It’s no surprise that lawyers across the state of Michigan and across the country are volunteering their services for free during this uncertain time. But what exactly have they done and what are they continuing to do? Below is a roundup of how Michigan lawyers are making a big difference:
- “A Lawyer Helps.” This program was organized through the State Bar of Michigan and offered to frontline health care workers in Michigan free assistance with preparation of medical or financial powers of attorney as well as simple or statutory wills.
- COVID-19 Rapid Response Helpline. This service, also offered through the State Bar of Michigan, offers a free 25-minute consultation with a lawyer to discuss a legal issue. Lawyers who are involved in the program have agreed to contact clients within four hours of receiving a referral. During the consultation, the attorney will listen to the details of the case, provide their view of what is going on, and offer possible options for the client, including the possibility of continuing the representation. Lawyers have assisted with the following kinds of cases:
- estate/disability planning
- guardianship
- custody and parenting time issues
- garnishment defense and other consumer matters
- labor and employment
- unemployment
- COVID-19 Virtual Legal Clinic. Michigan Community Resources has teamed up with Lawyers for Good Government to provide a virtual law clinic designed to help nonprofits and small businesses navigate this uncertain time by providing (1) guidance regarding available federal, state, and local programs that may offer grants or loans and (2) pro-bono legal consultations (by phone) to help small business owners dealing with diminished revenues or closures due to COVID-19. The local clinic is being hosted by Miller Canfield, with lawyers from Bodman PLC, Dykema, and Honigman LLP as well.
- National Lawyers Guild—Detroit and Michigan chapter. The National Lawyers Guild is a nonprofit and progressive public interest association of lawyers, law students, paralegals, and other activist legal workers. The Detroit and Michigan Chapter and its “Legal Defense Coalition” are offering legal support to Michigan residents who have either been arrested or injured during a protest of the murder of George Floyd. The goal is to “ensure that every arrested protester has a movement-oriented attorney to advocate on their behalf and that we have a coordinated defense strategy.”
- Detroit’s Big Firms Taking a Stand on Racial Injustice. Detroit’s largest law firms are also pledging to make a change in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement. Their statement reads in part:
As leaders of metropolitan Detroit’s largest law firms, we are strongly committed to doing our part to encourage and ensure equal voice, opportunity and legal representation for African American people and other people of color. Taking this stand, together, means valuing and insisting on diversity, inclusion, and racial equity at our firms and in our communities.
Additionally, the group wanted the statement to include items that were quantifiable so that they could hold themselves accountable. Accountability is key, noted Honigman LLP partner Khalilah Spencer in an article in the Michigan Chronicle.
If you are looking to do some good in your community, here is a list of all the county and affinity bar associations in Michigan. Each has its own volunteer and pro-bono opportunities.