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WHO WE ARE

Community Legal Resources, with the assistance of private attorneys, provides pro bono legal representation to Michigan nonprofit organizations that are working with disadvantaged communities and individuals and are unable to pay for traditional legal services. Since our inception in 1998, Community Legal Resources’ volunteers have contributed an estimated $8,000,000 in pro bono legal services to over 800 nonprofit organizations building affordable housing, attracting new businesses, feeding and sheltering the homeless, and mentoring youth throughout Michigan.

CLR leads a collaborative initiative called the Detroit Vacant Property Campaign (DVPC) that empowers communities and organizations to turn vacant properties into assets through community engagement and technical assistance. DVPC is an initiative of Detroit LISC, led by CLR, involving community groups, neighborhood associations, city residents, faith-based organizations, the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Community Development Advocates of Detroit, and the City of Detroit. To learn more about DVPC, visit www.detroitvacantproperty.org.

A RANGE OF ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE For NONPROFITS

"Aside from feeding my family, it's really why I became a lawyer."-—Don Katz, CLR volunteer attorney, on pro bono involvement in charitable causes.

Reviewing leases
Updating or drafting organizational bylaws
Clearing title on land for redevelopment
Reviewing employee policies and advising on hiring/firing
Settling disputed bills with third parties
Working with government agencies on tax and construction compliance issues
Answering questions about board responsibilities and conflicts of interest
Filing state and federal licensing paperwork

HOW TO USE OUR SERVICES

Start-Up Nonprofits: Community Legal Resources is currently unable to provide start-up assistance. We will be hosting another competitive opportunity for start-up assistance in conjunction with Wayne Sate University in the summer. Please check back later for more details.
Established Nonprofits with Tax-Exempt Status: Please download, complete, and return one of the following forms:

Request for Assistance Form (PDF)

Request for Assistance Form (Word)

Employment Opportunities

Community Legal Resources is currently accepting applications for a Planning & Technical Program Manager. Applications will be accepted until September 22nd.

Volunteer Opportunities

Looking to get involved with Community Legal Resources and the Detroit Vacant Property Campaign? We are looking for all kinds of volunteers, especially ones with expertise in the following areas: