Supporting low wage people, their families, and communities through advocacy, education, and research.
Everyday, the economic and social rights of low income workers and communities are threatened by unfair employment practices, inappropriate development deals, environmental harms, and a range of discriminatory corporate and government policies.
The Sugar Law Center’s work seeks to amplify the voices of low income workers and their communities by providing legal and technical support when people stand up and stand together for a fuller realization of their economic and social rights.
We are HIRING! The Sugar Law Center is adding a Staff Attorney!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!
our Projects
Our efforts focus on issues of decent work and equitable communities. We combine public education, policy initiatives, know-your-rights trainings, legal advocacy, technical support, and other tools to support low income individuals, families, and their communities.
Our work is centered on WORKplace & COMMUNITY JUSTICE issues.
Scroll below for more information.
WORKplace justice
workplace issues & WAGE THEFT
Sugar Law files claims on a wide range of workplace rights and for workers across many industries. Our work includes advocacy for policy change and providing self-help trainings for people to realize their right to fair and decent work.
On the Job Issues
Injury & Illness at Work
Job Loss Issues
unemployment insurance
Our office is at the forefront of efforts to ensure workers receive unemployment insurance benefits earned during years of work to support their families at the time income is most needed.
Mass layoffs & worksite closings
We advocate for stronger protections under the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act and laws that provide economic security to workers, their families, and their communities when job loss occurs.
Federal, State, Local Legislation & More
Our Blawg
Notices & Resources
communty justice
Energy security for all
Sugar Law provides legal support for community-led policy change challenging inequitable energy burdens. Too many people experience energy insecurity, including exorbitant utility debt and unanticipated power shutoffs.
community benefits
Sugar Law provides wide-ranging support to community benefits coalitions while advocating for equitable economic development creating good jobs, affordable housing, and safe environments.
A website maintained by SLC providing information and resources from community benefits campaigns across the nation.
A resource guide for communities near the former Detroit incinerator, produced by our friends at Breathe Free Detroit.
Democracy emergencies
Through civic engagement, grass roots advocacy, and litigation, we fight undemocratic and discriminatory practices that disenfranchise communities of color and that deny persons their right to fair and decent work, to education, and to economic and social opportunities.
environmental justice
Environmental discrimination threatens communities of color and economically marginalized communities throughout the country. Through advocacy and representation, we work to ensure safe and healthy living environments for all.
eSSENTIAL ADVOCACY 2025
Much thanks to NLRB Board Member and Chair Gwynne A. Wilcox who was honored at our Essential Advocacy fundraiser in December 2025!
Thank you to everyone who came, donated, and sent well wishes!
Your support is very much appreciated!
thanks to all the sponsors of Essential Advocacy, including:
Our multi-strategy approach combines public education, policy initiatives, know-your-rights training, legal advocacy, research, technical support, and other tools to provide support to communities on their economic and social rights.
About
Find out about our organization,
mission, people, and decades of advocacy.
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of the Ford Foundation, W.K.Kellogg Foundation, Kresge Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Michigan State Bar Foundation, CO.ACT Detroit, Michigan Justice Fund, Fund for Equal Justice and the Buck Dinner Committee, along with individual donors from across the nation.
Thank you for your continuing support!
