERA FAQs (PDF)
CERA Guidance (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions Administrative Order No. 2020-17 (PDF)
Guidance Issued in Conjunction with Administrative Order No. 2020-17 (PDF)
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
Detroit Legal Services Virtual Clinic Attorney Volunteer Registration Form
Provides pro se litigants advice on a variety of issues in all Wayne County Courts. Clinic is conducted on the last Tuesday of the month from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on the 13th Floor of the Penobscot Building. The Detroit Bar Association provides lunch and free parking.
*This clinic is virtual at this time.
Lakeshore Legal Aid is a not-for-profit law firm providing legal representation for qualifying people with low-income, seniors, and survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault. Our practice areas include Family Law, Consumer, Housing, Estate Planning, Expungements, and Driver’s License Restoration. Lakeshore is seeking volunteer attorneys to assist clients via clinics, direct representation, limited scope representation, and special projects. To volunteer for a current pro bono project please apply online via the website or reach out to Lakeshore’s Pro Bono Director, Heather M. Herbert for additional information.
Lakeshore Legal Aid
Heather M. Herbert
hherbert@lakeshorelegalaid.org
248-530-9330, Ext 1705
Online Volunteer Attorney Portal -
https://www.justiceserver.org/JusticeServer/Home/Index
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.
Phone: (313) 967-5636
Provides free and low cost mediation and facilitation and relies on volunteers in many cases.
The WCDRC is in need of civil mediators to assist with busy court dockets in Wayne County, particularly at the 36th District Court. Volunteer engagements are currently being conducted using Zoom Videoconferencing. Domestic mediators needed for divorce cases, also being conducted on Zoom. Contact Zeina Baydoun via email for more information.
Sue Wilson, Executive Director WCDRC
swilson@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.
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
If you would like to volunteer to offer time to the Soup Kitchen for legal services, please contact Br. Fred at Capuchin Soup Kitchen (Conner Site)
Contact: Brother Fred Cabras
fcabras@cskdetroit.org
Created by Mayor Mike Duggan in 2016, Project Clean Slate (PCS) is a City of Detroit program that provides free expungement services to Detroit residents, increasing access to employment, housing, and education opportunities. PCS needs attorney volunteers to appear via Zoom for expungement hearings in courts throughout Michigan. The average time commitment is less than two hours. To select a hearing, click on the link below. You will be prompted to create a free Smartsheet account, which you must do to view the hearing list.
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.
Barb David
Volunteer Specialist
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.
Kaity Nicastri
knicastri@umich.edu
(313) 871-8600 ext. 235
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.
Amanda Paletz, Esq.
Legal Coordinator
The Joseph Project
855.436.5020
josephproject.com
amanda@josephproject.com
info@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.com
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.
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
Krystina Edwards
krystina.edwards@ruthelliscenter.org
Phone: (313) 365-3325
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
melanie_beyers@mieb.uscourts.gov
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 is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Please contact Rebecca Nowak to sign up.
Also in need of attorneys interested in veterans law work for records review at Detroit Mercy Law Veterans Clinic.
Rebecca Simkins Nowak, Esq.
Director, Clinical Operations and Outreach
Detroit Mercy Law
651 E. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226-4386
simkinrg@udmercy.edu
Phone: (313) 596-9409
Fax: (313) 596-9825
https://law.udmercy.edu/academics/experiential-education/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