This new BLOG accompanies the release of our newly designed website which we hope you will all find more convenient and user friendly. For example, the site integrates password protected access, so that access to multiple locations is possible with a single password. The purpose of this BLOG is to convey information from the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network about activities of interest to the staff, clients, and board members of legal aid programs, as well as the general public. For now, the BLOG is a posting of information. However, those who want to respond can do so. Some of these comments will be posted, with consent. Over time, we expect the BLOG to be opened up to the direct posting of public comments.The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has announced a student loan forgiveness program for attorneys employed by agencies that help people who cannot afford legal representation.
Beginning Sept. 1, the Loan Repayment Assistance Program - or LRAP - will receive applications for reimbursements for student loans to attorneys working for at least one year with a qualified agency that provides legal assistance in civil matters to indigent Pennsylvanians.
No taxpayer funding will be used to finance LRAP, which will use proceeds from the fees out-of-state lawyers must pay to practice in Pennsylvania courts. The so-called pro hac vice fees will fund a three-year grant to administer the program by the Interest On Lawyers' Trust Account board with the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation, a charitable affiliate of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
A recently graduated attorney, who is employed by a legal aid organization funded by IOLTA, is eligible to have $2,000 in student loan debt forgiven. An attorney can apply for up to 10, one-year forgivable loans over the tenure of qualified employment provided the eligibility requirements are met, including a law license and income and loan criteria. Each loan carries a one-year employment requirement for the loan.
Attracting and keeping quality lawyers is an increasingly daunting task for public services organizations as school costs continue to rise. This program will help address critical shortages facing many organizations in finding qualified legal assistance across the Commonwealth.
The Legal Intelligencer featured a story on the program entitled Loan Program Aims to Woo New Lawyers to Public Service in its June 30, 2010 edition. That article can be viewed by clicking here.
