Are you a CMU graduate or undergraduate student facing a legal question? Navigating legal issues can be daunting, but Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) offers a valuable resource to help you get started. Through a partnership between the Graduate Student Assembly, the Provost Office, and the Undergraduate Student Senate, CMU students can access free Lawyer Consultations.
This program provides a fantastic opportunity to discuss your legal concerns with a qualified attorney at no cost. It’s designed to offer initial guidance and direction, helping you understand your rights and options. Each student is entitled to one free 20-minute initial lawyer consultation per distinct legal issue. These consultations are conveniently held virtually, ensuring accessibility for all students. Once you schedule your consultation, you will receive a Zoom meeting link via email the day before your appointment.
It’s important to understand the scope of this free service. The lawyer consultation is intended to be an initial discussion. You are under no obligation to hire the attorney for further representation, and the attorney is not obligated to provide advice beyond this initial meeting. Should you wish to engage the attorney for ongoing legal services, you can enter into a separate, private agreement directly with them, bearing all associated costs.
The program covers a range of common legal inquiries relevant to students. Typical areas for lawyer consultation include:
- Landlord/Tenant Issues: Understanding your rights and obligations as a tenant or landlord.
- Criminal/DUI Matters: Seeking guidance on criminal charges or driving under the influence.
- Contract Disputes: Advice on contract reviews, breaches, or agreements.
- Employment Concerns: Questions related to workplace rights, employment contracts, or disputes.
- Civil Lawsuits (Plaintiff or Defendant): Navigating civil legal actions, whether you are initiating a lawsuit or defending against one.
- Personal Injury: Seeking advice after an accident or injury due to someone else’s negligence.
Please note that this lawyer consultation program has specific limitations. The attorney you consult cannot represent you in any claim or legal action against Carnegie Mellon University, the Graduate Student Assembly, the Undergraduate Student Senate, or their affiliates. Similarly, representation is prohibited in cases where any of these entities are involved or have a legal interest.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to recognize that the legal advice provided during these consultations comes from an attorney who is not an agent, employee, or representative of CMU or its student governing bodies. Therefore, Carnegie Mellon University, the Graduate Student Assembly, and the Undergraduate Student Senate are not responsible for the legal advice you receive.
Finally, lawyer consultations under this program do not extend to immigration matters. For assistance with immigration-related legal issues, students are advised to contact the Office of International Education, a dedicated resource for international students at CMU. You can find more information and contact details on their website: Office of International Education.
Take advantage of this valuable opportunity for a lawyer consultation to gain clarity and direction on your legal questions while studying at CMU.
