► Notice Regarding Services
Student Legal Services is open, but we are working remotely. We will conduct client appointments via Zoom or telephone. Notary services will be conducted by appointment only. Our office will be closed 12/23/20 - 1/1/21. We will be monitoring voicemails but only responding to time sensitive matters.
If you need to schedule an appointment or have any questions regarding our services, please do not hesitate to call our office when we return on 1/4/21 at (734) 763-9920 between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
► Scam Alert!
There has been an uptick in leasing scams. Please be careful before signing a lease, a sublease, or sending any rent, deposits, or other fees in relation to a lease. If you are unsure about the validity of a proposed lease, please contact us before signing the lease or sending any funds.
► New Announcement!
U-M Ann Arbor's Student Legal Services is now partnering with U-M Flint to offer advice only legal services to students! Read here: https://news.umflint.edu/2020/09/21/um-flint-offers-legal-services-to-students/.
► COVID-19 Updates: U-M
U-M COVID-19 Updates: https://coronavirus.umich.edu/. Remember to mask up! As the spread of the infection increases, so does the University's enforcement of its policies. Don't risk your health or University discipline.
University of Michigan International Center: https://internationalcenter.umich.edu/
► COVID-19 Updates: Governmental Units
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS): https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-547899--,00.html
State of Michigan: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/
Washtenaw County Health Department: https://www.washtenaw.org/3095/COVID-19
► COVID-19 Updates: Local Courts
15th District, 14A/14B District, and Washtenaw County Trial Courts: https://www.washtenaw.org/DocumentCenter/View/18461/2020-14J---Plan-to-return-to-full-capacity---Return-to-Phase-2
► COVID-19 Financial Assistance: U-M
COVID-19 Emergency Application: https://finaid.umich.edu/
To be considered for federal emergency funding assistance pursuant to the CARES Act, you must be eligible to file a FAFSA. The university must also have your filed FAFSA on record. Further, you will be considered for other limited funding. If you have not yet completed the FAFSA, you may get to the FAFSA website by clicking “view/print” on the FCOVIS checklist document. International, DACA, undocumented, and other students who are ineligible to file a FAFSA will see FCOVIS marked “WAIVED.” While these students are not eligible for federal emergency grant funding, they will be considered for other limited university funding.
Before submitting your application, please review the terms of the emergency funding assistance for a complete understanding of the requirements and process. Please refer to this website and scroll down to the section: “As a U-M Student, Where Can I Request Emergency Funds (Updated 5/4/20).” If you then have any questions, please direct them to fcovid19app@umich.edu.
Emergency Scholarship for LSA Students: This scholarship is intended to help undergraduate students currently enrolled full-time and pursuing a degree program (or MDDP) in the College of LSA on the Ann Arbor Campus. There is no set award amount as it will vary depending on each individual's situation. Additional information or documentation may be required, to make a fair evaluation. The funds can cover educational expenses and non-educational expenses, as long as the student has experienced a recent unexpected emergency. This scholarship is not intended to supplement a student's financial aid package, and funds cannot be awarded beyond what a student's aid package allows.
Begin by clicking this link and completing the general application. When asked which scholarship program you are applying to, click the box for "Emergency." Finish your general application by clicking the "Submit" button at the bottom of the screen. Once the general application has been submitted, you will then be directed to complete the "LSA Emergency Scholarship" application. Answer the questions and submit the application for full consideration. Please click here to review the complete terms of the emergency scholarship assistance program.
If you have any questions related to the "LSA Emergency Scholarship," please e-mail: LSAScholarships@umich.edu.
What is SLS?
Since 1979, Student Legal Services (“SLS”) has been assisting students. SLS is a division of Student Life and is a full-service law office consisting of five (5) full-time attorneys, one paralegal, and a legal secretary/office manager. Our service is only available to currently enrolled students, at the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus.
Our staff has a wide range of experience and knowledge of the law. they are familiar with the Ann Arbor and Washtenaw courts. They are well respected by the judges, county prosecutors, city attorneys, and other practicing attorneys.
What does SLS do?
The attorneys at SLS can advise you regarding your legal rights and represent you, if needed, in Washtenaw County courts only. It is also possible for the staff to negotiate with various individuals on your behalf (i.e. debt collectors). The attorneys also make various presentations throughout the school year, and they are also available to speak to student groups if requested.
Confidentiality:
Your discussions with our attorneys and other staff are protected by attorney/client privilege. We will not discuss your case with your parents, friends, spouses, or the University of Michigan without your written consent.
Limitations:
- SLS cannot assist you against another U of M student (contact OSCR or Beyond the Diag)
- SLS cannot assist you against the University (contact the Ombudsman’s office)
- Our attorneys are licensed in the State of Michigan and their advice is limited to this state
- Our attorneys only represent students in Washtenaw County courts
What legal areas does SLS handle?
- Criminal Defense
- Housing (landlord/tenant)
- Family:
- Child Support
- Custody Issues
- Divorce
- Legal Name Change
- PPO filing
- Basic Estate Planning (under "Family"):
- Wills
- Medical Directives
- Power of Attorneys
- Consumer:
- Auto Repair Disputes
- Bankruptcy (advice only)
- Debt Collection Assistance
- Employment Contract Review
- Identity Theft
- Insurance Claims
- Traffic (defense assistance)
- Small Claims Court (assistance with the process)
- Notary Services
- Immigration Referrals (SLS can refer eligible students, to an immigration attorney, for a no-cost 90-minute consultation)
The above list is not all-inclusive of the areas for which we provide services. If you do not see the area of your legal situation, please call our office to see if we can assist you.
How much does SLS cost?
SLS is funded through a nominal fee, which each student pays every semester. There are no additional fees charged for the attorney's services. However, the student is responsible for any costs associated with the case to include court filing fees, court fines, and service of process fees. Any fees will be explained to you by the attorney assigned to your case.
How do I get service?
If for any reason you are in need of legal advice and/or service, please call 734-763-9920 to schedule an appointment. It is especially important that you contact us as soon as possible regarding any upcoming court appearances or if you are served with a summons and complaint. No legal advice will be provided over the phone.
What to expect at the appointment?
When you come on the day of your appointment, please note:
- Each appointment lasts 20-minutes (except for appointments with U. Ashwin Patel)
- Arrive 5 - 10 minutes prior to your appointment to complete our client intake form
- Be on time – if our appointments are booked that day, you may need to reschedule
- Be prepared to show us your U of M Student Identification card
- Bring any documentation/information related to your matter, for the attorney’s review
- We will ask that you complete our exit survey after your appointment
