Student Legal Services
Student Legal Services
Free Legal Help for PSU Students
Student Legal Services provides FREE legal help to current PSU students. Our team of attorneys offers consultations, representation and advice on many legal matters.
Office Information
Location: Smith Memorial Student Union, M343 1825 SW Broadway, Portland Oregon (office space closed until further notice- legal consultations now offered via phone or zoom only)
Hours: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
We are currently operating remotely. All client meetings will take via phone or video call.
Phone: 503-725-4556 - please leave a voicemail and we will return your call
Email: SLMS@pdx.edu inbox for general inquiries. To request an appointment, please fill out our appointment request form rather than sending an email!
How to request an appointment: fill out our appointment request to get started. After we review your request and confirm eligibility we will get in touch to schedule.
Notary Hours: For the time being, our Notary Hours are on hold due to COVID-19. Please note that certified true copies of transcripts are requested through the registrar's office, not Student Legal Services.
Have more questions about how to seek our services?
- Office Manager Virtual Office Hours: Have questions about how to access our services, or want to learn about our educational programming? Request a virtual meeting with our office manager Hannah for a quick check-in during her office hours. This is not the same as meeting with one of our attorneys, and students will not receive legal advice during office hours check-ins.
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know about our upcoming events!
SLS Announcements
Announcing our Criminal Law 101 Webinar Series
This May we are presenting 4 weekly sessions on the topic of Criminal Law. See full event details and register.
We're hiring student workers!
We are seeking 2 students to join our team as part-time Office Assistants. Visit our listing in Handshake to apply. Applications are due by midnight on May 13th.
We're seeking Advisory Board members!
Want to get involved in SLS's operations, learn more about the legal field, and participate in board processes? Apply to join our Advisory Board!
Access our Renter's Rights Handbook!
PSU students & staff can pick up their FREE copy at the Smith Memorial Student Union Information Hub, or view our online version!
Get updates from SLS
Sign up to be notified of our upcoming presentations and other important announcements from our office.
Resources
Check out our resources page for links and information on a variety of matters, including resources for those who may not qualify for SLS services. We have recently added additional information for protestors and COVID-19 related legal resources.
Opportunities
Students interested in the legal field can engage with PSU Student Legal Services through our internships, Explore the Law program, and our Advisory Board.
Apply for an SLS Internship -The SLS internship lasts one term, and may be eligible for college credit. Our interns gain legal experience by working closely with our team of attorneys, law clerks, and support staff. Learn more about our internship.
Participate in the Explore the Program - Explore the Law (ETL) connects PSU students with attorneys and others in the legal field and helps them prepare for law school and beyond. This a two-term program that may qualify for academic credit. Learn more about ETL.
Join our Advisory Board - The SLS Advisory Board reviews SLS programming, budgets and activities. The Board is made up of PSU students and members of the community. This is an unpaid, volunteer position with a one-year commitment. Joining our Advisory Board is a great way to learn more about the unique needs of a non-profit legal services office, and gain experience working in a professional setting. Advisory Board meeting agendas and minutes are available to the public, you can request access by emailing slms@pdx.edu. Review the Advisory Board Application. Please note that we review applicaitons for the advisory board annually, and onboard new members every Fall term. You are welcome to apply at any time, but will likely not be contacted until the end of Spring term for service starting the following fall.
Learn More about SLS
Our Vision:
To provide outstanding free legal services and education that enhances student success.
Our Mission:
Student Legal Services empowers P.S.U. students to succeed in their academic endeavors by providing access to justice. We address legal issues that impact students’ educational and career goals through legal advice, representation, mentorship, community partnerships, and education.
Our Values:
- Persistence: To provide services in support of student retention and well-being.
- Access to Justice: To empower students through legal assistance and information to remove barriers to the legal system.
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: To provide an accessible and inclusive program for the diverse P.S.U. student body.
- Education: To increase student knowledge through consultations, presentations, and mentorship.
- Student Success: To help resolve legal obstacles in support of academic and personal achievements.
- Community: To interact in a positive, meaningful manner with all components of Portland State University and the Portland community.
- Collaboration: To work with other P.S.U. departments to be responsive to the needs and concerns of students and jointly provide holistic support and programming.
History:
Student Legal Services was initiated in 1975 by the Associated Students of Portland State University (ASPSU) in recognition of the need of P.S.U.'s students to have access to affordable legal services. From 1975 to 1981 Student Legal Services was staffed with only a coordinator/attorney - Bernard Stea. Over the past 36 years Student Legal Services has had 7 different coordinators/directors and has gradually added 5 additional full-time staff positions, 3 law clerk positions and 3 student positions. The current Director of Student Legal Services is Dick Slottee.