Free legal services offered since 2006 by the Žilina Region have been used by 1,950 people since that time. The vice-president of the Žilina Region, Jozef Štrba, said the free legal advisory centre operates twice a month, adding that in 2011, residents will be able to visit every second Thursday to receive legal advice in civil, labour, trade, social security and criminal law. Those who announce their visits in advance by telephone, e-mail or personally are served first. The Kancleária prvého kontaktu (Office of First Contact) is located on the ground floor of the Žilina Refion (ŽSK) Office on Komenského Street 48.
The legal advice initially includes only basic verbal guidance, without preparation of official legal documents. Persons can register for services at pravnaporadna@zask.sk or personally at the ŽSK Office or by calling 041/5032152. Štrba said residents can also consult with a representative from Slovakia’s Ombudsman’s Office every first Thursday but should arrange such a meeting by phoning 02/48287401 or 02/43634906 on weekdays between 8:00 and 16:00. Ombudsman consultations will be available in 2011 on March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, October 6, November 3 and December 1.