STOCKTON - Small Claims Court is new terrain for many people such as Valley Springs Realtor Susan Long, who complains a Stockton broker shorted her three months' worth of commission.

"He admits he owes me money, but I haven't seen it," the single mother said. "I can't pay my bills. It's tough."

The Humphreys College Laurence Drivon School of Law opens its doors one night a month to help people such as Long navigate the land mines hidden in the paperwork and "legalese" of the courts. The free clinic matches up clients with law students.

Patrick Piggott, a Stockton lawyer and dean of the Humphreys law school, said the clinic serves two purposes: It arms people with answers before they step into court, and it gives students nearing graduation real-world experience.

Under the supervision of practicing lawyers and law instructors, the students help clients prepare their cases, such as figuring out what papers they need to copy or throw out, Piggott said.

"What's really helpful is when a person learns, 'Gee, I'm in the wrong court,' " Piggott said. " 'I can't use Small Claims.' "

The law school's clinic has been running for about three years. It complements one the San Joaquin County Superior Court in downtown Stockton holds monthly. Both are free and open to those who call ahead to register.

With help from Elizabeth Hull of Stockton, a third-year law student, Long learned that her claim seeking $11,000 from the broker far exceeded the $7,500 allowed in Small Claims Court. Hull said she also told Long that her contract says she has to go to arbitration before court.

"To her, it all seems to be the same thing," Hull said. "Otherwise, the judge is going to kick her right out."

Contact reporter Scott Smith at (209) 546-8296 or ssmith@recordnet.com.

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