Michigan Pro Bono & Community Legal Resources

The mitten-shaped state of Michigan boasts a population of around 10 million people. Although the sprawling state is made up of two separate peninsulas, the vast majority of the people are concentrated into the southwestern corner of the lower one. Approximately 12.3% of the people living in Michigan live at or below the U.S. poverty level. As a result, there is an urgent need for community legal resources and pro bono services in the Great Lakes State. Luckily, plenty of them are available; some of the most exceptional examples are highlighted below.

Pro Bono Services in Michigan

In Michigan, pro bono services are coordinated via the state bar's Pro Bono Initiative, or PBI. The initiative works to provide free legal advice, representation and assistance to low-income and indigent residents of the state. It also organizes a series of programs throughout the state. Contact information is as follows:

State Bar of Michigan
306 Townsend St.
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 517.346.6300


Michigan Community Legal Resources

The state bar's Pro Bono Initiative does an exceptional job of providing free legal aid to those who need it in Michigan. However, it's not the only option for those who are in need of free or low-cost legal assistance. There are many topnotch community legal resources in Michigan; a handful of the best ones is outlined below.

Free Legal Aid Michigan
70 E. Michigan Avenue
Battle Creek, MI 49017
Phone: 269.965.3951

Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services
104 Lothrop
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313.874.5820

Michigan Indian Legal Services
215 S. Washington Square, Suite C
Lansing, MI 48933
Phone: 888.218.9254

Underground Railroad, Inc.
PO Box 2451
Saginaw, MI 48605
Phone: 989.755.0413

Lakeshore Legal Aid
429 N. State St., Suite 4
Caro, MI 48723
Phone: 989.673.5651

Whether you live in the Upper Peninsula, near Detroit, on the coast of Lake Michigan or somewhere in the middle of the state, there is sure to be a suitable community legal resource or pro bono service within a reasonable distance. Remember that income shouldn't prevent you from obtaining quality legal services in Michigan.