University of Chicago Student Legal Advice Services

The Graduate Council provides attorney office hours to eligible, full-time graduate and professional students in the University of Chicago for advice and consultation regarding legal matters and to make referrals for students who seek legal representation. Olivia St. Clair Long, JD’09, will provide office hours through Graduate Council at no additional charge to students.

The attorney is able to advise students on a wide variety legal issues, see below for a list of common topics. The attorney will not consult on issues relating to the University of Chicago; other University of Chicago students, faculty, staff, other academic appointees, or postdoctoral researchers; University of Chicago student organizations; or immigration. Title IX issues will not be handled by the attorney and should be directed to the Office for Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Support.  Immigration-related matters should be directed to the University’s Office of International Affairs. At her discretion, the attorney may decline to provide legal consultation due to a conflict of interest.

Eligibility 

All currently enrolled, full-time University of Chicago graduate and professional students who pay the Student Services Fee as part of their registration status are eligible to receive legal consultation. Graduate Council is funded in part through the Student Services Fee. Students enrolled full-time, but not charged the Student Services Fee are not eligible. Students are eligible for one thirty-minute appointment per legal issue, as the attorney’s time allows. 

Appointments

  • In light of student guidelines from the University about COVID-19, all appointments will be conducted over the phone until further notice

  • Phone appointments will be available from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM on the second Monday and third Thursday of each month

  • Phone appointments will be available from 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM on the fourth Thursday of each month

  • Appointments scheduled in advance are highly recommended and can be made online through GRAD Gargoyle

  • The attorney will not do consultations by email

Common issues

The following list is a non-exclusive list of legal issues addressed by the attorney. The attorney will not consult on issues relating to the University of Chicago; other University of Chicago students, faculty, staff, other academic appointees, or postdoctoral researchers; University of Chicago student organizations; immigration; or Title IX.

  • Landlord/tenant issues including lease and sublease review

  • Municipal ordinance violations

  • False identification matters

  • Criminal issues

  • Credit and debt issues

  • Contracts

  • Domestic issues

  • Dissolution of marriage

  • Automobile accidents

  • Probate

  • Employment contracts

  • Parking/Traffic violations

  • Litigation

  • Personal injury

  • Business formation

  • Consumer rights issues  

NOTE: Communications made between a student client and the attorney will be protected under attorney-client confidentiality rules in accordance with the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.  If a student’s matter requires further legal assistance, upon request, the attorney can assist the student in locating an attorney suitable to the student’s needs.