Practical Support. Real Solutions. Peace of Mind.
Student Legal Services provides free, confidential legal assistance to Penn State students, helping them navigate real-world challenges with confidence and care. From housing and employment concerns to landlord disputes and consumer protection, our team of licensed attorneys and legal professionals are here to support your rights and guide you through legal processes.
We believe that access to legal support is essential to student success. By offering practical advice, legal representation, and educational outreach, Student Legal Services empowers students to make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary complications, and stay focused on their academic and personal goals.
Student Legal Services Advisory Board
The Student Legal Services Advisory Board helps shape the direction and impact of our work. Serving as a bridge between our office, students, and the broader community, the board provides strategic guidance and supports our educational outreach efforts. Members include representatives from the law school, local attorneys, student government leaders, and four at-large student members—each committed to expanding access to legal resources and strengthening student support.
If you’re passionate about student advocacy and legal education, consider joining the Advisory Board or exploring ways to get involved. Contact us at PennStateSLS@psu.edu to learn more.
Name
Daniel Mckenrick
Director
Student Legal Services
Office
204 E. Calder Square, Suite 200
State College, PA 16801
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Bio
Dan joined the Office of the Student Legal Services in the fall of 2014. Before joining, Dan served as an Assistant District Attorney in Centre County for over three years. Handling cases from beginning to end, Dan gained extensive experience in the area of criminal law. Dan also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Margherita Patti Worthington in Monroe County after graduating from law school.
Dan is active in the legal community, serving on the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Conference of County Bar Leaders, former delegate on the PBA House of Delegates, PBA Young Lawyers Division Zone 11 Chair, Centre County Bar Association Board of Governors, and is a former President of the Centre County Bar Association.Certifications/Credentials
Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania; J.D., Widener University Commonwealth Law School, 2010, cum laude; B.A., Crime, Law, and Justice, The Pennsylvania State University, 2006, high distinction; B.A., Political Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 2006, high distinction.
Name
Shana Lear
Part-Time Administrative Support
Student Legal Services
Office
204 E. Calder Square, Suite 200
State College, PA 16802
Name
Tracy Ortega
Staff Attorney
Student Legal Services
Office
204 E. Calder Square, Suite 200
State College, PA 16801
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Bio
Tracy joined the Office of Student Legal Services in 2022 from the Penn State Law, Family Law Clinic, where she was supervising attorney for four years. Prior to this, Tracy practiced in Kansas and in California, as a registered legal services attorney. She has extensive experience in civil litigation and has represented individuals in a variety of legal issues. Tracy is an active member of the Family Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and she serves as a Mentor in the Minority Mentor Program at Penn State Law. She also teaches Children & the Law as an adjunct professor at Penn State Law.
Certifications/Credentials
Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and Kansas; J.D., Ohio Northern University, Claude W. Pettit College of Law, 2012; B.A. in Political Science with Minors in English and International Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, 2009.
Name
Sarah Stoltz
Staff Attorney
Student Legal Services
Office
204 E. Calder Square, Suite 200
State College, PA 16801
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Bio
Sarah joined Student Legal Services in 2014. She graduated magna cum laude from Mount Aloysius College in 2005 and earned her Juris Doctor in 2009 from Penn State, The Dickinson School of Law. Sarah served as a law clerk to the Honorable Pamela A. Ruest at the Centre County Court of Common Pleas before becoming an instructor at South Hills School of Business in State College in 2011. She continues to teach law and English courses at South Hills while practicing law as a part-time Student Legal Services attorney.
Certifications/Credentials
Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania; J.D., Penn State, The Dickinson School of Law, 2009; B.S. Professional Legal Studies, Mount Aloysius College, 2005, magna cum laude; A.S. Accounting, Mount Aloysius College, 2005, magna cum laude.
