Carolina Student Legal Services is a non-profit law firm located on the University of North Carolina campus, offering confidential legal assistance exclusively to UNC students. Specializing in a wide range of practice areas, it stands out as a pre-paid service funded by student activity fees, ensuring that full-time students receive expert legal guidance at no additional cost for most matters.
The office is staffed by three licensed attorneys and a legal assistant who provide both advice and representation, focusing on empowering students to navigate legal challenges with confidence. While they cannot represent students against other UNC students, the university, or the state, they offer robust support in eligible cases and ensure strict confidentiality in all consultations. Their approach includes both scheduled appointments and limited walk-in services during academic sessions.
Services Offered
- Landlord-Tenant matters including lease reviews, security deposit disputes, evictions, roommate agreements, and subleasing
- Assistance for Student Groups with EIN applications, bylaws drafting, incorporation, 501(c)(3) non-profit status, and risk management presentations
- Traffic and Criminal advice (court preparation guidance only) and Expungement representation
- Name Change assistance in North Carolina
- Referrals for Business matters, Intellectual Property (copyright, trademark, patent), non-disclosure agreements, partnership agreements, and tax issues
- Family Law and Domestic Violence representation (uncontested divorce and most domestic violence cases in Orange, Durham, Wake, or Chatham counties)
- Consumer issues including debt collection, identity theft, defective products, and towing disputes
- Notary Services for current students, faculty, and staff (excluding I-9 forms)
- Immigration Questions through brief initial consultations with a contracted immigration attorney
- Employment Matters advice on applications, contract review, unemployment filings, and wage disputes; referrals for discrimination, ADA claims, and wrongful termination
- Name, Image, and Likeness contract advice and referrals in collaboration with UNC Athletics and legal partners
- Estate planning assistance including wills and power of attorney documents
- General legal advice and referrals for matters outside their scope
Services are available to full-time UNC students during all days classes or exams are held, with support offered in Orange, Durham, Wake, and Chatham counties for eligible cases. The firm emphasizes accessibility, confidentiality, and student-focused representation.
