By Sarah Lysecki
Whether it’s the bank trying to repossess your stash of Kraft dinner or your roommate claiming damages because you spilled Kool-Aid on his stereo, Ryerson’s new legal advisor can help.
RyeSAC has hired lawyer Bill Reid to give students free legal advice.
Reid gets an annual salary of $6,000 to consult with students half a day each week — a bargain, since lawyer’s fees can start at $150 per hour.
Students are taking advantage of it, Reid’s only consultation time, every Tuesday morning, is booked solid. He helps students with marital, debt, landlord and tenant, immigration or governmental questions.
“Students are living on their own for their first time and they encounter legal issues,” Reid said.
Recent graduate Wendy-Ann Rodriguez consulted Reid when she had problems with her bank.
“He’s a good listener, he has integrity and cares about our problems,” says Rodriguez.
In the past, RyeSAC referred students to Downtown Legal Services on the University of Toronto campus.
“[Reid] rounds out services here at RyeSAC by offering students another option in addition to Ombudsperson and academic appeals,” says RyeSAC President Erin George.
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