On Aug. 14, 2008, the Higher Education Opportunity Act was signed into law. Several programs are included:
- The John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act (Section 951) providing up to $10,000 per year to a maximum of $60,000 – full-time state and local prosecutors and public defenders; federal defenders, their juvenile delinquency and tribal counterparts, and those who educate and train.
- The Legal Assistance Loan Repayment Program (Section 431) providing up to $6,000 per year to a maximum of $40,000 – full-time Civil Legal Assistance lawyers and those who work with certain disability cases.
- 438K Loan Forgiveness for Service in Service of National Need (Section 430) providing up to $2,000 per year to a maximum of five years – Public interest legal services (including prosecution, public defense, legal advocacy in low-income communities at a non-profit organization.
- Perkins Loan Cancellation for Public Service (Section 465) providing up to 100% cancellation of Perkins in five years – Federal public and community defenders.
For more information about the Higher Education Opportunity Act, contact Kenneth Goldsmith, government liaison, ABA Governmental Affairs Office, 202-662-1789.
