The following resources may be of use to individuals who need a lawyer, are eligible for free legal advice from Legal Aid organizations or advocacy groups, are researching points of Michigan law, or are looking for free legal forms or articles on specific legal subjects. Most of these resources are regularly used by lawyers.

Sources of Legal Help

• State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Referral Service - Also providing contact information for local bar association referral programs.

• Legal Aid Programs in Michigan - List of legal aid offices and programs throughout the state, including law school clinics, programs for senior citizens, and community dispute resolution services.

• Lawyer Referral Services in Michigan - From the American Bar Association.

Michigan Case Law

• Summaries of Published and Unpublished Case Law - Summaries of recent cases prepared by the State Bar of Michigan.

• Published and Unpublished Case Law - Recent case law from the Michigan Court of Appeals, also providing Supreme Court opinions. Fully searchable.

Michigan Laws and Codes

• Michigan Compiled Laws - From the Michigan State Legislature. Search by keyword or statute number, or browse by subject and Act. Includes legislative analysis of past and present litigation.

• Michigan Administrative Code - Regulations governing state agencies, from Michigan's Office of Regulatory Reform.

• Michigan Court Rules - Rules issued by the state Supreme Court, regulating how litigation is conducted within the court system.

• Attorney General Opinions - Interpretations of Michigan laws from the Attorney General's office. Fully searchable. Until such time as a court issues a different interpretation, these opinions are binding on state agencies.

• Executive Orders - Directives from the governor's office, regulating the conduct of state agencies.

Michigan Jury Instructions

• Model Civil Jury Instructions - Instructions approved by the Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions, which are used to instruct juries at the start and conclusion of litigation.

Legal Organizations

• State Bar of Michigan - All Michigan attorneys must be members of the State Bar. The State Bar website includes many resources, including legal news, directories, case law, and resources for the public.

• Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) - The leading provider of Michigan-specific continuing legal education (CLE) and legal publications for legal professionals. The site also includes research links and resources.

• State Appellate Defender's Office - This organization provides appointed appellate assistance to a significant number of individuals convicted of criminal offenses. Site also includes legal information and resources for trial and appellate defense attorneys in criminal cases.

• Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan - Information about the organization and its members.

• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services - The state agency charged with overseeing the investigation and care of abused and neglected children. Site includes materials on the proper handling of investigations, and Michigan legal precedents.

Lawyer Discipline

• Attorney Grievance Commission - Reviewing and investigating complaints of misconduct by lawyers, and rendering disciplinary action against those found to have violated their duties to their clients.

• Attorney Discipline Board - Information about the board, and an alphabetical directory of all attorneys who have public records of disciplinary action.

• Judicial Tenure Commission - Investigating and resolving complaints about Michigan judges.

Michigan Courts

• Michigan Supreme Court - Providing information about the court and its justices, and a calendar of current cases.

• Michigan Court of Appeals - Includes the court's internal operating procedures, commonly used forms, maps and directions, and guidance for filing an appeal.

• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan - Information about the court, its judges, local court rules, opinions, and forms.

• United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan - Information about this Federal District Court, its docket, procedures, and judges.

• Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan - Information about the court, its docket, and procedures.

• Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan - Details about the court, recent opinions, and job postings.

• United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit - The federal appeals court with jurisdiction over Michigan. Includes court information, forms and opinions.

• Michigan Trial Courts - A directory of trial courts throughout the State of Michigan.

Michigan Legal Forms

• SCAO Approved Court Forms - Free legal forms approved by the State Court Administrative Office, downloadable in PDF format.

• Corporate Forms - Forms for Michigan businesses and corporations, from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

• Income Tax Forms - From the Department of Treasury.

Additional Resources

• Ethics Opinions - Formal and informal ethics rulings governing the conduct of lawyers.