SLS FAQ

WVU Student Legal Services was established in 1973 to meet the growing legal needs of the student body at West Virginia University.

Student Legal Services can assist students with:

Criminal Matters (advice only)
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Consumer Matters
Family Law Matters
Insurance Claims
Contracts
Wills & Estate Documents
Expungements
Powers of Attorney & Medical Power of Attorney
Debt Collection Defense
Name Changes & Modification of Birth Certificates
Legal Mediation Services

Even if your legal issue is not included in the list above, please feel free to reach out and discuss the matter with us.

Students who are currently enrolled at WVU and have paid their student activity fee are eligible to use WVU Student Legal Services (SLS). No additional fees are charged for any of the legal services provided. The students will, however, be responsible for paying service of process fees and court filing fees if their case is pursued in court.

All eligible persons have equal access to WVU Student Legal Services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation. Any individual needing special accommodations should contact our office at 304-293-4897.

WVU Student Legal Services cannot help students with cases against other students, student organizations, WVU faculty/staff or against West Virginia University. Student Legal Services cannot provide any advice, services, or guidance to any student ahead of a meeting with the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities (FKA Student Conduct).

WVU Student Legal Services (SLS) assists students with issues including landlord/tenant matters, consumer problems, family law matters, insurance claims, contracts, wills, powers of attorney and debt collection defense. The decision to represent a student on any given matter is wholly within the discretion of the attorney.

SLS may provide limited services in certain matters. These include, but are not limited to, limiting services to referrals in matters that may unduly monopolize program resources to the disadvantage of other eligible students.

Student seeking assistance from the SLS office should click on the Appointment tab on the top of this page and fill out an application for services. Once the application is received, the SLS office staff will contact you by phone or email to set an appointment.

The short answer is - everything. Students are encouraged to bring all relevant documentation relating to the issues that they wish to discuss with the attorney or the law clerks. This includes, but is not limited to: leases, letters, email communications, or any/all other documents relevant to your legal issue.

The application form allows applicants to upload one document with their application. Additional documents should be emailed to SLS@mail.wvu.edu.

Yes. Each student who seeks our advice or representation enters into a formal attorney-client relationship. One of the hallmarks of the attorney-client relationship is the concept of the attorney-client privilege. The privilege deals directly with the obligation of confidentiality that a lawyer and their staff has with respect to information relating to a specific client.

To preserve this attorney-client privilege, the SLS Managing Attorney may, at their discretion, limit who participates in client meetings.

Notaries are generally available for drop-in service during business hours (8:15AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM-4:45PM), but an appointment can also be made by emailing SLS@mail.wvu.edu to ensure that a Notary is available.

Absolutely. SLS provides educational presentations on campus. To schedule a presentation please email SLS Managing Attorney Patrick Brooks directly at patrick.brooks@mail.wvu.edu.