About Us
University Student Legal Services (USLS) provides legal education, advice, and representation for currently enrolled NC State students. We are committed to providing high quality legal services that equip students to make informed choices and resolve their legal problems with as little disruption as possible to their well-being and academic goals. USLS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation initially created by Student Government and funded by student fees, which provides affordability of legal services for the students.
Our Staff
Confidentiality
The staff is not employed by NC State or the State of North Carolina. As licensed attorneys, we are required to preserve the confidentiality of our clients.
All staff working with our office are bound by the Rules of Professional Conduct relating to nondisclosure of any information that has been discussed. The policy is firmly followed by our office to encourage clients to speak candidly about all information necessary for effective legal representation.
Eligibility for Services
Students who are currently registered at NC State University and who have paid their student fees are eligible for our services for the semester. No additional legal fees are charged for any of the legal services provided. The students will, however, be responsible for paying service of process fees and court filing fees if they pursue their case in court.
Limitations
University Student Legal Services is limited regarding certain services. We cannot:
- Represent students who have disputes with another student at NC State.
- Provide representation to students who have disputes with NC State.
- Provide representation to students who have disputes against the State of North Carolina.
- Represent students involved with real estate closings.
- Provide representation in contested domestic matters.
- Handle tax matters.
- Represent students in cases that breach the attorney’s guidelines under the rules of professional conduct, set by the North Carolina State Bar.
- Represent in disputes outside the legal parameters of the prepaid legal plan.
- Represent in cases that require appearance outside the following counties: Durham, Wake, Orange, Johnson and Franklin.
We are happy to make referrals to other resources.
Compliments or Complaints
To resolve a complaint as quickly as possible, first contact Pamarah Gerace, the director of University Student Legal Services, at 919-515-7091 or pam_gerace@ncsu.edu.
The USLS Advisory Board determines policy and hears any unresolved grievances. The director can provide you with the name, email address, and telephone number of the board member to contact to start a formal grievance procedure. In addition, students may contact the North Carolina State Bar for complaints or issues with an attorney at USLS.