FFLA’s board of directors has approved loaning $1,701,940 to 173 legal aid lawyers through its Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP). The program assists legal aid lawyers in paying down their school loans; loans are forgiven annually if the lawyers meet the program’s requirements, including continuing to work at a nonprofit legal aid organization. This year’s loans were increased from $5,000 to $10,000 to meet the rising costs of student loans. The balance of this year’s applicants’ outstanding student loans totals more than $25 million.
“The Loan Repayment Assistance Program is a vital resource that empowers qualified civil legal aid attorneys to continue pursuing their passion for helping those in need access our justice system,” FFLA President Roberto R. Pardo said. “While these roles may not offer the same financial rewards as positions in the private sector, they provide essential and meaningful services that benefit both the individuals they serve and the broader justice system. That’s why we place significant importance on this program and are grateful to be able to provide these loans.”
Of the 173 applicants, 64 applied for the first time. Last year, FFLA forgave $616,292 in loans. Since 1996, lawyers employed by Florida civil legal aid providers have been able to pay down more than $13 million of their school loans using LRAP.
