By
Tom McDermott
Editor's Note: This week, Wildcat Perspectives columnists examined four different programs and services that are sponsored by ASUA. Tom McDermott's column is the final installment of this four-part series.
Having trouble with your landlord? Does an MIP have you singin' the blues? Then why not swing by ASUA Legal Services for some sage-like wisdom on how to make all your troubles disappear?
All right, enough shtick. (There are few things more repugnant to a future attorney than crappy television ads by ambulance chasers and slip-and-fall-on-a-banana-peel specialists). Seriously though, Legal Services is probably the best source for students seeking answers to their legal quagmires.
Best of all, it's absolutely free.
The service is staffed by attorney Susan Ferrell, a University of Arizona Law graduate, several interns from the law school and a receptionist. Ferrell sees approximately 30 students per week, which is an extremely heavy workload for such a small office.
I was very surprised to learn that Legal Services is one of the most commonly used ASUA programs. Clearly it is one of the few for which students receive full value for their mandatory student fee dollar.
Ferrell will give general legal advice on a variety of issues encompassing most areas of the law. Of course, all information you give to the attorney is confidential under the attorney-client privilege.
She informed me that she does not represent clients who come to Legal Services, and she does not give advice over the phone. She also won't make referrals directly to other attorneys.
However, she will answer questions, help decipher legal forms and make recommendations about courses of action. She may assist in determining whether you need to retain an attorney and, if so, where you might inquire about a referral for an attorney.
As I see it, this is probably one of the most valuable services they offer. For many first time clients, especially college students, the initial consultation with an attorney is about as pleasant as a prostate exam. You're probably nervous, apprehensive and possibly even angry. You ask yourself: What the hell am I doing here? How did I get myself into this mess? Will this guy even take my case? Is he going to hit me with a huge fee just for the privilege of entering his presence?
Going to ASUA Legal Services first might help soften the blow a bit. Plus, you may be able to avoid the strain on the family trying to get free advice from your tax lawyer uncle about what to do concerning your arrest for overturning an RV.
In the end, it may turn out that you don't need a lawyer at all. With some guidance, you may be able to handle the problem on your own.
The service should be able to answer most questions relating to common student problems: landlord-tenant issues, misdemeanor criminal charges - especially for MIP, fake IDs, traffic violations and possession of marijuana - consumer rights issues, immigration issues, name changes, bankruptcy and even divorce. Problems with landlords seem to top the list of students' legal concerns.
A program like Legal Services is invaluable to the overall quality of life on campus. Just as Student Health can save you the trouble of looking everywhere for a doctor to cure some minor medical problem, Legal Services just might save you the hassle of finding competent legal advice on your own. But just as you wouldn't walk into Student Health with a severed arm, don't expect Legal Services to be the answer to your prayers if you're in serious legal trouble.
Legal Services takes appointments Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The number is 621-2782.
