|
PRO BONO LEGAL RESOURCES
Legal aid to the poor and disenfranchised in Oakland County underwent a change of unprecedented magnitude in 2003. Legal Services Corporation, the federally mandated agency responsible for funding legal aid for the low income and underrepresented, underwent a massive nationwide reorganization, accompanied by drastic funding reductions.
As a result, the Oakland County Bar Association became integrally involved in this crisis since our mission includes “ensuring the delivery of quality legal services to the public.” In this role, the OCBA is working with all of the current legal aid providers in Oakland County to ensure that the needs of our at risk Oakland County citizenry are met.
If you need an attorney but cannot afford to pay for one yourself, you need pro bono services and direct legal representation. Please call one of the following:
Direct Legal Representation
 Legal Aid and Defender
Legal Aid and Defender provides legal assistance in civil legal matters including housing, bankruptcy, consumer protection, public benefits, etc. There is an income requirement to be eligible for services.
Contact: TOLL FREE (877) 964-4700
www.ladadetroit.org
HELP DESK
Legal Aid and Defender also hosts a HELP DESK each Thursday at the Oakland County Courthouse from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The HELP DESK is located in the north lobby entrance of the courthouse at 1200 North Telegraph, Pontiac, MI. The program is designed to assist pro se litigants by providing legal information and referrals for legal services, as well as legal advice/representation for eligible residents. LADA may be able to assist with landlord-tenant problems, mortgage foreclosure, food stamps, medicaid, social security benefits, bankruptcy, school related issues, utility problems, collection cases, garnishments and other civil legal matters.
 Family Law Assistance Project (FLAP)
A collaboration of Lakeshore Legal Aid and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School provides legal assistance in family law matters including divorce, custody, parenting time, paternity, child support, guardianship and domestic personal protection orders. Clients may access services by attending walk-in intake clinics at the Adams-Pratt Oakland County Law Library every other Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For additional information, as well as upcoming clinic dates please go to: www.oakgov.com/lawlib/news/lakeshore.html
Additionally, FLAP offers forms and instructions to assist those representing themselves in divorce, custody, and paternity actions. Clients must attend the intake clinic at the Law Library to be pre-screened for eligibility. For more information please contact (248) 335-0125.
 University of Detroit’s Mobile Law Office
The Mobile Law Office provides legal assistance in elder law, immigration, and veteran matters. All other areas of need are referred to appropriate providers. There is no income requirement to receive services.
The Mobile Law Office visits the Adams-Pratt Oakland County Law Library every other Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration before 12:30 p.m. is required.
Contact: David Koelsch at (313) 596-9805 for the Mobile Law Office’s scheduled visits at local Oakland County non profits.
www.law.udmercy.edu/about/mlo/index.php
Counsel and Advocacy Law Line (CALL)
CALL provides legal aid in the area of elder law exclusively. There is no income requirement for service.
Contact: TOLL FREE (888) 783-8190
(248) 569-9658
Legal Aid Clinics
Christian Legal Aid Clinics
Christian Legal Aid holds clinics every Tuesday afternoon from 12:00 to 2:00 for any legal matter if a volunteer attorney is available. There is an income requirement but no appointment is necessary.
Please call (248) 269-2027 for more information.
Location:
St. Vincent de Paul
46408 Woodward
Pontiac, Michigan 48342
www.clsnet.org
Common Ground
Common Ground offers legal clinics where free consultations, informed recommendations, and referrals are given without direct representation for any legal matter. Clients are seen on a walk-in, first-come, first–served basis. The clinics are held weekly at the following days/times/locations:
Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Common Ground Administrative Offices
1410 South Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Oakland County Law Library
1200 North Telegraph Road
West Wing Extension, Second Floor
Pontiac, MI 48341
Please call the Legal Services Manager at (248) 451-3753 or visit www.commongroundhelps.org for more information.
Legal Aid and Defender
The Legal Aid and Defender Association (LAD) is a nonprofit, charitable organization with a mission to provide comprehensive, aggressive legal advocacy and representation for residents of metropolitan Detroit. LAD holds clinics in Ferndale, Southfield and Pontiac on a rotating basis for any legal matter. There is an income requirement.
Please call (248) 253-1548, ext. 4005 for the schedule and location information.
www.ladadetroit.org
Southfield Legal Clinics
The Southfield Legal Clinic holds clinics every other Tuesday evening for any legal matter. There is no income requirement but you must be a Southfield resident.
Please call (248) 796-4540 to schedule an appointment.
Location:
26080 Berg Road
Southfield, MI 48033
www.cityofsouthfield.com
The Salvation Army William Booth Legal Aid Clinic
The mission of The Salvation Army William Booth Legal Aid Clinic is to improve and facilitate the administration of justice in the community. The Clinic provides general counsel and advice in the following areas: Consumer Debt, Landlord/Tenant, Juvenile/ Guardianship, Immigration, Wills, Public Benefits and General Advocacy.
Please call (313) 361-6340 for prescreening to determine eligibility and to schedule an appointment at the Pontiac location.
Location:
The Salvation Army
Pontiac Corps
34 Oakland
Pontiac, MI 48342
Thomas M. Cooley Law School Estate Planning Clinic
This collaboration between Lakeshore Legal Aid and Thomas M. Cooley provides free estate planning services to seniors in Oakland County. The clinic accepts applicants who are 1) Oakland County residents; 2) age 60 or older; and 3) have an estate valued at a maximum of $150,000 for single people or $250,000 for married couples (not including primary residence).
Please call to determine eligibility and to schedule an appointment.
Location:
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Auburn Hills Campus
2630 Featherstone Road
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326
(248) 335-0125
epc@cooley.edu Attachments:
FLAP Clinic Schedule
|
