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FAQ Sheet
What is the Missouri Bar LRAP?
The Missouri Bar LRAP will award forgivable loans to applicants who work in qualifying public service organizations. The loans will be forgiven upon completion of a minimal time period with the organization and proof that the loan was used to repay law school loans.
Who qualifies for the LRAP?
Attorneys working for qualifying organizations may receive loan assistance if their income, with federal and program adjustments, is less than $46,000. Qualifying organizations may include non-profits (IRS defined sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501 (c)(5) and 501(c)(6)); local, state, or federal governments; and certain positions within court systems. The program has two tiers of qualifying organizations for purposes of awarding loans. The first tier, which will receive awards first, consists of attorneys working with the Missouri State Public Defenders Office, Missouri's legal aid programs, and prosecuting attorneys. The second tier includes all other qualifying organizations. The Advisory Board maintains the right to adjust eligibility guidelines based on available funding.
Who administers the program?
The program is administered by a Program Coordinator under the guidance of an Advisory Board consisting of 2 members of the Trustees of The Missouri Bar Foundation, 2 members of the Board of Governors of The Missouri Bar, and 1 member of the Young Lawyers' Section of The Missouri Bar.
How is the program funded?
This program is funded completely through the generosity of Missouri's lawyers, their families and friends. There is no state funding, no federal funding.
How much loan assistance can be given in a year?
Awardees can receive a maximum of $4,000 per year, for 5 years. The Advisory Board maintains the right to adjust eligibility guidelines based on available funding.
Why an LRAP?
- A National Problem
- Between 1992 and 2002, the cost of tuition for public law schools has risen 134% for residents and 100% for non-residents, while private law school tuition has increased by 76%. Many law school grads are forced to forego their dreams of public service despite their deep commitment to ensure equal justice to millions of people who receive inadequate or no legal assistance.
- A Missouri Problem
- This impacts Missouri lawyers and citizens. Public defenders, legal services, state agencies and prosecutors have a difficult time hiring and retaining attorneys due to the disparity between law school debt and income.
- Turnover of attorneys reduces judicial efficiency and the quality of our legal system.
- The chart illustrates the average debt level of graduates from Missouri's law schools as of 2003.
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