Introducing Our New Legal Navigator Program | |
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With a Pro Bono Innovation Grant from LSC received in 2022, we are in the process of expanding our pro bono expungement program to bring on non-attorney volunteers from local paralegal programs, law schools, and community groups to serve as legal navigators. These volunteers will work directly with clients to address the burdensome administrative tasks necessary to apply for expungements, like gathering court documents or obtaining fingerprints, to increase the number of people who can successfully expunge their records.
After the enactment of Michigan’s Clean Slate Legislation in April 2021, hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents with past convictions became eligible to expunge their records. Clearing one's record can improve housing security, employment prospects, and financial stability. However, an expungement can be a daunting undertaking. One client shared his gratitude for the support of LSSCM staff during his expungement process:
“When it comes to things having to do with law and court systems, I [felt] a bit hopeless and intimidated right from the beginning. I am very fortunate to have the chance to move forward without the weight of my past hindering the opening of doors that could make my life and my family's life much easier.”
With the help of legal navigators, clients will be guided through each step of the complex expungement process from start to finish. It is our goal that our new program will lead to many more people successfully clearing their records. Our staff will continue to work on identifying, investigating, and strategizing to overcome the barriers clients face in seeking expungements.
For updates on MAP’s pro bono program, or if you are interested in getting involved, visit: miadvocacy.org/get-involved/pro-bono-volunteer
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We are Hiring Summer Law Clerks! | |
Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP) is seeking applicants for the position of Summer Law Clerk in all of our offices. Law clerks work under the supervision of our staff attorneys on all aspects of our work. Depending on the office, a law clerk’s work may include conducting client interviews, drafting pleadings, legal research, appearing in court hearings under the Michigan student practice rule, assessing legal problems, and much more!
Apply here
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Anna Moss, LSSCM Battle Creek Managing Attorney, and Debra Gibbs, LSSCM Battle Creek Staff Attorney, recently appeared on the Community Access TV show, Be Scene, to raise awareness about LSSCM services. | |
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MAP and the NOLSW, UAW Local 2320 are proud to announce the success of our collaborative effort to achieve an updated Collective Bargaining Agreement
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Management and members worked together to focus on client services, staff needs, and improved office procedures.
The resulting four-year contract provides upgraded salaries and expanded benefits and ensures staff have the necessary tools, supports, and flexibility in place to provide quality legal work to the communities we serve.
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LSSCM Attorney Beckee Nighbert received gold stars from a client | |
The client shared:
"Thank you so much for everything! It's not a million gold stars that you deserve, but here are some. Words can't express the emotion of this, many thoughts have come to fruition."
We are grateful to Beckee and all of our legal aid attorneys whose work creates stability, safety, and independence for our clients every day.
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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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Please help us spread the word about these upcoming community events and resources. | |
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Monday, February 6th, 2023 1-4 PM
2110 S. Cedar St.
Lansing, MI
Looking to get an expungement and new employment? Join us at CAMW!
Register here
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Family Law Assistance Project (FLAP) Clinic | |
Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 12-3 PM
230 Elizabeth Lake Rd
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.
Print and complete intake forms to bring to the clinic: clinic intake form
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Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic - Now Accepting Clients | |
The University of Michigan Law School's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic provides free representation for low-income individuals who have problems with the IRS. This includes owing money they can't pay, audits, ID theft, ID verification, or a confusing IRS notice. However, we do not prepare tax returns (current year or back years).
apply here
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Agencies Join Forces to Fight Elder Abuse
Debra Gibbs, LSSCM Staff Attorney, attended the signing of the Branch County Vulnerable Adult Protocol on behalf of the Battle Creek office.
Read more
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LSC "By the Numbers" Reports Michigan Had the Greatest Increase in the Number of People Served from 2020-2021 | |
From 2020 to 2021, Michigan had the largest absolute increase in the number of persons served by LSC grantees, according to LSC's 2021 "By the Numbers" report.
Read the full report
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UIA Modernization Workgroup Will Help Guide Agency Reforms
The Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) is a stakeholder participant in a new workgroup to advise the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) on significant improvements in how it can better serve Michigan workers.
Read more
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If your organization has relevant happenings you would like us to promote in next month's newsletter, send details to: communications@lsscm.org
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