Prosecutors and Defenders to Benefit From Loan Repayment Assistance and Forgiveness Programs
Nearly all law students take on mortgage-sized student loan debt. Public defender and prosecutor salaries have not kept pace with the rising costs of legal education. Prosecutor and public defender offices find it difficult to attract and retain talented attorneys, resulting in overworked attorneys handling unmanageable caseloads and potentially affecting public safety and the administration of justice.
The John R. Justice Program was enacted to encourage qualified attorneys to serve as prosecutors and public defenders by providing loan repayment assistance for those who agree to remain employed as public defenders and prosecutors for at least three years. Public defenders and prosecutors can also benefit from Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The John R. Justice Program is administered by state agencies designated by the governor of each state. These agencies apply to the Bureau of Justice Assistance for funding and then distribute the benefits to prosecutors and defenders in their state. Agencies apply for funds in response to a Program Solicitation, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance recently posted its 2012 Program Solicitation.
In the 2012 Program Solicitation, the Bureau of Justice Assistance specifically encourages the administering agencies to publicize the availability of Income-Based Repayment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and other available loan repayment assistance programs. I love it! The Bureau of Justice Assistance clearly recognizes the complexity of student loan repayment decisions and student debt relief programs and is working with the states to get the word out to student loan borrowers.
Read more:
Bureau of Justice Assistance John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program Information Page
Bureau of Justice Assistance John R. Justice Frequently Asked Questions
List of designated state agencies
