The AStA legal advice from the HMK
Legal advice is provided exclusively by phone:
📞 +0234 542 810 50
Tuesdays/Thursdays, 5–7 pm
Open drop-in consultation; no appointments — first come, first served
Overview of expert consultation dates 2026
- Initial consultation (usually 15 minutes)
- No representation vis-à-vis third parties
- No advice by email
The AStA legal advice service is a free offer for students of Ruhr University Bochum. At present, we provide advice exclusively by phone during an open drop-in consultation.
On consultation days, different experts are available. You can download an annual overview of the expert consultation dates on this page (see the info box above).
The service is provided as an initial consultation and usually takes about 15 minutes. Our aim is to support you so that you can take your next steps confidently on your own. We do not act externally on your behalf (e.g., no written submissions, no contacting opposing parties/authorities, no representation in court proceedings). If your matter goes beyond this, we will give you guidance on what to look for when selecting legal counsel, if needed.
Advice by email is not provided. However, you may email us a brief description of your issue and any necessary documents in advance so that we can prepare for the phone call.
FAQ
Who can use the service?
All students at Bochum’s universities. The students have an appropriate agreement among themselves.
How does the consultation work? Do I need an appointment?
There are no fixed appointments. You call during the consultation hours and are advised in the order of calls received. If call volume is high, waiting times may occur.
How long does a call take?
Usually no more than 15 minutes. If the matter is more complex, we will clarify the most important steps and options with you.
Is the service really free of charge?
Yes, the service is free for students.
What topics are covered?
In principle, we advise on all typical legal questions arising from student and everyday life, e.g., examination law, BAföG, tenancy law, and employment law. Questions on matters such as registration law, trade/business law, or tax law may also be covered.
What do you not do?
We do not represent you vis-à-vis third parties. In particular, this means: no written submissions, no phone calls/letters to authorities, landlords, employers, opposing parties, and no representation in legal proceedings. However, we will give you an assessment and concrete guidance on what you can do yourself.
Can I get advice by email?
No. Advice is provided exclusively by phone.
So what is the email for?
You can send a brief description of your issue and relevant documents in advance so that we are prepared. No legal assessment or follow-up questions will be handled by email.
Can I reach “my” expert specifically?
Yes—there is an annual overview of the expert consultation dates for that purpose. If you cannot make it on a particular day, you can also call on another consultation day. Please understand: for very specialized issues, you may be referred to a more suitable contact point.
What should I prepare for the call?
In short: what the issue is, what your goal is, which deadlines are running, and which documents are decisive (e.g., notices/decisions, letters, contract, emails). Note the key details (date, deadline, amount, parties involved).
What if a procedure is already ongoing or a deadline is approaching?
Call as early as possible. If it is very urgent or representation is required, we recommend seeking legal counsel immediately and will tell you what to pay attention to.
Contact
HesseMichelsKlümper Rechtsanwälte und Steuerberater in Partnerschaft aus Bochum (PR 4364/AG Essen)
Studierendenhaus
Raum SH 0/018
Universitätsstraße 150
44801 Bochum
Phone: 0234 542 810 50
Mail: rechtsberatung@asta-bochum.de
Opening times: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-7pm
The advisory services are carried out by: Attorney Carsten Hesse, Attorney Arne Michels, Attorney and Tax Advisor Tobias Klümper
