Q: Grad school insists i pay for a course that i requested to be dropped. what kind of lawyer do i need?
i sent three emails in the three weeks leading up to the course drop date. the school did not respond to any of the emails. now they will not let me take additional classes until i pay for this class which i requested to be dropped from. the balance is $1,800.
their rationale is that i continued to participate in the course, therefore, i am obligated to pay. the reason i continued to be active in the class, however, is that i didn't know what else to do when no one was responding to my drop requests. i figured continuing to participate in the class was the most responsible thing to do.
please advise what kind of lawyer i need to dispute this and if there are any pro bono recommendations. i want to get my Master's asap and i want to continue with my studies.
A:
Hello:
You need a student education attorney or a contract attorney. You have to follow the procedures to drop classes and it is unclear if emailing was the correct way to drop the class or not. If you met their requirements, you can bring someone in to help protest.
For pro bono services, contact your local low income community legal services organization. For example, in the Sacramento CA area, there is Legal Services of Northern California, but there are others available in different areas.
Good luck!
A: From a practical stand point, neither legal aid nor attorneys will be able to assist in a $1,800 dispute. Legal Aid doesn't address these types of issues and an attorney cannot afford to donate three hours or more (>$900) to help you recoup $1,800. If you are unwilling to pay an attorney (rightfully so) $900 or more, you can't expect an attorney to do so either.
A: Sorry, but that's life.
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A:
You may want to consult an attorney with experience in education law and consumer protection. This professional can help review your correspondence and the school's policies to determine if your actions were justified and whether the institution violated its own procedures.
You might also consider speaking with someone familiar with contract and administrative law, as your participation in the course under unclear circumstances could be a key factor in your defense. Before meeting with a lawyer, gather all emails and documentation related to your drop request.
For pro bono options, check with local legal aid organizations or law school clinics, and reach out to your state or county bar association for referrals. This approach should help you find the right support while you work toward continuing your studies.
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