Student Legal Services Provides Needed Resource

As an unprecedented semester at UNC winds down, many UNC students may have lingering concerns about a variety of matters related to the coronavirus pandemic and to their lives as students in Chapel Hill. Fortunately, for all enrolled undergraduate, graduate and professional students, there is a resource that can help: Carolina Student Legal Services, Inc. (SLS).

SLS is a nonprofit law firm created in 1976 to meet the legal needs of students and student organizations at UNC. Since March 23rd, they have transitioned to remote services and have since met with hundreds of UNC students via Zoom, email, telephone calls and live chat. SLS will continue to help students through the summer as well. Graduating seniors have a three-month period from the day they graduated to contact SLS with legal matters, and full-time degree-seeking students who were enrolled during the spring can utilize SLS services as well. SLS has helped students address a variety of issues, including:

Covid-19 related landlord tenant issues, including early lease termination
Unemployment benefits and other CARES act questions
Pending criminal or traffic court matters
Transfer of minor children during quarantine for separated couples
Will and Powers of Attorney preparation
Additionally, for any legal question or issue SLS does not offer counsel for, they can provide referrals to attorneys who can help. (And note that SLS cannot give advice or represent against other UNC students or the University.)

Students with questions or concerns regarding a legal matter should email SLS at [email protected] or call (919) 962-1303.  In addition to remote appointments, SLS will also be conducting a "live chat" with our attorneys through its website Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.