Our Mission
The mission of Student Legal Services is three-fold:
- To provide high-quality free legal advice and legal representation to University of Iowa students.
- To educate the student body on their legal rights and to advocate for their interests.
- To provide meaningful internship opportunities for law students to gain experience assisting underserved populations.
Confidentiality
Student Legal Services (SLS) is a law office located on the University of Iowa campus and provides confidential legal services to University of Iowa students.
Free legal advice
Our attorneys will help you navigate your legal options so you can focus on your educational goals. Learn more about the topics we advise students on.
Free representation
We provide representation in civil and criminal cases in Johnson County, which may include negotiation, in-court proceedings, and appellate advocacy. This protects you from being at an unfair disadvantage in the legal system.
Mediation
SLS attorneys are trained in alternative dispute resolution to help you resolve situations outside of the legal system.
Notary appointments
We provide free and in-person notary appointments to all students, faculty, and staff.
Referrals
We provide referrals to university and local resources, including to other attorneys as needed. Learn about our immigration referral program.
Presentations
We offer educational presentations to student groups on a variety of legal issues. Learn more about our presentations.
Why should I choose Student Legal Services?
We believe that legal assistance is a basic need and students should not have to choose between receiving high-quality legal advice and meeting their other needs. That’s why SLS provides free advice and representation.
We strive to provide all University of Iowa students with access to the justice system. Legal matters can be overwhelming, and confidential on-campus legal advice and representation can help prevent an academic career from being derailed. Whether you’re a first-year student or a Ph.D. candidate, an Iowa native or an international student, SLS is a resource for students from all backgrounds.
We recognize that people have preconceived notions about attorneys and what speaking to an attorney means. Not only does our team provide confidential assistance, but we want students to feel comfortable telling us their concerns no matter what side of an issue a student is on. Our attorneys are skilled in criminal and civil defense, as well as representing students who have been harmed physically, financially, and otherwise. We are committed to public interest law and are passionate about advocating for students.