Last year, we made justice a reality for thousands of Michigan residents, promoting safe housing, financial stability, and family safety. The following stories are a couple of examples from the over 9,500 cases we closed and the real people benefitting from our services. | |
"Frank’s" landlord filed an eviction case against him. While the case was pending, his furnace broke, and his landlord refused to fix it. Frank went without heat for 43 days and eventually moved out. When our attorney took his case, they obtained a dismissal of the eviction, and the judge awarded him $8,600 in damages. With his case resolved, Frank could move on to safe and stable housing.
In 2022 we represented nearly 5,500 individuals with housing-related cases like "Frank's," preventing eviction and foreclosure and ensuring safe and stable housing for our clients and their families.
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“Beth,” a mother and survivor of domestic violence, sought a divorce from her abuser. Initially, they agreed on a transitional parenting plan, but her ex-husband failed to comply. He repeatedly took her to court to fight over personal property and parenting time. Our attorney helped Beth receive sole custody of her child, child support, a fair split of property, and a final order denying her ex-husband's last motion. With our assistance, Beth was able to secure safety and independence for herself and her child.
"Beth" is among the 1,755 individuals we assisted in family cases last year. With our representation in divorces, custody cases, and personal protection orders, survivors of domestic violence and their children secured freedom from abusers, financial independence, and safety.
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When an attorney represents someone in cases like those above, a successful outcome is more likely. In 2021, 98% of housing cases and 91% of family cases in Michigan resulted in positive outcomes when an attorney was involved. While we served thousands of people in 2022-- there are thousands still eligible for our services and in need of legal aid. We continue to work to close the justice gap for our clients, and your support helps make it possible. Join us in our work by giving today, or see below for other ways to get involved. | |
Interested in Legal Aid Work?
Here are some ways you can make a difference!
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Join Our Team
We are seeking new team members who share our passion for providing access to justice to those who need it most. Visit our employment page for full postings.
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Volunteer
MAP welcomes volunteer attorneys in each of our counties and programs. To volunteer, please complete our Pro Bono Attorney Registration Form.
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Give
Through your contributions, we can provide safety and security to thousands of Michigan families. Visit the link below to make a non-attorney donation, or click here to make an attorney donation.
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Southeast Michigan Pull-Over Prevention Fair
Earlier this month, our staff provided free expungement eligibility screening at Southeast Michigan Pull Over Prevention's Mutal Aid fair.
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LSSCM attorney Ana Kolosova met with MSU students to speak about family law
The Public Interest Law Society, in collaboration with the Career Services Office (CSO) at Michigan State University College of Law, invited students to have lunch with Anastassia Kolosova, Family Law Project Staff Attorney at Legal Services of South Central Michigan.
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“I wanted to do direct services law when I went to law school,” said Kolosova. “I wanted to help people who wouldn’t be able to effectively navigate the legal system. Survivors have so many needs when trying to get out of a bad situation.” Read more | |
I do this work because...
You’ve met some of the MAP team–now we are pleased to introduce a few members of our Board of Directors!
We asked our board members why they serve on MAP’s board, and we are excited to share their responses.
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MAP board treasurer Rob Mossel, Counsel, Ford Credit, shares why he serves on the MAP board:
"I serve on MAP’s board because I have seen first-hand the impact that access to justice can have on the trajectory of people’s lives. Whether it is services for the elderly, farmworkers, women and children, eviction prevention, or returning citizens, MAP changes lives in real and tangible ways. I am blessed to be in a position to support the work that MAP is doing to meet the legal needs of the most vulnerable people in our communities."
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Katherine Sharkey, Attorney and Mediator, Kitchen Sharkey, PLLC shares why she serves on the MAP board:
“I serve on the MAP board because l believe having a fair shake in court for everyone, not just the rich, makes our society stronger and safer.”
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Job Opportunities
Our programs are hiring for a variety of positions. Check out our featured job openings below or visit our employment page for more opportunities.
Farmworker Legal Services (FLS) is hiring a staff attorney as well as summer legal interns. If you are interested in this opportunity to work with a small but mighty team in Michigan, litigating federal and state cases on behalf of farmworkers at the intersection of employment and immigration law, we encourage you to apply! The positions are based in Kalamazoo, Ypsilanti (Ann Arbor), or Grand Rapids. Join us at FLS where you can be on vacation every day with exciting legal work to be done in Michigan, extensive paid leave, and close proximity to some of the highest-rated beaches.
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Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) is seeking applicants for a racial justice attorney. MPLP seeks an experienced, strategic, and dynamic attorney to take a lead role in policy advocacy, impact litigation, and coalition-building to advance a statewide race equity and justice agenda that will address structural racism in laws, policies, and practices that lead to and keep communities of color in conditions of poverty.
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Please help us spread the word about these upcoming community events and resources. | |
The Farmworker Legal Services and Michigan Immigrant Rights Center 2023-2024 Calendar is now available!
FLS and MIRC update their calendar with the latest legal content and resources each year and distribute the free calendars to farmworkers and community partners. They contain useful information in English and Spanish on topics affecting Michigan farmworkers and their families. Download it here. Physical copies will be made available soon.
If your organization is interested in calendars to distribute at outreach events, please fill out our form to request to arrange for pick up or delivery.
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Expungement Clinic
📅 March 24, 2023, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST
📍 Warren, MI
Who should attend?
Those interested in speaking with an attorney about clearing their criminal record. Attorneys will privately discuss each participant's expungement eligibility and provide assistance on beginning the expungement process for those who qualify. Pre-registration is required.
Email probono@lakeshorelegalaid.org to register.
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Southfield Expungement Clinic and Resource Fair
📅 April 1, 2023, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST
📍 Southfield, MI
Who should attend?
Those interested in speaking with an attorney about clearing their criminal record. Attorneys will privately discuss each participant's expungement eligibility and provide assistance on beginning the expungement process for those who qualify. Pre-registration required. Registration closes on March 23rd.
Registration link
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Southeast Michigan Pull-Over Prevention Fair
📅 April 8, 2023, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST
📍 Grace Fellowship Church - House of Solutions
1301 S Harris Rd,
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
LSSCM will be providing free expungement eligibility screening at the Pull Over Prevention and Mutual Aid Fair hosted by Southeast MI Pull Over Prevention.
More information
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Family Law Assistance Project (FLAP) Clinic
📅 April 12, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
📍 Oakland County Friend of the Court building
230 Elizabeth Lake Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
Who should attend?
Individuals with low income, who are U.S. Citizens or eligible undocumented immigrants; who need legal services in Oakland Country or live in Oakland County; whose circumstances are related to a domestic Personal Protection Order (PPO), or family law issues such as divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, minor guardianship; etc.; and who are not represented by an attorney.
Clinic intake form
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Lansing Road to Restoration Clinic
📅 April 12, 2023, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST
📍 Union Missionary Baptist Church
500 S. Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd.
Lansing, MI 48915
Road to Restoration is a free clinic to assist Michigan residents in understanding how to get their driving privileges restored. Residents who attend will meet one-on-one with Michigan Department of State staff and talk with volunteer attorneys to determine the steps necessary to reinstate their driver’s license.
Registration link
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Voucher Program can help Low-income Michigan Families get Housing -- but using it isn't easy
"There's definitely some stigma attached to the label of voucher holder — that these are not going to be good tenants, that they aren't going to treat the property well," said Jim Schaafsma, a housing attorney with the Michigan Poverty Law Program.
Read more
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The Michigan Legislature voted to expand the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act and provide protection against discrimnation for the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan
Read the Michigan Civil Rights Commision statement here.
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Justice for All Commission Releases 2022 Annual Report
“For many people, accessing the services of legal aid providers can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of their legal issue. While legal aid services alone will not eliminate the civil justice gap, ongoing investment in additional legal aid resources is a prudent strategy that often provides a lifeline to those navigating the system.” - JFA Commission Vice Chair Angela Tripp, director of Michigan Legal Help
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