Student loan forgiveness for lawyers: 4 programs all law grads should consider

By Carolyn Morris | Published on April 27, 2026

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Key takeaways:

• Law school can be pricey, and many young lawyers graduate with tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt.
• Fortunately, state and federal programs can help lawyers repay their education loans—a relief for those not making six figures right out of school.
• If you don’t qualify for these programs, consider refinancing to carve out some breathing room in your budget.

Earnest’s law school loan refinancing program helps lawyers score competitive rates, even with high amounts of debt.

For many young lawyers, graduating law school is a moment of triumph, relief—and just a little bit of dread. With the homework done, the challenge of student loan repayment is just beginning.

The median annual wage for lawyers is more than $150,000, making it one of the highest-paid careers outside of the medical field, but the path to success isn’t easy. Most aspiring lawyers face significant upfront costs, averaging more than $217,000.

Securing loans is usually straightforward, but paying them back can be challenging, as new lawyers often don’t make six figures right away. Salary varies based on specialty, employer, and location.

Fortunately, there are several ways to qualify for student loan forgiveness as a burgeoning lawyer. Here are a few popular programs:

Department of Justice Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) offers one of the most generous loan assistance programs for new lawyers with high loan balances. For each year you work for the DOJ, you can earn up to $6,000 in loan assistance, with a lifetime maximum of $60,000.

Just a note: lawyers must still make personal payments toward their federal student loans while participating in the program; failure may result in disqualification. Additionally, these grant awards are considered taxable income.

Eligibility for the Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program

To qualify, DOJ employees must have at least $10,000 in eligible federal student loans and commit to a three-year service obligation. Not all federal loans are covered, so verify eligibility before applying.

Application Process for the Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program

Find key dates and application forms on the ASLRP website. It can be competitive, so consider this while applying.

John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program

Public-sector lawyers might earn up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $60,000 in total loan assistance, depending on state funding and availability. Accepting the award requires a three-year service agreement.

Eligibility for the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program

Eligible candidates must be employed as a public defender, prosecutor, or in an eligible nonprofit role in the state they are applying in; requirements can vary state to state.

Application Process for the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program

Apply through either Grants.gov or the JustGrants website. Specific eligibility requirements should be checked according to state.

Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs)

Nearly half of all U.S. states currently offer Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs). These programs are often sponsored by local bar associations, nonprofits, or law schools, with lists of available state LRAPs accessible through the American Bar Association.

Eligibility for State LRAPs

Generally, to be eligible, one must work as a public-sector lawyer and have a minimum amount of outstanding student loan debt.

Application Process for State LRAPs

Check each program’s website for application and renewal instructions, including deadlines.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is available to public-interest lawyers, including public defenders, legal aid workers, and those employed by government or eligible non-profits.

Though PSLF takes longer to earn, it typically forgives a larger percentage of debt than alternatives. For instance, if you have $100,000 in student loans and qualify for DOJ, you might be forgiven $18,000 after three years. However, pursuing PSLF could lead to the cancellation of about $65,000 after ten years.

Eligibility for PSLF

Eligibility requires full-time employment at qualifying organizations such as government offices or nonprofits. Borrowers must make 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer.

Application Process for PSLF

Submit the Employment Certification form as soon as possible after achieving eligibility. Submit a separate PSLF application after completing payments.

Alternatives to Student Loan Forgiveness for Lawyers

If ineligible for any forgiveness programs, consider ways to lower monthly payments, including:

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

Income-driven repayment (IDR) minimizes monthly payments to a set percentage of income. Approval involves consolidating federal student loans and selecting an IDR plan.

Forbearance or Deferment

If struggling financially, inquire about forbearance and deferment options from your lender. Proof of financial hardship is typically required.

Student Loan Refinancing

Consider student loan refinancing to exchange current loans for a new one with different terms, potentially with lower interest rates, helping you save money overall.

How to Refinance Your Law School Loans

Start by researching various lenders for competitive rates. Earnest offers special perks and discounts for law school graduates. Check your rate online for free—it won’t affect your credit score.