Free Legal Aid in Detroit

Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc.

L.A.D.A. represents Metro Detroit clients with low and moderate income in civil cases throughout the Tri-County area.  The organization also accepts federal criminal cases in the Eastern District of Michigan.  Typical legal issues include:  foreclosures, evictions, public benefits, and debt collection defense. The Detroit office accepts walk-in clients on Mondays from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. only.  Call L.A.D.A. or visit the organization online for more details on its intake procedures.  L.A.D.A. meets clients in one of three offices:

Client Service Center, Detroit and Wayne County
1240 Third Street
Detroit, MI 48226
(877) 964-4700
(313) 967-5800

Client Service Center, Oakland County
Oakland Towne Center
28 North Saginaw Street
Pontiac, MI 48342
(248) 253-1548

Macomb County:

32 Market Street
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 465-1344

Neighborhood Legal Services Michigan

N.L.S. offers a wide range of legal services. In some cases, payment would only be required if the client receives a favorable outcome. Typical client matters include: domestic violence, bankruptcy, elder abuse, Social Security, and H.I.V./A.I.D.S.-related legal issues.

Michigan Legal Services

Michigan Legal Services helps clients with property tax issues and issues related to homelessness. 

Detroit Legal Services/Social Security Justice

Or contact SSJ online.

S.S.J. offers direct representation and other services related to SSI and SSDI cases. 

Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit (“FHC”)

FHC investigates clients’ complaints of housing discrimination. The organization will initiate begin negotiation and formal litigation on behalf of clients. FHC refers some discrimination cases to other attorneys, agencies, and resources. 

Community Legal Resources

Community Legal Resources (“CLR”) is one of several programs operated by Michigan Community Resources. CLR provides free legal services to nonprofit organizations. The organization refers clients to volunteer attorneys. 

Detroit Center for Family Advocacy (“CFA”) (Main Office)

Detroit Center for Family Advocacy (“CFA”) (Matrix Human Services Center)

CFA represents families with low incomes to help minimize the time that children must stay in foster care. 

Accounting Aid Society

A.A.S. helps families and individuals with low or moderate income prepare their income taxes. 

Michigan Legal Help Self-Help Center of Wayne County

The center’s staff, or “navigators,” guide visitors towards legal resources and help them with legal forms. Navigators may not represent visitors or give legal advice. This Self-Help Center is also the site of free law clinics, including:

The William Booth Legal Aid Clinic

Attorneys help visitors prepare court motions if the visitors do not have an attorney. The clinic meets each month on the second Thursday between Noon and 2:00 P.M.

Michigan Legal Help Self-Help Center of Oakland County

The center’s staff, or “navigators,” guide visitors towards legal resources and help them with legal forms. Navigators may not represent visitors or give legal advice. This Self-Help Center is also the site of several free law clinics, including:

Common Ground Legal Aid Clinic

Licensed attorneys are available Thursdays between 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. to discuss any legal matter. The attorneys meet with visitors on a first come, first serve basis.

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Mobile Law Office

Individuals with low incomes can meet with attorneys and law students two Tuesdays per month between 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M.

Family Law Assistance Project

Participants may receive help with Personal Protection Orders and other family law issues. In order to participate, you must (1) have a low income, (2) not have an attorney, and (3) be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and (4) have an issue occurring in Oakland County. Children are not allowed at the clinic.