Landlord won’t return your security deposit? Got a traffic ticket you can’t afford? Confused about a lease you’re about to sign? Indiana University students have access to legal help with these problems.
The services are free for students, covered by part of the student activity fee every enrolled IU Bloomington student pays for each semester — according to Director of Student Legal Services Stacee Williams.
Student Legal Services, located at 310 N. Park Ave. near the Indiana Memorial Union, is an on-campus law office that provides legal consultation and representation from licensed attorneys on civil issues ranging from car accidents to minor criminal charges.
Offering services since 1971, the office employs four full-time attorneys alongside 14-19 second and third-year IU Maurer School of Law student interns, who work on cases under attorney supervision. The attorneys can represent students in civil cases, including alcohol citations, insurance, landlord disputes, lease reviews, traffic violations and more.
At any given time, the office manages between 160-170 open cases, serving around 3,500 students per semester, Williams said.
The office can’t represent students facing felonies. However, Student Legal Services attorneys can explain charges and connect students with local defense attorneys.
For immigration-related cases, the office can answer basic questions and advise students on their rights during interactions with law enforcement. More complex immigration matters are referred to specialized immigration attorneys.
In some cases, students with low-level charges, such as public intoxication or possession of a small amount of marijuana, are recommended to participate in the Monroe County Pretrial Diversion Program. This requires first-time offenders to complete requirements such as community service or educational courses to avoid on-record conviction.
“Our goal is to provide something to every student who reaches out for service, whether it’s a referral on campus or off, or direct service,” Williams, who is also a supervising attorney, said.
Students can begin the process by completing an intake form either online or in person, describing their legal issues. Staff review submissions and contact students within one business day to schedule an appointment, though attorneys can meet sooner in emergencies.
Once scheduled, an attorney-supervised intern will reach out, serving as the main contact on the case. Interns take no action without approval from both the student and their supervising attorney.
Student Legal Services operates under the same rules as any law firm. Attorneys and interns must follow Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct, which establishes strict attorney-client privileges. This means staff cannot discuss cases with anyone, including parents, without explicit permission from the student.
William emphasized this protection extends even within the university setting.
“Everything that students tell us is confidential,” Williams said. “Even though we are part of the university, we’re not sharing information about our students or that students share with us beyond our office.”
However, the office cannot represent students in cases against the university due to conflict of interest. Student Legal Services also cannot represent students in cases against other students, as all fee-paying students are considered clients.
Beyond handling student cases, Student Legal Services focuses on legal education and prevention. Staff members publish brochures, available at the office, covering common legal issues students might face and make presentations throughout campus at residence halls, Greek houses, culture centers and student organizations.
While there are no upcoming events currently scheduled, future presentations and workshops will be published on the office’s website.
Student Legal Services also partners with the City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development department, IU MoneySmarts and the Monroe County Apartment Association to offer R101: Renting in Bloomington, a free class for all Bloomington renters that covers managing finances, understanding leases, tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities.
Williams encouraged students to reach out with any legal concerns at 812-855-7867 or stulegal@iu.edu.
“If you think you’re in legal trouble, we’re the place to go,” Williams said. “We’re gonna take care of you, because you’re our client.”
