Public Interest & Government Law
Navigating PSLF, government honors programs, and the reality of non-profit legal work.
Public interest law encompasses legal aid, public defense, prosecution, and non-profit advocacy. While the work is mission-driven, the financial realities require careful planning.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Under PSLF, the federal government forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. This mechanism is critical for attorneys carrying $150k+ in debt on a $65,000 public interest salary.
Calculate PSLF Timeline