William Booth Legal Aid Clinic – Detroit, MI

Compassionate Legal Aid for All

The William Booth Legal Aid Clinic is a beacon of hope for low-income individuals and families in Detroit, providing high-quality legal services regardless of a client’s ability to pay. Established in 1994 as a mission of The Salvation Army, the clinic was founded to address a critical gap in the justice system: the lack of legal representation for the indigent. Originally created to help those recovering from addiction at the Harbor Light Center, the clinic has since expanded its mission to serve the broader community, including veterans, the homeless, and families in crisis. The clinic operates on the belief that access to justice should be a right, not a privilege, and works tirelessly to remove legal barriers that prevent people from rebuilding their lives.

Removing Legal Barriers

The clinic provides free legal assistance in a variety of civil matters, with a strong emphasis on Family Law. They assist clients with Divorce, Child Custody, and Child Support issues, often prioritizing cases involving Domestic Violence to ensure the safety of victims and their children. Beyond family law, the clinic helps resolve issues related to Probate, such as guardianship and estate matters, and provides counsel on Landlord-Tenant disputes to prevent homelessness. They also offer a specialized focus on helping U.S. Military Veterans navigate legal challenges. By resolving these legal issues, the clinic helps clients achieve stability, gain employment, and move toward self-sufficiency.

• Family Law: Assisting with divorce, custody disputes, and parenting time.
• Domestic Violence Advocacy: Providing legal protection for survivors of abuse.
• Probate & Guardianship: Helping families manage the affairs of minors and incapacitated adults.
• Community Outreach: Hosting workshops and clinics to educate the public on their rights.

A Safe Harbor in the Community

The clinic is located at 3737 Lawton Street, within The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Center campus. This facility is situated just west of the Lodge Freeway (M-10) and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The location is more than just an office; it is part of a comprehensive care center that offers substance abuse treatment, shelter, and spiritual support. The clinic’s integration into this campus ensures that clients have access to a holistic network of support services. The atmosphere is non-judgmental and supportive, designed to make clients feel safe and respected from the moment they walk through the door. With a small but dedicated staff of attorneys and students, the clinic resolves thousands of legal issues every year.

As a non-profit entity, the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic relies on the generosity of the community and the dedication of volunteer attorneys. They host the annual ”Walk for Justice” to raise funds and awareness. For those in Detroit who feel voiceless in the legal system, this clinic offers a powerful advocate and a path forward.