End of an era for ‘People’s Law School’ at UH Law Center as ‘classes’ move online

PR Newswire

HOUSTON, Sept. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- After nearly 30 years of classes on the campus of the University of Houston Law Center, "The People's Law School" is closing its doors and moving the popular legal education program online.

"More than 55,000 people have attended the People's Law School," said Professor Emeritus Richard M. Alderman who founded the program in 1991. Alderman will lead the final Saturday morning session. "This will be your last opportunity to attend our live classes. After this, classes will be available only online. I hope to see you October 5^th."

The "school," presented by the Center for Consumer Law at the Law Center, is the oldest and most successful law program for the layperson in the country. It offers free classes on basic legal rights and answers questions on a wide variety of legal issues. This session will include special classes to deal with problems caused by Tropical Storm Imelda.

"When it comes to the law, knowledge really is power," Alderman has said over the years in promoting the event. "The People's Law School won't make you an attorney, but it will help you settle disputes and avoid problems."

More than 20 volunteer lawyers, judges, and law professors will teach courses in 13 different areas of law, including business law, consumer law, landlord tenant law, credit and debt collection, wills, social security, and insurance. Each person may choose three classes to attend, and each class is taught by a different instructor.

Alderman, known as the "People's Lawyer" during his many years of providing information about consumer law and basic legal rights on television and in newspaper columns, is taking the program online to reach a wider audience and make it more accessible 24/7. The online version will provide short sessions on specific subjects taught by Alderman and other legal experts, and will be updated as required by changes in the law.

The final live program will be from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 5, at the UH Law Center campus. There is no charge for the People's Law School, but registration in advance is required. Visit law.uh.edu/peopleslaw/ or click here to register.

Imelda Hotline

Flood victims of Tropical Storm Imelda may obtain basic legal information and advice by calling the Consumer Law Clinic at the University of Houston Law Center. Staff and students will assist with common disaster issues as landlord/tenant disputes over repairs, general insurance questions, and what to consider when hiring a contractor. The clinic also conducts community presentations for those affected by Imelda. For information, call 713-743—2094.

Media contacts: Carrie Anna Criado, UH Law Center Assistant Dean of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-2184, [email protected]; Elena Hawthorne, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, 713-743-1125, [email protected]; John T. Kling, Communications Manager, 713-743-8298, [email protected]; and John Brannen, Senior Writer, 713-743-3055, [email protected].

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic- and Asian-American-Serving institution with enrollment of more than 46,000 students.

About the University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top tier law school located in the nation's 4^th largest city. UHLC's Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Part-time programs rank in the U.S. News Top 10. It awards Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees, through its academic branch, the College of Law. The Law Center is more than just a law school. It is a powerful hub of intellectual activity with more than 11 centers and institutes which fuel its educational mission and national reputation. UHLC is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.