Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)
"The LRAP is a vital component of our thriving public interest program. Emory Law remains committed to offering graduates who choose careers in public service the opportunity to do so regardless of educational debt."
David Partlett
Dean and Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law
The Emory University School of Law Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) offers graduates the opportunity to pursue public interest and public sector positions by providing financial assistance to offset their educational debt. The program is available to graduates of Emory Law's classes of 2004 and later.
Eligible graduates from the classes of 2004 through 2008 are invited to apply for assistance through the LRAP by February 16, 2009. Applications and related materials may be downloaded below.
Emory Law's LRAP was established through the combined efforts of students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The program is supported through the generous donations of friends of Emory Law. If you are interested in making a donation to support the LRAP, please visit our online donation form and specify "Law School Loan Repayment Assistance Program" when designating your gift.
LRAP Questions & Answers
The following summary information is provided for your convenience, to offer answers to frequently asked questions about the LRAP. However, the Plan Description provides the official rules and requirements for the LRAP.
Q. Will my job qualify me for participation in Emory's LRAP?
A. Assuming you meet all other requirements, it will, if you are practicing law full-time, if your Juris Doctor degree is required to do the job, and if you will be doing public interest work - that is, working for a 501(c)(3) organization, or a federal, state, or local government. Federal clerkships do not qualify under the plan, but state clerkships do. Eligibility of work undertaken outside of the United States will be determined by the LRAP Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Q. What is the deadline for applying?
A. Your completed application must be received by the Law School no later than February 16, 2009. The Plan Description tells you where and to whom to send your application.
Q. What if I accept a one or two year federal clerkship or a fellowship after graduation but then enter qualifying employment?
A. You can participate in the LRAP as long as you apply by the application deadline following the conclusion of your federal clerkship or fellowship, and you otherwise meet plan requirements.
Q. What kind of loans will be considered for determining my eligibility for LRAP?
A. Institutionally approved and certified law school educational loans are included in determining your total debt. Undergraduate indebtedness, accelerated law school loans, and bar loans do not qualify for the LRAP. The Plan Description more specifically describes qualifying law school loans.
Q. If I qualify, is the money I receive a loan or a grant?
A. You will receive funds as a loan, forgiveable after completing one year of eligible employment. Under certain circumstances you may be required to repay the loan (e.g., if you go into default on your educational loans or if you leave qualifying employment before the end of a year).
Q. How many years can I participate in the LRAP?
A. You can participate for up to five consecutive years if you meet the LRAP qualifications. You must reapply each year to participate in the LRAP.
Q. What is the salary cap for participating in the LRAP?
A. Currently, you may participate in the plan if your income is $48,000 or less. The plan description has a simple formula for determining how much you will receive under the LRAP. Note that having unearned income, dependents, or a spouse or domestic partner (as defined by the University) who also has graduate school indebtedness, will be considered in determining your income, as described in the Plan Description.
Q. Can I take a leave of absence from employment and still participate in LRAP?
A. Yes, with approval from the LRAP Committee, you can take single, one-year leave of absence from employment for a medical or other significant reason, such as maternity leave.
Q. Can the terms of the LRAP program change over time?
A. Yes, the terms of the LRAP program may change from year to year.
Documents
If you have questions, please contact Brooks Seay, Associate Dean for Finance and Administration, at bseay(at)law.emory.edu.