Michelle L. Johnson

Michelle Johnson is president and CEO of the Legal Aid and Defender Association (LADA), the oldest provider of free civil legal services for vulnerable individuals and families in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

An advocate for justice and equity, Johnson joined LADA in 2002 after beginning her career with the Detroit Law Department. Under her leadership, LADA helps residents overcome barriers to housing, employment and stability through legal support in areas including expungement, landlord-tenant disputes and veterans’ advocacy.

Johnson has held multiple leadership roles, delivering measurable outcomes for the individuals and communities LADA serves. Her leadership reflects a deep belief that justice should never depend on income, and she continues to guide her team with compassion, collaboration and a commitment to empowerment.

Johnson oversees more than 2,500 cases annually and has secured significant grant funding from government, philanthropic and community partners to expand LADA’s reach.
A Detroit native and earned her degrees from Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University Law School.