Frequently Asked Questions

To make an appointment, call the office at (515) 294-0978 and leave your name and phone number. Student Legal Services does not schedule appointments by email.

We are on the sixth floor of the Memorial Union building. Exit the elevator, turn right, and you will find our office at the end of the hall.

Please bring any documentation relevant to your case: leases, contracts, citations, court documents, etc.

You will meet directly with a Student Legal Services attorney to discuss your legal issue and concern(s).

No. In the United States the terms are interchangeable.

No. The attorneys at Student Legal Services are experienced, full-time attorneys licensed to practice law in Iowa. To read more about the experience of our staff, click here.

Yes, with very few exceptions set forth in the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct. To learn more about these exceptions or confidentiality, please contact a Student Legal Services attorney.

The services of SLS are available to students and recognized Iowa State University student groups free of charge. Students must pay their own court costs and any out of pocket expenses.

SLS cannot represent students in controversies involving student vs. student, student vs. ISU, or ISU student conduct matters. SLS also generally does not handle felony defense or cases involving excessive time. However, consultation with an attorney regarding these matters may be available.

SLS is available to provide law related educational programs for students, student groups and others within the university community on a variety of topics, including interactions with police and law enforcement authorities, court procedures and the judicial process, landlord/tenant and housing issues.

 

No. The date to appear is for an initial appearance, not a trial. You must appear, or take other action on or before that date. A trial date, or further proceedings, will be set at a later date. It is strongly recommended to make an appointment with an attorney before your appearance date to fully understand your legal rights, the judicial process, and the proceedings in your case. 

No. Contact Student Legal Services to discuss the particulars of your case.

Yes. Go over our Renter's Rules for key things to know before signing a lease.

Students are increasingly being asked to renew their lease for the next year or term at an earlier time during their existing lease. Students are often unsure of their future living arrangement plans. Contact Student Legal Services to discuss strategies to use in this situation before signing to renew your lease!

We have a page here that goes into expunging a criminal conviction, expunging a not guilty verdict, and misdemeanor expungement. For further questions, schedule an appointment with us by calling (515) 294-0978.