State Bar of Michigan
State Bar of Michigan
home
member area
contact us



justice initiatives



 print this page


SBM general information

 member directory

 admissions, ethics, and
   regulation

 justice initiatives

 member services

 opinions, research, and
   links

 practice management
   resource center

 public policy resource
   center

 publications and
   advertising

 sections


 for the public
public resources
media resources

Committee on Justice Initiatives
Seated: L-R: Hon. Paul Teranes; Frank Eaman, CII chair; Terri Stangl, CJI co-chair and JPI vice chair; Hon. Cynthia Stephens, CJI co-chair; Robert Gillett, PBI chair; Evanne Dietz, EAI chair.
Standing L-R: Elmer Cerano; Ann Cooper; Bryan Anderson; Thomas Cavalier; Hon. William Caprathe; Kirsten Enstice; Laura Graham; Lorray Brown, JPI chair; Marty Krohner, CII vice chair; Tracey Brame; Ashley Lowe; James Neuhard; Erika Akinyemi, EAI vice chair; Gary Parker; Laurin’ Thomas; Michael Blau; Julius Loeser; Gregory Conyers, acting director, Justice Initiatives; Edward Pappas, RDI chair

The State Bar of Michigan supports many justice initiatives that help make available high-quality civil legal services to all Michigan citizens, assuring that the justice system is strong, equal, and fair in its application.

The  Committee on Justice Initiatives (CJI) is made up of 17 members; see the organizational chart. The committee meets throughout the year, and is organized into 5 major areas:

    Justice Policy Initiative—analyzes and recommends positions on proposed legislation, court rules, and other policies relevant to the Justice Initiatives.

    Access to Justice Campaign—SBM supports a staff that works with committed volunteers on growing the Access to Justice Fund endowment, seeking current operations funds and supporting 42 local nonprofit agencies in their fundraising efforts to provide civil legal aid for the poor.

    Equal Access Initiative—develops policies and programs to benefit underserved populations, including those with special needs, cognitive disabilities, and juveniles.

    Pro Bono Initiative—encourages and coordinates free or discounted fees for civil legal services. Pro bono service is a way that Michigan attorneys assist low-income individuals in need of legal assistance.

    Criminal Issues Initiative—examines collateral civil consequences of criminal convictions and representational issues in the criminal justice system.

Justice Initiatives Meeting Schedules

Justice Initiatives Reports

Statewide Web-based links for Michigan legal services providers:

Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you found the information and resources helpful. Please note the Criminal Issues Initiative is not able to handle individual cases or requests, nor can we give legal advice. If you need information or assistance, please visit the State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service.