Criminal Legal
All of the Criminal Legal sites count toward the Law, Justice, & Social Change (LJSC) Submajor/Minor and the Sociology & Social Work (SSW) Submajor in the Sociology Department.
Section 018 (American Friends Service Committee) will not be offered in Fall 2024. Please enroll in Section 024 (Michigan Advocacy Program) or Section 025 (Family Law Project) instead.
Michigan Advocacy Program
What: The Michigan Advocacy Program provides free legal assistance to clients in need across the state as they access the justice system. MAP created the Legal Navigator Program to pair non-attorney volunteers with clients who may need additional help navigating the various administrative steps needed to complete their expungement (or Set Aside) applications. Student navigators are provided with training and support as they assist clients (remotely and on a schedule that works for the navigator and the client).
Who: This site is a good fit for students who want to learn more about processes and procedures within the criminal legal system. Students will do best at this site if they can take initiative and work independently, as they will be responsible for reaching out to clients, identifying information and communicating that to clients, conducting interviews, and following up as needed.
When: Shifts will take place at a time that works best for the volunteer and client.
Where: Work for this site will take place remotely.
Orientation/Training: All students will be required to fill out paperwork and review materials; then they will meet with Ali Ellis (volunteer coordinator), who will provide additional training before students are assigned to clients.
Family Law Project
What: FLP provides legal services to indigent survivors of domestic violence. Students interview clients to help them obtain personal protection orders, divorces, and/or custody against their domestic partners. Founded in 1979 by University of Michigan law students, FLP is the primary organization providing free legal services to survivors of domestic violence in Washtenaw County.
Who: This site is a good fit for students who want to learn more about processes and procedures within the criminal legal system, particularly as it relates to domestic violence. Students will do best at this site if they can take initiative and work independently, as they will be responsible for reaching out to clients, conducting interviews, and writing follow up memos to document/summarize interviews. Students should also be aware that they may encounter intense content as it relates to intimate partner and domestic violence.
When: Volunteers will schedule interviews at a time that works best for the volunteer and client. Note that students will spend time working in pairs and should therefore anticipate coordinating their schedule with another volunteer.
Where: Work for this site will take place remotely.
Orientation/Training: All students will be required to independently review onboarding materials and then meet with Crystal Singh, volunteer coordinator, for additional training. They will also shadow an interview with an experienced volunteer or Crystal prior to their first interview.