31 SBM presidents urge support for Access to Justice

A coalition of 31 presidents of the State Bar of Michigan have come together to urge Michigan attorneys to donate to the Access to Justice Campaign to ensure that all Michiganders have access to fair legal representation.

The Access to Justice Campaign provides critical assistance to support civil legal aid services to low-income families facing issues such as threats of eviction, foreclosure, loss of income, and family safety due to domestic violence. Donations play a pivotal role in providing free legal services, representation, self-help centers, legal clinics, pro bono services, and educational legal aid.

A recent report by the Justice for All Commission highlighted the substantial impact of investing in civil legal aid in Michigan. For every dollar invested in legal aid in 2019 and 2020, Michiganders received $6.69 in immediate and long-term financial benefits. The report also boasted positive outcomes for 98% of housing cases, 91% of family stability cases, and 93% of expungement cases.

A total of 30 past presidents of the State Bar of Michigan, as well as current President Daniel D. Quick, called on all Michigan attorneys to help the Access to Justice Campaign in a joint letter issued November 28, 2023.

“Far too many of our neighbors cannot afford the representation they so desperately need,” the letter reads.

Contributions can be made here. For additional information, contact the ATJ Campaign Coordinator Laura Musachio at laura@msbf.org. All donations will be allocated to support civil legal aid for low-income individuals.

The ATJ Campaign is a collaborative centralized campaign, administered by the Michigan State Bar Foundation in partnership with the State Bar of Michigan. The Michigan State Bar Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Posted: November 29, 2023