Detroit Justice Center – Detroit, MI

Movement Lawyering for a Just City

The Detroit Justice Center (DJC) is a non-profit law firm founded on the belief that we cannot build cities that work for everyone without remedying the impacts of mass incarceration. Launched in 2017 by visionary attorney Amanda Alexander, DJC represents a new model of legal advocacy: ‘Movement Lawyering.’ Instead of simply reacting to legal crises, they work alongside communities to create economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and promote equitable and just cities. Headquartered on Grand River Avenue, DJC serves as a beacon of hope for low-income Detroiters, offering a three-pronged approach: Defense, Offense, and Dreaming.

Removing Legal Barriers (Defense)

The Legal Services Practice at DJC is dedicated to keeping families together and helping people stay in their homes and jobs. They recognize that minor legal issues often spiral into major life disruptions due to poverty. Their attorneys provide free representation in areas such as:

• Traffic and Warrants: Resolving tickets and clearing warrants that lead to suspended licenses and incarceration.
• Expungement: Helping individuals clear their criminal records to improve employment and housing prospects.
• Family Law: Assisting with guardianship, child support debt discharge, and custody matters.
• Housing Defense: Fighting illegal evictions and helping Detroiters navigate property tax appeals to prevent foreclosure.

Building Economic Equity (Offense)

DJC’s work extends beyond the courtroom. Their Economic Equity Practice provides legal support to community-led initiatives that build wealth in Detroit’s neighborhoods. They specialize in setting up Worker-Owned Cooperatives and Community Land Trusts (CLTs). By offering high-quality transactional legal services to these groups, DJC helps ensure that development in Detroit benefits long-time residents rather than displacing them. They believe in a ‘solidarity economy’ where businesses are democratic and housing is permanently affordable.

Dreaming of a New Future

Through their Just Cities Lab, DJC advocates for systemic change. They envision a future where safety is not defined by police and prisons, but by strong communities and access to resources. They work on campaigns to end cash bail, stop the criminalization of poverty, and reinvest public funds into community services. The Detroit Justice Center is more than a law firm; it is a hub for innovation and justice, fighting tirelessly to ensure that Detroit’s resurgence includes everyone. 🌍