The Center for Civil Justice works with the private bar and other partners to improve access of low-income and other disadvantaged groups to the Courts. 

The Executive Director  has served as a member of several organizations concerned with access to the courts.  Working with a number of law-related organizations and other advocates,  CCJ has helped to propose or support court rules, forms, and policies that help low-income and unrepresented persons better navigate the justice system.

Organizing Working to Expand Access to the Courts

 Committee on Justice Initiatives of the State Bar of Michigan. CCJ's Director is the Co-chair.

Justice Policy Initiatives of the State Bar of Michigan.  This organization reviews proposed rules and laws related to access to the courts and recommends positions to the Committee on Justice Initiatives. Click here for an article written by CCJ's Director for the Michigan Bar Journal about the Justice Policy Initiatives. CCJ's Director serves as co-chair.

Designated State Planning Body- this group of legal services providers,  members of the judiciary, private attorneys,  and human services organizations advocates for rules and procedures that will expand access to justice in the courts. 

Representative Assembly of the State Bar -  CCJ's Director served two terms on the Representative Assembly of the State Bar of Michigan, which is the final policy making body of the State Bar.  

Examples of Policies Improving Access to the Courts 

-  A court rule that implements a court settlement that requires incarcerated parents to have access to hearings concerning their children by telephone.  

- Comments on proposed e-filing rules 

- A court rule that ensures that parents receive adequate notice and opportunity to participate in emergency hearings concerning the temporary custody of their children. 

- A court rule to help ensure that funds that are exempt from garnishment are in fact not attached by financial institutions.