Hello, LAWM Friends!

In our March and April newsletters, we showed how we live out our mission statement in our work. We talked about “protecting rights” in March, and about “challenging injustice” in April. This month we focus on “fighting poverty.”

How do lawyers fight poverty? The outcomes we achieve in the legal system can change our clients' lives in the real world…

“Teresa” wanted to take a test for a professional certification so she could get a better job and stabilize her income. But she had criminal records for mistakes she’d made over 15 years ago. Teresa had “done the time” and moved on, but the records moved with her and hurt her job prospects. We represented Teresa by applying for record expungements and speaking for her in court. The outcome? Let’s hear it from Teresa:

“Getting my expungements made it possible to further my career. I was able to take my state test [in the healthcare field]. This achievement puts a smile on my face each and every day. Without Legal Aid’s help I don't think I would have had my conviction dropped off my record. I can't think them enough for all their help.”

If you can, please donate so we can keep fighting poverty

and helping more Teresa’s. Every single dollar helps.

Dan Borton, a staff attorney in our Holland Office, sat down with El Vocero Hispano to explain how we help people and how they can contact us.

On May 9^th we joined with the Michigan State Bar Foundation to host the “One Billable Hour” luncheon for our supporters from the legal community. Justices Elizabeth M. Welch and Brian K. Zahra of the Michigan Supreme Court spoke about the value of LAWM and legal aid, along with emcee Craig H. Lubben of Miller Johnson.

To all who attended and donated: THANK YOU! 

If you did not donate but would like to, it is never too late. Please donate through the Access to Justice Campaign today!

We're excited to have Marissa, Ebony, Tessa, and Michael working with us this summer in our Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo offices.