Student Legal Services

 

Empowering FAMU Students Through Legal Support

Florida A&M University Student Legal Services provides confidential legal assistance to currently enrolled students through a team of dedicated, Florida Bar–licensed pro bono attorneys.

Our office helps students understand their legal rights, address common legal issues, and make informed decisions that support academic and personal success.

While we do not replace private legal counsel, Student Legal Services serves as a trusted campus resource for legal guidance, document review, and representation in select matters.

 

SERVICES OFFERED - HOW WE CAN HELP

  • Landlord–tenant and housing issues
  • Lease and contract review
  • Consumer protection matters
  • Traffic citations and minor criminal matters (non-felony)
  • Employment and unemployment benefits issues
  • Family law matters (limited to advice and document review)
  • Immigration referrals and limited assistance
  • Name change guidance
  • Notary services
  • Legal education workshops and student outreach
  • Referrals to private attorneys and community legal resources

 

OTHER RESOURCES

 

Click  Here for the Application Form - Student Legal services

 

Carmalita Hawkins

Contact Us!

Ms. Carmalita L. Hawkins, J.D., Program Coordinator Office (850) 561-2876  |  Work Cell (850) 782-1425

 

WANT TO BE A STUDENT AMBASSADOR?

    APPLICATIONS ARE ALWAYS OPEN! PLEASE APPLY TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

    Student Ambassadors with Student Legal Services are unpaid volunteers who help promote our office at a wide variety of events around campus. Student Ambassadors will help develop marketing materials, coordinate outreach opportunities, table at events and provide informational presentations to student groups.

    POSITION DETAILS

    Qualified and effective SLS Ambassadors shall:
    • Be a current student in good standing at Florida A & M University
    • Possess attention to detail, professionalism, and effective communication skills
    • Be punctual and reliable
    • Possess excellent time-management and organizational skills
    • Have the ability to work as a team member
    • Have exceptional interpersonal communication skills
    • Be outgoing, a self-starter and self-motivated
    • Be friendly and knowledgeable about SLS and the University

     HOW TO APPLY – PLEASE SUBMIT THIS APPLICATION TO: carmalita.hawkins@famu.edu

     

    FAQs - Student Legal Services

    Common questions you may have are answered here

    Student Legal Services (SLS) is a university-funded program that provides currently enrolled Florida A&M University students with access to legal advice, education, and representation. Our mission is to help students understand their legal rights, avoid legal problems, and resolve legal issues that may impact their academic success.

    All currently enrolled FAMU students who have paid the Student Legal Services fee as part of their tuition are eligible. Student enrollment is verified before services are provided.

    We assist students with a wide range of legal issues, including:

    • Landlord-tenant and housing disputes
    • Off-campus housing and lease reviews
    • Traffic tickets and minor citations
    • Consumer issues and contract disputes
    • Employment issues
    • Family law matters (such as child support and custody guidance)
    • Name changes
    • Immigration referrals
    • Small claims matters

     

    SLS does not provide services for:

    • Felony criminal cases
    • University disciplinary matters
    • Lawsuits against Florida A&M University
    • Matters that occurred before you became a FAMU student
    • Cases involving another FAMU student where there is a conflict

    *We may still be able to provide general legal information or referrals.

    Students must submit an online application to request services. Once your application is reviewed and your enrollment is verified, you will be contacted to schedule a consultation.

    All consultations are by appointment only. Walk-in services are not available.  In case of Emergency, please contact our office direct cell (850) 782-1425.

     

    After your application is submitted:

    1. Your enrollment is verified
    2. Your case is reviewed
    3. Your information is entered into the SLS case management system
    4. You are scheduled for an initial consultation with the Program Coordinator
    5. Your case is assigned or referred as appropriate

    You will be notified by email regarding next steps.

    No. Student Legal Services is included in your student fees. There is no additional charge for consultations or most legal services. If court filing fees or outside attorney fees apply, you will be informed in advance.

    Yes. All information shared with Student Legal Services and our attorneys is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.

     

    Depending on the type of case, SLS may provide representation through our staff attorney or through one of our partnered Pro Bono Attorneys.

     

    Yes. Students are encouraged to have leases, employment agreements, and other legal documents reviewed before signing.

     

    Student Legal Services is located at:
    C.C. Cunningham Building, Suite 202
    1676 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
    Tallahassee, FL 32307

     

    Students may contact SLS by phone, email, or by submitting an online application. For the fastest service, we recommend completing the online application and submitting to our office via email at: Carmalita.Hawkins@famu.edu 

     

    RECURRING EVENTS:

     

    📌 Eviction Prevention & Housing Legal Workshop

    Hosted by: FAMU Student Legal Services & Legal Services of North Florida
    Location: SGA Senate Chambers (on-campus)
    Focus: Tenant rights, eviction prevention strategies, legal options before eviction becomes a crisis — ideal for students living off-campus.

    ➡️ Note: This type of workshop is highly beneficial for understanding landlord-tenant rights, how to communicate with landlords, and what legal protections exist in Florida. If you missed it, contact Student Legal Services for updates on the next one.

    📍 Contact Student Legal Services to find out when the next “Eviction Prevention & Housing Legal Workshop” event will be scheduled.

     

    📌 “Justice on the Block” Outreach / Legal Info Events

    Hosted by: FAMU Student Legal Services in partnership with Legal Services of North Florida
    What it is: A community outreach session that brings housing, consumer law, and landlord/tenant issue guidance directly to campus or nearby local venues.

    👉 These kinds of outreach days often include:

    📍 Contact Student Legal Services to find out when the next “Justice on the Block” event will be scheduled.

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