Who We Are

Since 1951 Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM) has delivered free civil legal assistance to persons living in poverty. Its mission is to use legal skills to address the causes and effects of poverty. Special emphasis is placed on those issues that affect survival needs of low-income people.

This work is done both reactively, by addressing individual legal needs and proactively by engaging in impact work that provides systemic change affecting the poverty community as a whole. Most clients served live at 125% of poverty or below. This financial eligibility threshold is higher depending on certain funding criteria for specific services.

LSEM delivers free legal help in 14 Mid-Michigan counties, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola. LSEM offers service from two offices, one in Flint, which also serves as the administrative office, and one in Saginaw. LSEM also provides home visits to the homebound and elderly.

In pursuit of its mission LSEM offers services in a variety of core legal specialties plus some added services for which clients have a limited, but important need.