Areas Of Practice

The following are legal practice areas that SLMS can generally assist with.  When we cannot help directly, SLMS makes every attempt to locate an appropriate referral. 

FAMILY LAW:  SLMS can typically assist eligible students with most family law matters provided the opposing party is not a PSU student.  For family law matters where both parties are PSU students, SLMS can provide mediation services.  (link to mediation page).  All students seeking assistance with an Oregon divorce are required to attend an orientation session before making an appointment with one of the attorneys.  (click for divorce workshops).  SLMS can only assist in cases where jurisdiction is in Oregon or Washington. When appropriate, SLMS may be able to provide direct representation in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas and Clark Counties.  SLMS requires attendance at a divorce orientation (link to events page) prior to receiving an individual appointment.
For more information about family law in Oregon, click (Oregon law help family law page).  For more information about child support, contact the child support hotline at 1-800-383-1222; Monday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to noon.

SLMS can usually advise on Oregon and Washington cases involving:

  1. Divorce
  2. Custody and parenting time issues
  3. Paternity issues
  4. Adoptions and guardianships
  5. Third party custody issues
  6. Division of property in non-marital cases (both same and opposite sex domestic partnerships)
  7. Child support
  8. Restraining and stalking orders

SLMS is unable to assist where there are complex assets, tax or valuation issues.  If your case involves these issues, please contact SLMS for an appropriate referral. 

CRIMINAL LAW:  SLMS may be able to assist people charged with crimes in Oregon or Washington.  We also provide advocacy to victims of crimes.  While SLMS staff is happy to provide advice and referrals pre-arraignment to defendants, SLMS typically refers more serious cases to other attorneys.  We also frequently refer to the local public defender when defendants are eligible for that service. For Multnomah County cases, call the public defender at 503-225-9100.  In Washington County, call 503-846-3413. 

SLMS is regularly assists and advises on criminal expungements (link to expungement question on Criminal Law FAQs page)

PERSONAL INJURY AND TRAFFIC CASES:  SLMS advocates for students in relatively simple personal injury and/or traffic accident cases.  SLMS does not have the resources to assist with cases involving complex issues of fault and liability. Many of these cases are resolved through negotiation or in small claims actions. Small claims court is appropriate for cases where the claim is for $7500 or less. 

If you have a personal injury or traffic accident SLMS recommends that all students:

  • Gather names of witnesses immediately
  • Take photos of any injuries or property damage
  • If you are injured maintain a diary documenting how the injury and any pain associated with it has impacted your life and daily activities. 
  • If you miss work, document the hours missed
  • Gather estimates for repair or replacement of damaged property

TRAFFIC TICKETS:  SLMS can provide advice and representation on traffic tickets issued locally. For more information about SLMS and traffic tickets, please see hours and eligibility.

SLMS recommends that all students involved in traffic stops:

  • Show your driver's license and proof of insurance upon request.
  • Remember, with exception, the general rule is that the U.S. and Oregon constitutions give you the right to refuse to allow a
    search of your person or car.
  • Also, both constitutions permit you to refuse to answer any questions or perform any "field sobriety tests" for the officers unless you voluntarily decide to do so. It is normally best to speak with your attorney before answering any questions, doing coordination tests, or permitting any search.
  • If you are given a ticket, you should sign it or you can be arrested. Signing the ticket merely indicates that you agree to appear in court. You can always challenge the ticket once you get to court.
  • If you are suspected of DWI and refuse a blood, urine, or breath test, your driver's license may be suspended.

LANDLORD-TENANT:  SLMS assists in landlord-tenant matters in Oregon and Washington provided the opposing party is not also a Portland State University student. 

Common landlord-tenant issues include:

  1. Evictions
  2. Security deposit withholdings
  3. Habitability issues
  4. Issues regarding payment of utilities
  5. Discriminatory eviction
  6. Provision of essential services

SLMS advises all students to:

  • Read rental agreements carefully and take photos at move in and move out. 
  • Maintain a checklist documenting the condition of your unit at move in and move out. 
  • If possible bring a witness to any walk-through of the unit. 
  • Communicate in writing with your landlord at all times.
  • Document any requests for repairs carefully. 

For more information about how to best protect yourself when you are a tenant go to www.oregoncat.org. 

CONSUMER/ DEBTOR-CREDITOR LAW:  SLMS can assist students in negotiating with creditors and other debt collection issues.  We also help with consumer protection and fraud. Common issues in these areas include:

  1. Fair credit reporting
  2. ID theft (link to ID theft question on FAQs page)
  3. Fair debt collection practices
  4. New and used automobile sales

SLMS advises all students to

  1. Read all contracts for credit cards and other services very carefully before signing
  2. Be sure to thoroughly document all interactions with third party collections agencies and other creditors seeking to collect payment on debts, include dates and times and the name of the person you talked to if possible. 
  3. Be wary of internet scams and providing sensitive financial and/or personal information on-line.  
  4. Do not wait to be sued before contacting SLMS or the creditors directly regarding debts. 

EMPLOYMENT:  SLMS can assist with simple employment issues that do not pertain to Portland State University or other Portland State students.  Common issues in this area include:

  1. Wage claims
  2. Discrimination
  3. Contesting the denial of unemployment benefits
  4. Unlawful hiring practices
  5. Medical leave issues

SLMS typically does not assist with workers compensation claims. 

SLMS advises all students to

  1. Maintain a detailed calendar of your work hours
  2. Document all non-routine or unusual encounters with supervisors or other employers
  3. Read any contract for employment carefully prior to signing

Information disseminated in this website does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. This page is for information purposes only. For legal advice, contact an attorney licensed in your state.