Michigan Advocacy Program

At Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM), we are dedicated to providing free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, families, and older adults in 13 counties across Michigan. Our commitment is to offer high-quality legal advice and representation, with a focus on preventing homelessness, combating domestic violence, and ensuring access to healthcare, food, and essential income programs.

Mission and Services

Our mission at LSSCM is to deliver comprehensive legal services to vulnerable populations, ensuring that they receive fair and equal access to justice. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming and often lead to more significant problems, such as loss of housing, family separation, and financial instability. Our team of skilled attorneys and staff work tirelessly to provide a wide range of legal services, including but not limited to:

• Urgent and critical cases involving housing, family law, and economic stability
• Protecting vulnerable populations from unscrupulous contractors and other forms of exploitation
• Accessing medical care and other essential services for individuals with disabilities
• Ensuring that the elderly are safeguarded against financial and legal exploitation

In addition to direct legal representation, LSSCM also engages in systemic advocacy, working to address the systemic barriers and hurdles faced by low-income individuals and communities. We believe that by providing these critical services, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

History of the Organization

Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) has a rich history dating back to the early 1960s, when communities across Michigan founded local legal aid societies. These organizations, including Legal Aid of Central Michigan (Lansing), Jackson County Legal Aid Society, Legal Services Organization of South and Central Michigan (Battle Creek), and the Washtenaw Legal Aid Society, later joined together to form LSSCM.

Since the early 1900s, civil legal aid has been recognized as a vital service to low-income individuals and communities facing critical legal needs. Volunteer attorneys developed small networks to serve the needs of low-income individuals in their communities. However, it quickly became apparent that there was a dire need for free civil legal assistance, and the need far outweighed their ability to provide it on a volunteer basis.

In 1966, Legal Aid offices began receiving federal funding under the Economic Opportunity ("OEO") Act, as part of the War on Poverty. This changed these organizations from being staffed by volunteers from local bar associations to federally funded non-profit law offices. In 1974, the federal Legal Services Corporation (LSC) was created by Congress as the successor to the OEO. Under the new LSC, legal services became available in every county in the country.

Board & Staff

Our dedicated Board of Directors and staff are committed to ensuring that LSSCM continues to provide high-quality legal services to those in need. Our team consists of experienced attorneys, skilled legal assistants, and dedicated support staff who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of our clients.

Our Impact

At LSSCM, we are committed to treating all applicants with respect and dignity. Our policies prohibit discrimination in any aspect of the program or its services. We believe that every individual deserves equal access to justice, regardless of their income or background.

We understand that the legal system can be complex and overwhelming, which is why we prioritize providing comprehensive legal services to those who need it most. Our goal is to empower our clients with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the legal system and overcome the challenges they face.

Whether it's helping a family maintain their housing, assisting a survivor of domestic violence, or advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of our clients and the communities we serve.