About Us

The Center For Student Legal Services is a prepaid legal assistance program for Ohio University students. The fee is included as an option on your quarterly tuition bill. We staff two full time licensed attorneys to serve students. CSLS has been protecting, asserting, and defending student rights since 1997. The main issues impacting students involve landlords and the police (city, county, university, state-liquor control).Other student-based issues concern consumer, employment problems, and just getting along with others!

This site focuses on dealing with landlords, the police, and conflict in general. The housing information is primarily for those renting in Ohio. Information about the police is based on the U.S. Constitution and should be helpful around the country.  Remember, conflict is universal no matter where you live! Remember, pay your $8.00 a quarter! What could be cheaper and more convenient than getting a lawyer for $8.00?

About Our Staff

Patrick McGee — Managing Attorney
Patrick McGee graduated from Ohio University in 1970 and the University of Kentucky Law School in 1978. He intially worked with the Legal Services Office in Morehead, Kentucky, doing cases on environmental issues, landlord tenant cases, and civil litigation. After transferring to Athens, Ohio, in 1980, he served as a local public defender for over 13 years and earned the title of “Set em Free McGee,” after acquiring a record number of jury trial acquittals. Pat joined the CSLS in January of 2000. Pat plays a variety of musical instruments, including Irish harp, concertina, and bag pipes. His latest recording is “Ravenwood.” Pat plays Irish harp and Sean O`Malley plays wooden flute.

 Kristine Hayes — Staff Attorney
Kristine Hayes, a native of Ohio, received a B.A. in Journalism from The Ohio State University, a Master`s in Library Science from Kent State University, and her law degree from Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University. Kristine worked for the Columbus City Attorney`s Office, a mid-sized law firm in Columbus, and at the Student Housing Legal Clinic at Ohio State University. She has experience in landlord tenant law, labor and employment law, contracts law, mediation and litigation. Kristine is the mother of a preschooler and spends most of her free-time explaining things. In addition, she enjoys cooking, yoga, and reading.

Heidi Sochia — Program Coordinator
Heidi is originally from Dayton, Ohio, and moved to Athens in 1993 to attend OU. She has a bachelor`s degree in Telecommunications/Media Studies from Ohio University. She spent three years as a student employee at Communication Network Services at O.U. as a web design assistant and also has a background in secretarial, research and sales positions. She has enjoyed living in Athens for the past 15 years with her husband, a critical care paramedic, and her newborn son. In her free time, she enjoys motorcycles, reading, movies, trivia, web design and exploring Southeast O