University of Michigan Student Legal Services - Ann Arbor, MI

Supporting the Legal Rights of University of Michigan Students

Attending university is a transformative experience, but navigating off-campus living, contracts, and unexpected legal challenges can be daunting for students. The University of Michigan Student Legal Services (SLS) is a full-service, on-campus law office dedicated to assisting currently enrolled students at the Ann Arbor campus. Established in 1979, SLS is staffed by five highly experienced, full-time attorneys, a paralegal, and dedicated administrative support. The office is designed to help students understand their legal rights and represent them in the courts of Washtenaw County. By resolving legal obstacles and offering educational outreach, SLS ensures that students can focus on their academic success without being derailed by complex legal issues.

Specialized Off-Campus Housing and Tenant-Landlord Advocacy

Finding off-campus housing in Ann Arbor can be highly competitive, and lease agreements are legally binding contracts that can present massive pitfalls. SLS housing attorneys assist students with free lease reviews before they sign, ensuring they understand all obligations. If a dispute arises with a private landlord, the legal team provides comprehensive representation for issues including security deposit recovery, privacy violations, habitability concerns, mold remediation, subleasing, and eviction defense. Working closely with campus entities like Beyond the Diag, the housing advocacy team ensures that all students, including those with disabilities, secure accessible and fair accommodations in local rental units.

Reliable Criminal Defense and Civil Traffic Citation Representation

An unexpected encounter with law enforcement or a minor mistake should not destroy a student's career prospects or academic standing. SLS criminal defense attorneys represent students facing misdemeanor and felony investigations, civil traffic tickets, noise violations, fake ID charges, minor in possession (MIP) citations, and driving offenses. Because their attorneys are highly familiar with the 15th District Court, Washtenaw County prosecutors, and local judges, they provide highly effective, strategic defense representation. Your discussions with SLS attorneys are protected by strict attorney-client privilege, meaning they will not discuss your case with the university, friends, or parents without your written consent.

Strategic General Practice, Family Law, and Consumer Protection

In addition to housing and criminal matters, SLS functions as a versatile general practice law office for eligible students. Their attorneys provide representation and advice on family law, including divorce and child custody, probate administration, consumer debt defense, and name changes. They also offer crucial initial advice on complex immigration issues, such as student visa status adjustments and travel regulations. Whether you need an attorney to negotiate with aggressive debt collectors or draft a power of attorney, SLS provides the highly professional, cost-free legal assistance you need to navigate challenging life events with confidence.

Why Utilize Student Legal Services"

• Exclusively for U-M Ann Arbor Students: Supported by student fees, providing comprehensive, cost-free legal counsel and Washtenaw County court representation.
• Decades of On-Campus Experience: Established in 1979, with full-time staff who are deeply familiar with Ann Arbor local ordinances, city attorneys, and university policies.
• Guaranteed Confidentiality: Absolute attorney-client privilege protects all your communications, ensuring a safe space to discuss sensitive personal and legal matters.