April 9, 2004

A few years ago, Veronica Jackson sought the advice of the “People’s Lawyer,” Richard Alderman, on recovering her security deposit. In just a few months, she received a $400 check.

Jackson is just one of tens of thousands of Houstonians who have benefited from the education programs developed by Alderman, who holds the University of Houston Dwight Olds Chair in Law and is the director of the Center for Consumer Law. One of those programs is the “People’s Law School,” which will be held from 9 a.m. to noon April 10 at the UH Law Center.

Each year, about 1,100 people attend this free program designed to educate people about laws that affect them each day. This year, 40 local judges, attorneys and UH law professors have volunteered to teach 14 classes, covering such topics as bankruptcy, employment, insurance, consumer law, credit and debt collection, wills and estates, family law, health insurance law, landlord tenant law and teens’ rights.

Between 15,000 and 20,000 Houstonians have attended the program, which is sponsored by the Center for Consumer Law, since its inception in 1979.

“Almost all of the participants have come away with useful information that will help them avoid problems or resolve problems they already have,” said Alderman.

“I have received hundreds of e-mails and letters from people who have received money back from their landlords, who have avoided problems with buying a car and who have worked out payment plans with their debt collectors,” Alderman said.

Jackson is just one of the many consumers who have successfully asserted their legal rights after attending the “People’s Law School,” Alderman said, adding that Jackson later enrolled into law school.

Alderman, who has been a UH faculty member since 1973, has devoted a substantial part of his career to educating the public about the law “because I think it is essential that people know about the law and their legal rights to function effectively in today’s society.”

Alderman appears in “It’s the Law,” a syndicated television spot that airs in 14 Texas cities, and writes “Know Your Rights,” a newspaper column that runs in 30 papers. He also has written the sixth edition of “Know Your Rights,” a consumer law guide, and produced a call-in show on PBS affiliate KUHT. His educational materials about everyday aspects of the law are taught at 600 high schools.

Preregistration is required since space is limited. For more information, call (713) 743-2168 or visit www.peopleslawyer.net.