Community Legal Information Center

Got a beef with your landlord? Think your car might be a “lemon"? If you need information on your rights and responsibilities under the law, the first and best place to turn may be the Community Legal Information Center.

For 31 years, the Community Legal Information Center (CLIC) has provided free legal information and referrals to other agencies and attorneys. Although free legal clinics are not unusual at law schools, CLIC is unique in that it’s being run by undergraduate students—in this case, Chico State paralegal interns.

The Chico State Political Science Department provides supervising attorneys and legal instruction. Two student administrative directors run the agency, while 18 student program directors supervise the individual interns. CLIC is funded by the CSUC Associated Students and a grant from the City of Chico.

Generally, CLIC provides legal information, not advice, to the 12,000-plus clients who seek assistance each year. To effectively dispense information and ensure greater expertise in a particular area of law, CLIC is divided into various specialized programs.

The Chico Consumer Protection Agency tries to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices and help them in determining their rights.

Student interns in the County Jail Law Project assist inmates incarcerated in Butte County Jail. Trips to the jail are made weekly, and interns help to provide inmates with the best possible legal information.

Disabled and the Law specializes in helping those who need representation, information or other forms of assistance in dealing with the Social Security Administration.

Interns in the Environmental Advocates promote environmental quality through education and advocacy and work on local and global issues.

The Family Law project assists individuals who wish to represent themselves in court on separations, dissolutions and related matters. Interns help clients understand and file the necessary legal forms.

Landlords and tenants both benefit from the Housing Law program. Interns can provide assistance on issues that include leases and rental agreements, repairs and maintenance, discrimination and evictions.

Penal Law interns visit prisoners in Susanville and other Department of Corrections facilities to provide information on criminal law.

Student Law Services offers students information on racial and sexual harassment. Its related Juvenile Rights program educates high-risk youth about the criminal justice system.

The Traffic Law program helps people who have questions about traffic violations, as well as some criminal violations, including alcohol- or drug-related infractions and noise violations.

The Welfare Rights Organization works in conjunction with Legal Services of Northern California. It helps economically vulnerable families access resources and provides information on Medi-Cal, CalWORKS, emergency aid and more.

All victims of domestic violence can find support and assistance at the Women’s Law Project. Interns are available to provide information on obtaining restraining orders pertaining to domestic violence and harassment.

The Workers Rights Program informs employees and employers about their legal rights and responsibilities, primarily dealing with unemployment insurance, worker termination, hour and wage disputes, working conditions and discrimination.

For detailed information about these programs, call or stop by the CLIC office for an appointment.