.Charters Recognized by National Student Legal Services Organization
Leslie Charters, director of Student Legal Services (SLS), was recognized by the National Student Legal Services organization with the Streeter-Wilson Award for Community Service.
The Streeter-Wilson Award is presented annually to a member (or members) of the organization who has been nominated and shows a commitment to social justice and equality as well as the values and objectives of student legal services. The National Student Legal Services organization supports the approximately 150 student legal services offices at universities across the country.
Charters has practiced law for 16 years and led SLS since its founding at Purdue 12 years ago. Under Charters’ leadership, SLS handled more than 700 requests for assistance and saved students more than $100,000 in legal fees during the 2024-25 school year. Since its inception, SLS has saved Purdue students more than $1.1 million in legal fees. Students report a 95 percent satisfaction rate with SLS services.
Charters has also built a summer legal practicum program, which provides an accessible way for students interested in studying law to grow their networks and gain practical knowledge. During summer 2025, 18 Purdue students participated in the program. They met with judges and attorneys, witnessed a deposition, visited two law firms, observed a guilty plea and more. Charters also teaches a criminal law course.
SLS, part of the Office of the Dean of Students and under the auspices of the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Life, provides free and confidential legal services available to all currently enrolled Purdue students in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Services offered include landlord/tenant disputes, criminal issues, power of attorney, traffic tickets, garnishment and collection matters, notary services, family law issues, name change, city or county ordinance violations and small claims.