College is a time for students to explore, learn, and develop. It also is prime time for them to become familiar with the law and their rights.
Christopher Malloy, supervising attorney for UI Student Legal Services, says many college students are first-time renters who may not fully comprehend what it means to sign a legally binding lease. Others don’t realize that having a criminal record—even a misdemeanor like "disorderly house"—can have negative consequences on future employment, admission to graduate or professional programs, or securing housing.
Student Legal Services provides professional legal advice and representation to UI students. Areas covered include:
- Consumer issues
- Contracts
- Criminal defense (PAULA, public intoxication, possession, OWI)
- Debt collection disputes
- Divorce without children
- Driving and driver's license issues
- Visa and immigration issues
- Landlord–tenant disputes
- Mediation, including tenant–tenant mediation services between UI students
- Name changes
- Notarization of legal documents
- Power of attorney
- Small claims actions
“Making a legal mistake can create a judgment, criminal record, or some black mark that can follow a student around for years,” Malloy says. “Things have changed since the parents of today’s college students were students: With electronic files now, it’s easy to access information, and the treatment of infractions also is much harsher.”
Students with concerns about a legal issue can turn to Student Legal Services. The office, which is centrally located in the Iowa Memorial Union and funded by student fees, offers free, professional legal advice and low-cost representation on a wide range of issues. Malloy is one of two full-time, licensed attorneys who work with a team of legal interns and two undergraduate student directors to provide services Monday through Friday.
About 1,100 students use these services each year. Most inquiries involve tenant–landlord issues (reviewing leases, getting deposits back, having rental repairs made, roommate conflicts, etc.), criminal matters, or small claims cases. Visa and immigration issues are also increasing concerns.
In addition to individual consultations, staff members offer campus presentations throughout the year and upon request to student groups. Topics range from the responsibilities of being a tenant to what to do during police encounters.
“Having knowledge of the law can help students focus on what they need to do: study and be involved,” Malloy says.
Parents continue to play an important role in a college student’s life, adds Malloy, and they can be influential in this area.
“Impress upon your student the seriousness of even minor infractions,” advises Malloy, noting that student clients must sign a release before staff can speak with parents about a particular case. “A college education is a huge investment. You wouldn’t spend $80,000 on a car and not care about getting a big dent on the side.”