ASG to make offer for lawyer; experience, friendliness key

After interviewing two candidates for an advising lawyer position at Northwestern, the Associated Student Government will make an offer within the next few weeks, Student Services Vice President Courtney Brunsfeld said.

The hiring committee hopes to make its offer after ironing out contract issues, said Brunsfeld, a Weinberg junior. If all goes well, the lawyer will begin working in early November.

The hiring committee looked for someone with the right kind of expertise and personality, Brunsfeld said.

“Of course we’re looking for someone experienced with issues students face,” she said. “We also looked for a candidate who we thought would be approachable. A lot of students haven’t had experience with talking with a lawyer.”

A lawyer for students should have experience with landlord issues, minor infractions such as parking violations and issues such as drunken driving and drugs, Brunsfeld said. The lawyer also should be available for evening office hours, which are more convenient for students than daytime hours, she said.

While committee members wait for additional references and letters of recommendation for the candidate of their choice, they will work with NU’s Office of General Counsel to complete a contract, Brunsfeld said. Issues such as office hours and location still need to be worked out, she said.

ASG began the project to hire an advising lawyer for students a few years ago and began its search for a candidate this summer, Brunsfeld said. The project received $40,000 from ASG during Winter Quarter to cover both salary and office expenses, including supplies such as a desk and computer. Depending on who is hired, the lawyer could work 12 to 20 hours each week to provide free legal advice to students.