michigan bar access to justice commission

#Michigan bar access to justice commission pro

Michigan’s legal community can be proud of these accomplishments. We created statewide court forms for hundreds of legal processes, allowing more people to adequately bring their claims before judges.4 We set up eviction diversion programs across the state, giving courts, legal aid programs, and housing assessment and resource agencies the opportunity to collaborate on solutions to the eviction crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.5 For example, Michigan Legal Help (MLH) built a website that shares critical legal information and self-help tools to empower self-represented litigants to navigate the courts on their own.3 It is looked at as a national leader in self-help resources. It is also critically important for us to work together to improve the justice system as a whole and collaborate with organizations outside of our profession to satisfy this responsibility and increase access to justice for all.Īs stewards entrusted by the public to ensure equal justice under law, we should take stock of the things we do well while looking for opportunities for improvement.

#Michigan bar access to justice commission pro

The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service has eloquently stated, “hen society confers the privilege to practice law on an individual, he or she accepts the responsibility to promote justice and make justice equally accessible to all people.”1 Part of our responsibility as lawyers is to provide pro bono services when our professional obligations permit.2 But the legal profession must do more.