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Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Other resources available for debt relief

In recent years, state bar foundations, the federal government and some public service employers have created debt relief programs.

Student/Graduate Debt Management Series

April 10, 2012: How to Work with Your Lenders and Manage Debt Effectively (Audio)

April 12, 2012: College Cost Reduction and Access Act and Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (Audio)

State-based LRAP Programs

Currently, twenty-three states offer loan repayment assistance programs to public service attorneys. Bar foundations, bar associations, independent nonprofits and others administer state LRAP programs.

In Oregon, the Oregon State Bar offers a loan repayment assistance program for public interest graduates who qualify under the Bar’s guidelines. For information about the Oregon Bar program, visit: http://www.osbar.org/lrap.

For information on other state LRAP programs, visit Equal Justice Works

Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 helps public services lawyers in two key ways:

  • Lowers monthly student loan payments on federally guaranteed student loans (Income Based Repayment/ IBR). IBR reduces monthly payments for borrowers with “partial financial hardship,” (high-debt/low-income borrowers)
  • Cancels remaining debt for public service employees after 10 years of public service employment (Loan Forgiveness for Public Service).

For additional information, visit:

Employer-based LRAP Programs

Some federal agencies and civil legal services organizations offer LRAPs in order to recruit and retain highly qualified attorneys. For comprehensive information about employer-based LRAP programs, tax treatment of employer programs and a current list of Legal Services and Federal Agency programs, visit http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/resources/student-debt-relief/employer-based-lraps

Federally funded LRAP Programs for Prosecutors, Defenders and Civil Legal Aid Attorneys

The John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program offers loan repayment assistance to state and federal defenders and state prosecutors who agree to stay in their positions for three years.

Oregon Law » About the Loan Repayment Assistance Program » Other resources available for debt relief