The Vermont Bar Association has extended the deadline for applications to its new program to help attorneys who are struggling with student loan debt. The VBA Loan Repayment Assistance Program (“LRAP”), announced at the Annual Meeting on Sept. 29, is designed to assist attorneys burdened by debt so that they can work in underserved geographic and subject areas. The first awards will be made in January 2024 and there is an application deadline of Nov. 17. (Extended from Nov. 3).
The steering committee has also just raised the annual income limit to $75,000 (up from $67,000 per year).
“Workforce development is a critical issue in Vermont, especially in the legal field. Vermont needs to attract and maintain new and young attorneys to provide legal services to Vermonters throughout the state. The Loan Repayment Assistance Program will help new lawyers burdened by student loan debt stay and practice in Vermont to provide essential legal services to Vermonters. The VBA is proud to demonstrate our commitment to the next generation of Vermont lawyers through the program.” said VBA President, Judith Dillon, Esq.
To be eligible, applicants must be members of the VBA and licensed to practice law in the state of Vermont. They must, as noted, have an annual income of not more than $75,000 and carry at least $25,000 in student loan debt. The debt may have been accrued for undergraduate and/or graduate education.
Successful applicants will be eligible for up to $5000 annually in loan assistance payments from LRAP.
Priority for the awards will be given to attorneys who practice in underserved areas of the state and to those whose practice focuses on underserved areas of legal need. The priority geographic areas include the Northeast Kingdom, Grand Isle/Franklin, Windham, and Orange counties. The priority practice areas include work with vulnerable and working Vermonters, including family law, criminal defense, estate planning, disability, social security, unemployment, workers’ compensation, small business, consumer protection, housing, mental health access, and guardianship.
More details about LRAP and the application are on our website, click here.