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(FAQs)
Student Legal Service (SLS) is a student-run organization funded by the University of Vermont Student Government Association (SGA). SLS provides legal assistance to all UVM students free of charge. The bulk of the funding SLS receives from the SGA goes to retaining the services of two attorneys of the Burlington law firm of Blodgett, Watts and Volk. The office itself is run by a staff of 12-15 interns, all of whom are full-time undergraduates at the University. Interns act as liaisons between the attorneys and the client. They set up appointments, conduct legal research, accompany clients to court, and organize the day to day business of the office. The internship program at SLS is one of the longest-standing and most prestigious at UVM, and UVM SLS is one of the oldest Student Legal Services in the nation.
Any UVM student is eligible for assistance from SLS. Our offices are located in B-160, Billings Student Center, in the SGA offices on the lower level. We accept both appointments and walk-ins. SLS specializes in the areas of law that students most often find themselves in need of assistance with, including landlord/tenant law, DWI, academic policy, civil and consumer law, criminal law, and the University judicial system. At the initial meeting, the client will meet with an intern, who will open a file and gather the details of the case. In some cases, one of SLS's two attorneys may want to meet with the client, other times, they may simply work with the client through the intern. Either way, the case will be reviewed by one of the attorneys, and will advise the client on the case.
In all cases, the intern will work closely with the client to resolve the issue.Interns conduct legal research, and accompany clients to UVM judicial board, and court hearings when necessary. Interns also play an important role in carefully explaining legal matters to the client, being as many UVM students will have had little contact with the law prior to their case. In cases which SLS does not possess the resources to assist with, the office has an extensive and comprehensive referral list of qualified attorneys, both in-state and out-of-state whom the client may elect to contact.
Yes, everything regarding a client's case is completely confidential. Meetings with interns and attorneys, including any legal advice given, and details of the case are considered attorney/client privelege. Confidentiality is therefore a cornerstone of the operations of our organization. All legal advice and any details of the case do not go beyond SLS staff.
Our offices are located in B-160, Billings Student Center, in the SGA offices on the lower level. We accept both appointments and walk-ins. Our office hours are listed here. We can also be reached at 656-4379, although we cannot give legal advice out over the phone.
Yes, we often deal with the Burlington Police and the state and municipal court systems. Interns often accompany clients to court cases to provide advice and support.
If you object to any police actions you likely have a disagreement to one of two things. One element could be officer (mis)conduct, and the other may be University policy. If you believe you were witness to or a victim of officer misconduct, you should report it. If you are unsure, feel free to stop by SLS for help.
More than likely, any injustice you may have experienced, probably is approved by University Policy. If you for any reason disagree with University Policies and/or their enforcement, you are going to have to speak up. Write a letter, send an email or make a phone call to administration (e.g. the president). Tell SGA, or even better join SGA. If student government doesn't interest you, join a student organization, that could work to organize students to fight policy. Administration will not change University policy and enforcement because one person complains.
Don't forget you can get involved with Student Legal Services to help other students know and exercise their rights.
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Since Student Legal Services represents all students equally, we cannot assist in any cases involving a student with a claim against another student. We offer consultations and assistance, however SLS does not provide the same services a paid attorney would. If this is what you require we can refer you to a local attorney to fulfill these needs.
Page last modified: August 18, 2002 04:08 PM EDT