About us
The Center for Student Legal Services has been providing Ohio University students with affordable legal assistance since 1997. We are a non-profit organization that is funded entirely by student enrollment in our program. Students can choose to enroll in the program as an option on their semesterly tuition bill. The cost of enrollment is $15 per semester, including summer sessions.
The Center for Student Legal Services provides Ohio University students with a wide range of legal services. We are staffed by two full-time attorneys who offer students legal representation for issues that are tried in Athens County courts. Our attorneys have experience in civil and criminal law, and are dedicated to serving the students of Ohio University and bettering the community of Athens. Cases are always managed by a licensed attorney and never by pre-law students, interns, or the administrative office staff. Please see Services: Overview, Criminal Law, and Housing Law for more information on the kinds of cases that our office typically sees.
Ohio University is one of the few universities in the United States where students have access to quality legal services at an extremely affordable cost. The $15 enrollment fee is minimal compared to the potential costs of legal services from a traditional law office. Even if students do not require representation in court, those who choose to enroll in our program are entitled to our notary services as well as general legal advice on a number of topics. Furthermore, enrollment in our program may entitle students to legal representation via the student legal services offered by other universities in Ohio. We have reciprocity agreements with the student legal services offices at Bowling Green University, Kent State University, Ohio State University, University of Toledo, and Wright State University, which allow Ohio University students who are eligible for our legal services to be referred to their student legal services for limited issues, and vice versa. Services offered by other student legal services programs are not guaranteed and each office reserves the right to turn down a referral.
For 25 years, the Center for Student Legal Services has been helping Ohio University students with a multitude of legal issues. Our work has led to policy changes that have positively impacted the quality of life for all students.
Get to know our staff and Board of Directors.