Student Legal Aid
Currently enrolled West Chester University students can make an appointment on RamConnect to meet with a lawyer for free. Students are encouraged to bring documents to the designated appointment related to the legal issue (i.e., lease, citation). Please keep in mind that students are strongly encouraged to use this service BEFORE legal complications arise.
The lawyer will provide a 15-minute consultation on a variety of civil and criminal issues - landlord/tenant, leases, citations, etc. This free service is offered by appointment only. The consultation does not extend into a courtroom. If further legal aid is needed, the lawyer can suggest professionals for consideration, or refer students to the Lawyer Referral Service of the Chester County Bar Association. Please note that the lawyer is prohibited from taking any student cases as this may pose a conflict of interest.
Appointments are scheduled for the full year and listed on RamConnect. Students must use their WCU email to sign up for appointments. If no appointments are available on a preferred date, please sign up for a forthcoming date.
Any information, materials, or advice provided by an attorney as part of the "Student Legal Aid" shall not be attributable to or in any way reflect the views of West Chester University and/or Student Services, Inc.
Sign Up for Student Legal Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Legal Consult For?
A Student Legal Aid appointment, or legal consult, could be for any legal question or concern you have, even if it is unrelated to student life. Common themes that student legal aid appointments are used to discuss include citations (noise, underage alcohol, trash, etc.), lease review, landlord/tenant question or issues, and roommate/neighbor disputes.
Why Choose a Legal Consult?:
When Are Appointments Available?
Appointments are typically available every other Friday while classes are in session, though exact dates may vary each semester. To view this semester's appointment dates, and to sign up for appointments, check out the Student Legal Aid RamConnect.
What Is The Structure Of The Appointment?
Students will meet with Carla Goewert, Esq., who has been the legal aid attorney at WCU for the last 5 years. Appointments are each 15-minutes, which most student find a sufficient amount of time! You are not limited to one appointment though, and are encouraged to sign up for more appointments should you feel you need more.
Check Out Carla's Overview of a Student Legal Aid Appointment:
How Do I Prepare For My Appointment?
It is highly recommended to sign up for a Legal Aid Appointment BEFORE legal complications arise. Before you sign any legal document, such as a lease for an apartment, make sure to schedule an appointment! If you have any paperwork you want the attorney to review, it is recommended you email the paperwork ahead of your appointment to make the most of your appointment time.
Check Out Carla's Tips to Prepare For an Appointment:
How Do I Reschedule or Cancel My Appointment?
Students will receive a reminder about their appointment one day prior. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment you may do so on RamConnect.