There’s a man on campus you probably don’t want to know. But if your paths happen to cross, you’ll likely be glad he’s there.

Campus lawyer Harry Hertel has been helping UW-Eau Claire students sift through legal problems since 1982. From landlord issues to underage drinking citations, the 54-year-old attorney – who has his own private practice in Eau Claire – spends about four hours a week helping students who otherwise might not be able to afford legal advice.

Whereas in his private practice Hertel charges $180 an hour, students pay only $40 for the same amount of time. Most appointments last 15 minutes; therefore, the charge to students is $10.

“I think that students have an incredible deal to see him for only $10,” Student Senator Matt Flaten said. “A lot of students go there when they truly are in trouble.”

Flaten recently introduced Senate legislation that would have halved Hertel’s fee, which Senate controls. And even though it failed, Flaten said students still get a great deal on a valuable service.

“Offering the service is probably one of the best things we do on campus,” he said.

Hertel said about one-third of the students he sees have landlord/tenant or roommate issues, and about one-third seek advice on alcohol-related offenses. The remaining one-third is a hodge podge of other issues, including “minor squabbles” and financial problems, he said.

Sophomore Aaron Brewster has enlisted Hertel’s services for roommate and landlord problems.

“He has a very good personality,” Brewster said. “He’s been honest (and) doesn’t beat around the bush.”

Brewster found out about Hertel’s services through campus organization Students for a Sensible Drug Policy. He has since told other students about the service, which many are unaware of.

Awareness – or lack thereof – of his services is one factor that affects how many students Hertel counsels. He also sees fewer students now than he used to because area landlords have begun to treat student tenants better, he said.

Efforts like the university’s HOUSE Day have helped because they make student tenants aware of their rights, Hertel said. In past years, he’s met with 14 to 16 students in an evening of work; now, that number generally hovers between six and eight.

Although he usually only needs to meet with students once for 15 minutes – Hertel refers to it as “assembly line law” – the lawyer has devoted more time to ongoing issues. For instance, he has spent considerable time recently meeting with fraternities and sororities about the City of Eau Claire’s conditional use permits.

Hertel enjoys the change of pace that comes from working with students once a week.

“From a personal standpoint, the ability to be on campus is a chance to stay in an environment that has a renewal to it,” he said. “I tend to have a Batman complex, I guess. I like to help people.”

Students can make an appointment with Hertel by contacting Student Development and Diversity program assistant Colleen Bader. Hertel generally works Tuesday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. – unless the Minnesota Wild are playing at home.

Those weeks, Hertel – a Wild season-ticket holder – often meets with students on Wednesdays instead.

After 22 years as Eau Claire’s campus lawyer, Hertel has no plans to stop anytime soon.

“I kind of joke they’ll find me dead at my desk,” Hertel said. “Because I enjoy my work, I really do … there’s a strong sense of satisfaction.”