Student Legal Services

Limitations

When the opposing party is a UW entity or UW student

We are not able to provide legal advice when the opposing party is a UW entity, a UW employee or a UW student. What we can offer is referrals and resources to community organizations and programs that may be able to assist you with your case. You can always fill out an intake and we will check for conflicts. If there is a conflict, we will send you an email with potential resources. 

When the Matter Involves Out-Of-State Laws

We are not able to provide legal advice or consultations when the matter involves the laws of another state (i.e. the legal issue occurred in another state or involves a contract subject to the laws of another state). You are welcome to send us an email if you are experiencing a legal issue outside of Washington and we can inquire with other Student Legal Service Providers to see whether we can send you any resources. 

When a Consultation Request/Intake Form is Submitted on Behalf of Others

We are not able to provide legal advice when a student submits an intake form on behalf of a friend or family member when the student is not also a party to the legal matter. You can email our office if you have a non-UW family member or friend in need of legal services and we will do our best to provide referrals and resources to community organizations and programs.

Students cannot  hire SLS for these types of legal matters

Although SLS provides free legal consultations for any legal questions, the following are areas in which SLS will not provide ongoing representation:

  • Bankruptcy
  • Business formation
  • Criminal cases for felony charges
  • Contested family matters
  • Evaluation of work of other attorneys
  • Fee-generating personal injury cases
  • Immigration matters, in which the student will require assistance post-graduation. In that case, we can provide consultations but not ongoing representation.
  • Tax matters
  • Out-of-state cases. However, SLS can be hired to facilitate communication with out-of-state legal counsel.
  • Legal issues of a student’s friends or family members
  • Matters involving the University of Washington, including, but not limited to, Housing and Food Services, academic departments, and faculty or staff.

Regardless of the nature of your legal matter, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation. For questions about case eligibility not addressed on our website, please phone our office at 206.543.6486.