La Voz

Part-time business law instructor Ron Goularte's legal office is accessible to De Anza College students. Anyone with a question and a De Anza Student Body membership doesn't have to pay extra to speak to an expert. You won't even have to leave campus.

So here's how it works:

Step one.

You think of a question to ask. For example, you could ask, "I think I'm being treated unfairly at work. What can I do?" or "I'm being kicked out of my apartment, what options do I have?"

Step two.

You make a trip to the Student Activities Offi ce or call 408-864-8756 to make an appointment. They'll set you up with someone in the Legal Aid Office who can give you answers.

Step three.

Listen to what your legal adviser has to say. If you need a lawyer to represent you or offer more in-depth assistance, the adviser can tell you which other people you need to see.

Repeat as needed. If you're in trouble, or just need someone to talk you through a tough situation, you're in luck.

And De Anza students have been in luck for over twenty years.

La Voz featured Goularte, who started the Legal Aid program, and Calvin Louie, then an attorney in the Legal Aid Office, on Dec. 9, 1989. As reported then, 15-minute sessions are available.

And advice is free.

Remember, part of your responsibility as a De Anza student is to maximize your education, and there's a huge toolbox of ways you can help yourself.

From Financial Aid's fee waivers to the counseling office to Ron Goularte, you can find just about everything you're likely to need on the way to class. The door is in front of you – it's up to you to choose to open it.

Article Tools