Legal Services of Northern Michigan is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing free, high-quality legal advice and representation to eligible low-income and marginalized clients across Northern Michigan. Specializing in civil legal matters, the organization has been bridging the justice gap in the region for over 50 years, with a broad focus on consumer, family, housing, benefits, and elder law issues.
Established in 1966, LSNM operates with a staff of 15 experienced attorneys and support personnel across six offices, serving 36 counties in Northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The firm prioritizes cases that address basic needs and personal safety, particularly for individuals facing eviction, domestic violence, elder abuse, or challenges accessing essential benefits. Funded by grants and donations, LSNM offers services at no cost to clients and focuses exclusively on civil matters, with an emphasis on stabilizing living environments and protecting vulnerable populations.
Services Offered
- Legal advice and representation in civil matters
- Consumer cases including debt collection harassment, repossession, financial exploitation, credit counseling, garnishment, student loan collection, unfair sales practices, and contract and warranty issues
- Family law matters including Personal Protection Orders, divorce and custody for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, custody actions for at-risk children, and cases preventing transfer of custody
- Housing assistance including eviction defense, fighting unfair housing practices, securing and maintaining federal housing subsidies, challenging mortgage foreclosures and predatory lending, defending land contract forfeitures and option contracts, mobile home park litigation, tax forfeiture defense, and home purchase advising
- Elder law services for seniors age 60+ including public benefits, healthcare, housing, consumer issues, simple wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives
- Benefits assistance including cash assistance programs, emergency relief programs, disability programs, and food programs
- Education-related legal help including suspension, expulsion, and rights to IEPs and Special Education services
- Legal talks and group meetings for client communities
- Advice and representation for community organizations
LSNM serves residents across 36 counties in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, with specific offices covering designated counties and out-county assistance available for select regions. Services for seniors are funded in part by Area Agencies on Aging, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting vulnerable older adults.
