WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
All of the students
(1)enrolled in at least 6 semester hours or 1-1/2 graduate units for the current semester at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
(2)who have paid and not received a refund of the $14.00 Student Organization Resource Fee S.O.R.F. are eligible to use Student Legal Service.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDENT LEGAL SERVICE
The purpose of the Student Legal Service is to inform students of practical aspects of the law as applied to their individual problem. In addition, in-court representation is available in many cases.

Priority is given to matters for which a student would be financially unable to retain an attorney. This is determined by income guidelines established by the Student Legal Service Plan. It is believed that a majority of the students will qualify for individual representation under those guidelines. Income guidelines do not apply to landlord/tenant cases.

LOCATION AND HOURS
The Student Legal Service is located at 324 Illini Union (third floor, North Wing). The phone number is (217)333-9053. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the school year, including the summer sessions. The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and University holidays.
Parking is quite difficult to find near the Illini Union.

HOW TO USE THE SERVICE
To use the Student Legal Service, you must come to the office in person.
You will be required to show your student identification card, and you will be asked to fill out an intake questionnaire providing a brief description of your legal problem or question. This makes it possible for any necessary research to be done prior to your appointment. Normally you will not have to wait longer than three days for your appointment.
If you have a legal problem or anticipate one, give it your early attention.
Don't wait until the day before you are to appear in court to contact Student Legal Service.

NO LEGAL ADVICE WILL BE GIVEN OVER THE TELEPHONE
Business may not be conducted with an unknown party. This policy is for the protection of your privacy.

THE STAFF
The staff of the Student Legal Service consists of three full-time attorneys and one full-time secretary. There may be one or more part-time law student interns from the University's College of Law who work under the supervision of the attorneys.

ATTORNEYS AND THEIR CLIENTS
In discharging their responsibilities at the Student Legal Service, the staff attorneys are subject to professional ethics. The following policies are in accordance with those professional ethical responsibilities.

Confidentiality
An attorney is sworn to preserve the confidence of a client. This rule applies equally to those persons that work with the attorney. Information concerning your case or contents of your file will under no circumstances be released to third parties without your written authorization. There are no exceptions. You should feel free to discuss openly and candidly on all aspects of your problem which you feel may have bearing on the outcomes.

Zealous Representation
The attorney assigned to your case is obligated to zealously represent your interests within the bounds of the law. The attorneys at Student Legal Service will at all time exercise independent, professional judgement in assessing the merits of a particular matter and in determining whether legal service will be given to an eligible student in that matter.

AVAILABLE SERVICES:

+ Landlord/Tenant issues
+ Traffic tickets
+ Misdemeanor charges
+ Name changes
+ City Ordinance Violations
+ Small Claims
+ Auto Accidents and Insurance Problems
+ Other miscellaneous problems/issues
+ Notary services

EXCLUDED SERVICES:

- Claims against the University of Illinois or the State of Illinois
- Income-producing activities
- Felony charges
- Contingent fee matters
- Student vs. Student
- Real estate matters (other than landlord/tenant)
- Wills or trusts
- Courtroom representation outside Champaign County
- Immigration or international law matters

Original Web Author: James P. Biggins
Current Web Author: Beckee Bachman
Copyright ©1999 by UIUC Student Legal Service - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED