Student Legal Services

Support Our Work

Ways to support SLS

Contribute to our Litigation Fund

SLS is fundraising for our litigation & programming fund, which supports our students with the most financial need. 

Contribute to our Litigation Fund

Volunteer as a Mentor Attorney

Volunteer to be an attorney mentor in our Explore the Law program

Learn more about Explore the Law

Volunteer as a Pro Bono Attorney

Volunteer with our Pro Bono Attorney Program

Volunteer as a Pro Bono Attorney
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Why support SLS?

Student Legal Services (SLS) directly impacts PSU student success by providing professional and confidential legal services. A consultation with a private attorney in Oregon can cost $200 or more. Fortunately, PSU students have access to SLS for free. We let students focus on their futures by helping them with complex matters such as evictions, divorces, immigration, and much more.

Portland State is unlike any other university in Oregon. As a federally recognized Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (ANAAPSI), and an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), PSU has the most diverse student body in the state. Additionally, PSU offers the most affordable 4-year education in Oregon, and has the highest percentage of our students qualify for federal income-based financial aid of any college in Oregon. 

The recent winner of the MBA Diversity Award, SLS also offers the Explore the Law (ETL) program, an ABA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Center-recognized National Pipeline Program, and a robust internship program to support students seeking careers in the law. Interns gain valuable professional skills working alongside our in-house attorneys day to day. ETL students are paired with local attorney mentors and gain insight into the practice of law, law school applications, and more.

SLS is fundraising for a litigation fund to support our students with the most financial need. 

The PSU Foundation is a 501(c)3; contributions to support the Student Legal Services litigation fund and Explore the Law program are tax deductible.

What your gift can provide:

  • $40 can help a student expunge their old court records, removing barriers to housing and employment 
  • $50 can help 1 ETL student attend a field trip to an Oregon law school
  • $130 can pay for a trans student to update their name and gender on legal documents
  • $300 can help a DV survivor legally separate from an abusive partner
  • $600 can cover the cost of a student's DACA renewal
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Hear From Our Student Clients

"(My SLS attorney) has taken away all my mental stress with her professional knowledge and her enormous empathy. She gave me a second chance to restart my life with my children personally and professionally."

"I feel more confident and less worried about getting divorced, especially with limited funds."

"I could not have received a better outcome if it wasn't for (my SLS attorney) and for PSU offering this assistance."

"(The SLS Team) seriously put my entire journey through this at ease, and PSU and all its students are so incredibly blessed to have (its) assistance."

"(My SLS attorney) is so non-judgemental, I felt less embarrassed and better about myself and my situation, so that moving forward, I was able to make clear, stable decisions. He brought up points, aspects and perspectives that gave me faith in self-advocating, aspects that I had not thought of. In the end, things turned out okay."

 "I can't tell you how much I appreciate the amazing legal work you did on my behalf.  Thanks for prioritizing me as a client and doing everything in your power to help me win my case.”  

"Student Legal Services is one of the best programs at PSU. I am a non traditional student with legal issues related to the family law back in 2019. I am also an immigrant from China with language barriers, culture barriers, and legal barriers. I have felt fortunate and appreciated this service has empowered me with support, confidence, and growth mindset. Without this service, I can’t finish my undergraduate degree, not to mention the master degree. 
The attorney and her teams have helped me with legal support, as well as mental support"


"I was feeling extremely discouraged (...), but now feeling so much better that I am taking the next steps to get things in place for my son."

"I learned new things and got to feel like there was someone in my corner"

“I cannot thank you enough for the services that you have rendered on my behalf. I am blown away by your integrity and all the hard work you did on my behalf. I will always be grateful for all of your efforts. You worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome on my behalf, and I can't thank you enough.I

“I truly appreciate that you and SLS were able to help and support through this process. I can't tell you how much this means to me to be fortunate enough to have this record expunged and especially right after graduation. You were kind, patient, and persistent with me which was what I needed. Again, I am so grateful we got this done!”

"I felt so helpless at the beginning of this thing and can’t even imagine what I would have done without having the PSU legal services available to me."

"I can't express enough how much (SLS) helped me navigate a really tough time. (My SLS attorney's) support and expertise helped me take steps with confidence with my previous employer."

"(My SLS attorney) offered much of your time and attention knowing that I would be graduating soon and no longer be able to utilize these services. And most importantly, (they) have helped me to find resolve in a troubling and frustrating matter. I have appreciated the thoughtful attention to de-escalating any potential issues now and in the future and helping me to clarify what it is I want and how to get it."

"It still blows my mind that I got to utilize your services for free because you did a lot!”

“Thank you so much for your support. This service for PSU students is so incredibly helpful!”

 “I passed all my classes this term and have officially graduated. I could not have done that without your assistance, and for that I am very grateful.”  

 “I am eternally grateful to all the advice and assistance you've given me during this period.”