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Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for Legal Aid Lawyers

California Access to Justice Commission

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for Legal Aid Lawyers

Funder: California Access to Justice Commission (CalATJ)

Status: Program authorized through State Budget Act; implementation underway

Purpose: Address the crisis in recruiting and retaining legal aid lawyers by providing tax-advantaged loan repayment assistance for student loans

Eligibility:

  • Lawyers at legal aid programs that contribute funding to LRAP

  • Lawyers at legal aid nonprofits that are not IOLTA recipients if organizations contribute funding

  • Lawyers must commit to continue helping underserved people and communities for an agreed period of time

    • Key Features:

  • Tax-advantaged program structure

  • Can cover current student loan payments

  • Combined with federal Public Interest Loan Forgiveness program

  • Lawyers knowing loans will be taken care of without cost if they stay in legal aid for 10 years provides powerful recruiting and retention message

    • Background:
    Creating an LRAP has been a long-standing goal of:

  • Legal aid programs

  • Legal Services Trust Funding Commission

  • State Bar's Council on Access and Fairness

  • Legal Aid Association of California

    • The number one concern reported by legal aid job applicants and veteran lawyers considering staying in the field is money and outstanding student loans. Legal aid openings now stay unfilled for months, and retaining experienced lawyers is a significant challenge.

    Implementation:

  • CalATJ will administer the tax-advantaged LRAP

  • Legal Services Trust Fund Commission is developing guidelines for funding recipients

  • LRAP Working Group formed to guide implementation with anticipated participation by LSTFC, COAF, and Legal Assistance Association of California

    • Contact Information:

  • Phone: (510) 629-1264

  • Email: info@CalATJ.org

  • Mail: PO Box 645, Carmichael, CA 95609

    • How to Apply

    Application Information

    No specific application details currently available. Program is in implementation phase.

      Next Steps

    • Watch for upcoming announcements of joint information and training programs presented by LSTFC, COAF, and CalATJ
    • For updates, contact CalATJ at info@CalATJ.org or (510) 629-1264
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