Federal Pro Se Clinic in Detroit: How to Reach Them

06 Courts and self-help

Michigan (Detroit office)

Court self-help

Business hours

Free limited help from law students supervised by an attorney for low-income people handling a federal civil case without a lawyer, such as employment discrimination or civil rights (Section 1983) claims.

What it is

The clinic is an independent non-profit program run by University of Detroit Mercy law students inside the federal courthouse in downtown Detroit. It pre-screens cases and helps with pleadings, motions, discovery and settlement talks.

Why it matters

Civil rights and employment cases often end up in federal court, where the rules are strict and mistakes are costly. The clinic is one of the few places in Detroit to get free guidance on a federal case.

What to know first

Non-attorneys cannot bring cell phones into the courthouse, and everyone passes airport-style screening. Clerk's Office staff can answer procedure questions but cannot give legal advice or fill out your forms.

Limits and eligibility

For non-incarcerated people with income at or below twice the federal poverty level and a civil case in or headed to the Eastern District of Michigan; it does not take criminal cases or provide full representation.

What to have ready

Any complaint, order or notice from the federal court
Proof of income
Photo ID (required to enter the courthouse)
A short written timeline of what happened

How to reach them