Student loan forgiveness bill
vital to justice, says ABA

Despite the need for legal service providers, lawyers are not eligible to participate in most federal loan forgiveness programs. The ABA is working to see that this policy is changed so that individuals serving in a broad range of public service occupations have access to financial help. The goal is to help these professionals, who are dedicated to their communities and their clients, remain in legal service.

The high turnover rates for lawyers working in public defender, prosecutor and civil legal aid offices are due in large part to the high debt these lawyers face from student loans. Indeed, many lawyers face law school debt of $55,000 to $83,000 and cannot afford to continue to serve their communities.

House and Senate bills reauthorizing federal student lending programs include ABA-supported language to amend one program to provide expedited repayment for individuals who follow careers in government or non-profit work. The legislation would require 10 years of service while remaining sensitive to the need for some individuals to take a break from service for family or other obligations.

Both House and Senate proposals have been rolled into the budget reconciliation process (S. Con. Res. 21), which is expected to be completed by July 31. The association further supports H.R. 2661, a bill introduced by Rep. John Sarbanes of Maryland that provides for a wider scope of public service professions covered under the same repayment program. The ABA advocates substituting the terms of H.R. 2661 for the version already under consideration.

In a June 7 letter to Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and Mike Enzi, ranking members of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the ABA wrote, "Our justice system depends on lawyers who are willing to forego higher-paying private sector jobs to serve in public interest positions….The federal government, which has a vested interest in ensuring the administration of justice nationwide, can help alleviate this problem by providing some financial relief for those willing to make long-term commitments to public service."

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