At DePaul University, we believe your studies are crucial to your future success. Legal issues may distract you from getting the full value of your education. Croak Student Legal Services (CSLS) is here to help. CSLS provides high quality, confidential, and free legal advice to active DePaul students on a wide range of common issues, including landlord/tenant issues, small claims actions, misdemea
nor criminal offenses, and more. While we cannot represent you in court, we can help you understand your rights and obligations, provide general recommendations, and help you find useful resources. If you need a lawyer, we can refer you to a licensed, practicing attorney with experience related to your case. We cannot assist with student discipline matters, conflicts between DePaul students, or claims involving DePaul University or is employees. CSLS was created through a recommendation of the Student Government Association and operates out of the Office of the General Counsel at DePaul University. CSLS is named for the Rev. Thomas Croak, C.M., a Vincentian and an attorney, who launched CSLS at DePaul and served as its director for six years. Confidentiality:
The CSLS staff is obligated to preserve the confidences of its student-clients. CSLS will not divulge to anyone any information or communication pertaining to the student-client’s issues without the client’s permission, except as required by law. As the legal right to keep information confidential belongs to the student client, he or she must be careful not to disclose information about the case inadvertently. It is important that you refrain from putting information about your case on social media. Please contact CSLS to request an appointment if you need legal advice. We cannot give you legal advice through social media. Zealous Representation:
CSLS is obliged to represent the student-client’s interest zealously, within the bounds of the law. CSLS reserves the right to assess the merits of a particular matter and determine whether legal services will be given to the student applicant in that matter. Free services:
If you are currently enrolled at DePaul, you are eligible to use CSLS. Our services are free if you are a full-time undergraduate, part-time undergraduate, or graduate student. You may be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses, including court filing fees associated with your case. CSLS staff:
CSLS operates under the direction of attorney Sarah Baum. Sarah graduated from DePaul University College of Law, and was admitted to the Illinois State Bar in 2008. Prior to joining CSLS, Sarah worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF), which provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and other vulnerable groups. Through her experience with LAF, Sarah brings a substantive knowledge in a wide variety of legal issues to the CSLS. Sarah is skilled at conveying legal advice and information in a clear, concise manner that student-clients can easily understand. Sarah demonstrates our Vincentian values by serving others with compassion and respect, especially in times of need. When should I contact CSLS? We encourage you to make an appointment as soon as you think you may need legal assistance. Please do not wait until the day before you are to appear in court.
