Learn About the Many Ways Our Licensed Maine Attorney Can Help
If you are a full time (6+ credits) undergraduate at the University of Maine, your student activity fee entitles you to year-round free legal advice from our full-time lawyer Sean O’Mara, a Maine attorney practicing in the areas of landlord/tenant law, criminal defense, higher education issues, and many other matters facing college students.
Over the past 9 years in this position, Attorney O’Mara has defended hundreds of students in court in both criminal and civil matters, or has brought cases on behalf of students, has advised hundreds more on forming LLC’s, protecting intellectual property, managing risks in student orgs, dealing with insurance claims, protecting their rights as employees, etc. Attorney O’Mara has also advised students on engaging in the political process and advocating for change in their local communities, has provided insight on issues facing the courts, as well as given insight and advice on going to law school and becoming an attorney.
In addition to the above, Attorney O’Mara is also the attorney for the University of Maine Student Government, Inc., a 501c3 not-for-profit, so if you are a member of Student Government, or part of a student organization that needs assistance, you are also welcome to set up an appointment.
Contact
➤ LOCATION
Memorial Union, Room 157
The University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469-5748
☎ CONTACT
sean.omara@maine.edu
(207) 581-1789
Schedule an appointment: www.umsgsls.setmore.com
Areas of Practice
landlord/tenant
Come in and have your lease reviewed! It is best to have it done before you sign, but if you have signed already, feel free to bring it by the office for a review of the terms to ensure the terms are understood and valid under Maine law. We can also advise on evictions, disputes between tenants, protection orders, security deposits, and therapy or assistance animals.
Business formation/intellectual property/Powers of Attorney/notarization
We can help with forming a new business or non-profit, or help with providing non-disclosure agreements, simple contracts, or additional business resources. We can give you additional information on protecting your idea, your creative work, or your invention.
We can provide and explain power of attorney documents, advance directives, as well as notarize documents or even perform marriages.
Criminal Law/Civil violations
In most cases we provide information about the court process, what to expect, and ways you can protect yourself until then. We help you understand what your rights are, and when appropriate, can provide court representation or a referral to other attorneys for whom this is their primary area of practice. We can also provide guidance if you are the victim of criminal activity or are a witness and wish to understand your rights when speaking with police officers.
Consumer protection/Insurance
We can help you understand the rights you have when dealing with unscrupulous buyers, sellers, or scam artists.
We also help clients understand the process of dealing with insurance companies and where to find assistance in such matters. We have also reviewed some insurance policies to help clients understand what they cover, and have helped clients secure event insurance.
protection from abuse or harassment
Is someone abusing or harassing you and you just want them to leave you alone? You may be eligible for a protection order, and we can help you get it. Have you received a complaint for protection or abuse and need help defending against it? We can help with that too.
higher education
UMSG, Inc. is direct-funded by the University of Maine. As such, we are legally separate, but we are unable to take cases directly against the university. We can however provide an overview of the disciplinary process or other matters with the university, or refer out to other attorneys if the matter is likely to lead to litigation. In any case, your information is confidential and will not be shared with the university against your wishes unless it expresses a present or future intent to harm someone.
student organizations
We have helped a number of student organizations with event insurance, risk management, simple contracts, and referring to resources within Student Government and the university.
civil law: small claims / family law / employment law / personal injury / Immigration / Real estate / wills and trusts
Need to sue someone in small claims court? We can give an overview of the process and how to start it. Have a family matter in the courts, or wish to file for divorce, parental rights, adoption, etc.? We can help. Are you having a problem with your employer, or just want to know what your rights are? We can help. Have you been injured in an accident? We can give an overview of the process and refer out to skilled local attorneys. We do not practice in the areas of immigration, real estate, wills, or trusts as these are highly specialized fields, but we can make sure you have a referral to local attorneys if the matter is in Maine, or may be able to help secure an attorney in another state through the network of other student legal services offices at other colleges in different states.
Let's Talk.
You can use the form below to contact us regarding your legal inquiry in addition to our other options. To help us best service your inquiry, we recommend that you first describe the issue you’re having before telling us what you want to achieve. You may also email or call us to make an appointment.
Please note that submission of this form alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship.