Student Legal Services

Are you looking for legal advice? Student Legal Services (SLS) at Bowling Green State University is here for you!

Student Legal Services (SLS) may assist you in the following topical areas:

  • Landlord-tenant matters
    Disputes involving repairs actions, evictions, late security deposit refunds, unfair damage assessments, lease review, etc.
  • Contract and Consumer Matters
    Credit problems, defective products, warranty questions, etc.
  • Misdemeanor Criminal Cases
    Shoplifting, criminal damaging, disorderly conduct, fake IDs, expungement of criminal records, etc.
  • Traffic cases
    Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs(DUI), speeding, red light violations, stop sign violations,etc.
  • Family and Domestic Relations Matters
    Simple wills, simple dissolutions, name changes, etc.
  • Miscellaneous Matters
    Review of employment contracts, notary service, etc.

If your particular legal problem is determined to fall outside Student Legal Services schedule of benefits, you will be referred for legal assistance to the appropriate county bar association's attorney referral service, private attorneys, or other appropriate sources. If you are not sure whether your particular case may be covered, call us!

  • You must be a BGSU student attending main campus classes to be eligible for the Student Legal Services program.
  • You must pay the SLS participation fee each semester with your tuition.
  • Student Legal Services may provide only limited advice in certain areas of the law. These areas of law include but are not limited to:
    • Personal injury and property damage claims
    • Felonies
    • Immigration
    • Estate and probate matters/complex wills and return
    • Taxes
    • Business/real estate matters
    • Bankruptcies
    • Copyrights and patents
    • Non-moving traffic violations
    • Other matters which may unduly monopolize program resources to the disadvantage of other students
  • SLS may not represent a student in "an action against a state officer or agency arising out of the performance of the duties of the officer or agency, against a law enforcement officer arising out of the performance of the duties of the officer, against a college or university participating in the plan, against a student of such a college or university, or against a member of the board of regents or the board of trustees, faculty, or staff of such a college or university if the cause of action arises out of the performance of the duties of the member or in the course of the members employment by the college or university" (Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.022).
    • Otherwise known as Conflict of Interest areas.                  

If you seek further representation or advice, Student Legal Services, Inc. will provide referrals to attorneys in the community.

The legal services program is a benefit offered to main campus students to address legal needs that have the potential to disrupt student success. Our services are meant to assist in resolving problems for which it would otherwise be difficult or impossible to obtain legal services at affordable prices.

Students participating in the program pay thirteen dollars ($13.00) per semester to have full access to real attorneys. There is an option to waive this fee. However, services cannot be accessed if/when a problem arises if a waiver has been submitted.

This website is provided as a resource for general information only and should NOT be used as a substitute for specific legal advice. Once a specific legal issue arises, students should contact Student Legal Services immediately in order to schedule an appointment or receive a referral.

Updated: 10/07/2024 10:23AM