In 2018, during the inception of DJC, our Community Legal Advocates (CLA) team was launched to assist Detroit homeowners with appealing their property tax assessments in the highly overtaxed city. Since then the CLAs have been dedicated to democratizing the law and making it accessible to everyone, especially those most vulnerable to punishment from the legal system. Between the CLA’s and our attorneys, we have offered direct services including record expungement, legal defense against unjust landlords, assistance setting up co-ops and Community Land Trusts (CLTs), and assisting Detroit homeowners with property tax assessment.
At DJC’s Michigan Legal Help Self-Help Center, community members can access the tools and guidance they need to take charge of their own legal matters — free of charge, in a welcoming and supportive environment. Trained Resource Navigators can help explain legal information, but cannot give legal advice.
Location: Room 210 @ The Love Building! (4731 Grand River Ave.)
Phone: (313) 879-5605
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday — 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
By appointment only.
The Community Legal Advocate Training (CLA) is a transformative, multi-day program that equips passionate individuals and organizations with the tools to address legal inequities and uplift marginalized communities. Rooted in advocacy, community empowerment, and legal education, this training is a replicable model for legal nonprofits, grassroots coalitions, and civic organizations across the country.
In 2024, DJC partnered with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to bring the CLA model to Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, training new advocates and expanding justice efforts to Houston.
Together, we’re building a national network of Community Legal Workers — each committed to expanding access to justice in their communities.
Learn to influence policy, lead grassroots movements, and advocate for justice at all levels of society.
Master the basics of legal research, case documentation, and court procedure – no law degree required.
Use personal narrative as a catalyst for change. Build trust and connection through authentic storytelling.
Investigate local injustices using data analysis, participatory research, and coalition-based strategies.
Develop lasting alliances, conduct effective one-on-one meetings, and create action plans that lead to real change.
The CLA Training isn’t just a workshop — it’s a movement. It’s been designed to scale and adapt across communities, empowering new advocates to meet the legal needs of underserved populations.
DJC is funded to deliver the CLA training — there’s no cost to partner organizations. All we ask for is time to plan logistics and a group of participants ready to make change.
📧 Let’s collaborate to build the world we wish to see.
Email: lthomas@detroitjustice.org