Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services (SLS) directly impacts PSU student success by providing professional and confidential legal services. A consultation with a private attorney in Oregon can cost $200 or more. Fortunately, PSU students have access to SLS for free. We let students focus on their futures by helping them with complex matters such as evictions, divorces and immigration.

As a federally recognized Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (ANAAPSI), and an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), PSU has the most diverse student body in the state. Additionally, PSU offers the most affordable 4-year education in Oregon, and has the highest percentage of our students qualify for federal income-based financial aid of any college in Oregon.

The recent winner of the MBA Diversity Award, SLS also offers the Explore the Law (ETL) program, an ABA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Center-recognized National Pipeline Program, and a robust internship program to support students seeking careers in the law. Interns gain valuable professional skills working alongside our in-house attorneys day to day. ETL students are paired with local attorney mentors and gain insight into the practice of law, law school applications, and more.

What your gift can provide:
$40 can help a student expunge their old court records, removing barriers to housing and employment
$50 can help 1 ETL student attend a field trip to an Oregon law school
$130 can pay for a trans student to update their name and gender on legal documents
$300 can help a domestic violence survivor legally separate from an abusive partner
$600 can cover the cost of a student's DACA renewal

What student clients are saying about our legal services:

• "I have never been more included in an unfamiliar process, regardless of my knowledge in the area. What I didn't understand, (my attorney) explained thoroughly, and when I needed additional assistance, she was very receptive and on top of it. I absolutely loved working with (SLS) despite the circumstances, and would recommend it to everyone I come across needing legal services at PSU."
• “Literally so incredibly helpful, such an amazing resource to learn more about laws and prepare students for the real world. Greatly reduced my anxiety to feel so supported.”
• “I was able to get professional legal advice at PSU - the place where I have spent most of my time in the US. It is a boon for international students, especially under the current administration.”
• “My experience with SLS was very positive. (My SLS attorney) provided a much-needed lifeline at a time when I had nowhere else to turn. She stayed with the case long term, ensuring that my medical bills and moving expenses were covered, among other important matters."

What Explore the Law students are saying about our educational programming for Pre-Law students:

• "I plan to take the advice I received in the program and through my mentor to continue striving towards helping others and never giving up what I am passionate about. I still can’t believe that this program helped me realize my interest in law and criminology was still possible."
• "I found the connections to mentors, law schools, and classmates invaluable. ETL covered so many parts of the law school journey, from the application process to lawyering and pursuing careers as federal employees."
• "a super positive experience with lovely people that really inspired me to pursue law school in the future. Before the program, I had no idea if a career in law is what I would want, and now I have much clearer goals."
• "I loved the program. Before, I was unsure if I wanted to become a lawyer mostly because of the cost and barriers to entry. After the program I know for sure that I want to become a lawyer. (...) I am a first-gen Latina immigrant, so I did not have anyone that I could rely on for advice before this or anyone that was going through the same thing but now I do, and I am so glad."