1. Get it in writing!
Verbal/oral agreements are difficult to prove and even more difficult to enforce.
Leases and any changes to leases should always be in writing and each party should keep a
copy.
2. Get insurance!
Auto insurance – it’s the law.
Renter’s insurance – protects your stuff and the cost is low! The landlord is NOT an insurer of
your personal items.
3. Don’t pay that ticket until you talk to a lawyer!
It’s NOT true that all tickets can be beat, but many times an attorney can help you find a better
choice than a conviction on your driving record.
When two or more tickets are issued in the same traffic stop, sometimes one of them could
possibly be dismissed.
4. Don’t lend money you can’t afford to live without!
Most loans between friends, acquaintances and romantic partners are never paid back and
difficult to enforce in court.
If a friend needs $500 or $1,000 to pay the late rent or overdue bills, what makes you think you’ll
be paid back?
5. If it sounds too good to be true… it is!
Prizes, internet inheritances, internet lottery winnings – DELETE these email scams immediately.
If someone is trying to sell you a “good” used car “as is”, you can be sure it will have lots of
problems. Have it checked out by a mechanic before you put any money down.
6. Protect your Credit Record.
Don’t purchase what you can’t afford to pay off in 3 months or less.
Check your bank account and credit card statement every month for errors; millions are made
by cheats because people don’t want to dispute 3¢ added to a debit/charge.
7. What you “think” you know can hurt you.
“The cop lied to me so the charges can be beat.”
= Cops can lie. It is YOU who must tell the truth, so keep your mouth shut!
“If I don’t move in after signing the lease, I am out of the contract.”
= NO!! Not on this planet!
8. There are no stupid questions.
Are SLS attorneys “real attorneys”?
Yes! But our feelings are not hurt if you think we’re young enough to be student-attorneys!
Can I cancel my lease within three days of signing?
NO!! Once you sign the contract/ lease, you are bound by its terms.
9. “I’ll never need an attorney!”– Famous last words.
Over 2,000 students each year need a Student Legal Service attorney in addition to countless
students using private attorneys.
“My Mom is an attorney.” Do you really want mom to know about your underage drinking ticket?
Attorney-client privilege forbids sharing your information without your written permission.
10. There are people at the University who care!
Campus Resources
Student Legal Service
324 Illini Union
Office of Dean of Students/Emer-
gency Deangency Dean
- 300 Turner Student Services Building
- 217-333-0050
New Student Programs
- 300 Turner Student Services Building
- 217-333-4057
LGBT Concerns Office
- 323 Illini Union
- 217-244-8863
Office of International Students
and Scholar Servicesand Scholar Services
- 400 Turner Student Services Building
- 217-333-1303
Counseling Center
- 212 Turner Student Services Building
- 217-333-3704