The Center for Civil Justice advocates for people in Michigan who need help meeting their basic needs. CCJ uses legal expertise, informed by the experiences of low-income people, to monitor and improve public policy and access to governmental programs and services.
First, CCJ identifies social issues that systemically and primarily harm people who have little or no income. Then, CCJ strategically addresses those issues in order to resolve them for thousands of people at a time. CCJ often collaborates with direct service providers to identify and address significant emerging issues that can be overcome systemically through advocacy, thus avoiding the need for litigation. Pursuant to those relationships, CCJ might provide legal and technical assistance, training and education, as needed to achieve the objective.
CCJ is based in the primary service area of LSEM, Legal Services of Eastern Michigan. CCJ establishes the foundations of its work in the counties of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw, St. Clair, Sanilac and Tuscola. The issues raised are overwhelmingly statewide in nature, thus impacting all of Michigan. CCJ also lends its expertise in law and public policy to service providers, advocates and legislators throughout Michigan.