Fortunately, there are a number of programs that make this path more affordable than ever. Georgetown’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP), established in 1986, provides assistance to: 1) J.D. graduates who are employed or self-employed on a full-time, paid basis, in a law-related capacity by a non-profit entity that has as one of its primary purposes the rendering of legal services to or on behalf of persons or organizations that could not otherwise obtain like services, and 2) J.D. graduates who are employed on a full-time, paid basis, in a law-related capacity by a government agency that has as one of its primary purposes the rendering of legal services on behalf of the public.

There are several new non-Georgetown programs that can also help alleviate the burden of educational debt for public interest lawyers. The most important ones to learn about are the programs established by the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act – specifically income-based repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. To learn more about these programs, and how they interact with Georgetown’s LRAP program, please explore the links below.

• Equal Justice Works Debt and Loan Repayment Page
• PSJD: Financing a Public Interest Career
• U.S. Department of Education Public Service Loan Forgiveness Information
• Student Loan Expert Heather Jarvis: helpful information and FAQs