CHICO — Free legal service to those who aren’t or can’t hire an attorney will be made available through Chico-based Cal Northern School of Law, starting Feb. 6.

In its fourth year, the free sessions are 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at the school, 1395 Ridgewood Drive, Ste. 100.

The free clinic has been offered for several years, with topics ranging from family law and small claims to landlord/tenant issues.

The clinics are conducted by third-year students, along with supervising Chico attorney Jonathan Lusher.

The clinic is on a walk-in basis; appointments aren’t necessary.

Depending on how many individuals show up for the counseling, the sessions could be one-on-one or in very small groups, and the time frame doesn’t matter.

“Because the class actually runs from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., people can come in as late 8:30 and still be seen. There will be people waiting in the hallways for us to open the door. We’re just here to help,” said Cal Northern Dean and President Sandra Brooks.

In looking over past years reports, Brooks said family law is what has brought the most calls for help from the community.

“It could be child custody, guardianship, dissolutions, modifications of custody orders etc.,” she said last week.

Brooks said that older children can be brought to the clinic because there is room in the back of the room for them to play. Parents should bring toys and snacks for them.

Individuals can call ahead to make sure that their cases can be handled by the clinic, she noted. The free clinics last through April 23.

The program developed in 2015 with help from the Self-Help Assistance and Referral Program, which is through Butte County Superior Court, giving individuals a chance to rally their own help when they can’t afford legal representation for certain procedures.

Sometimes individuals come back several times to move to the next step or review what’s been done.

Lusher is the supervising attorney, who the students turn to for more difficult issues. Ironically, Lusher was once one of the third-year students who counseled residents during his time with Cal Northern. He is a graduate, and has a divorce and family law practice in Chico.

While the self-help program hasn’t occurred every year, over the course of the offering more than 300 individuals have gotten help, Brooks said.

Since the school started in 1983, it has had more than 350 graduates.

Questions can be directed to 891-6900 or at www.calnorthern.edu.