USD Law Advocate, Spring 2026

GIVING

BREAKING BARRIERS TO PUBLIC INTEREST CAREERS The Loan Assistance Repayment Program eases financial burdens for tomorrow’s public service attorneys

The LRAP program plays a crucial role in sustaining that momentum, ensuring graduates can continue the impactful work they began in law school without being deterred by the burden of educational debt. By helping alumni remain in roles that advance justice, protect vulnerable populations and strengthen com munity systems, LRAP serves as a bridge between the

law school’s experiential learning mission and the long-term public service careers its graduates are inspired to pursue. Through an annual application process, participants verify their qualifying employment and finan cial need, allowing the program to direct assistance where it can make the greatest impact. Once approved, graduates receive a lump-sum grant that helps repay their law school loans, easing the financial strain that can discourage talented attorneys from pursuing public service work. With approximately 10 applicants per year, LRAP supports alumni working in charities, educational

Sara Anderson ’26 (JD)

institutions, scientific organizations, child welfare programs, foundations, social advocacy groups, civil leagues and organizations. Administered by a dedicated governing board representing financial aid, career services and the law school’s public interest centers, LRAP reflects USD School of Law’s long-standing commitment to service and access to justice. Distinct from federal options like Public Service Loan Forgiveness, LRAP strength ens the pipeline of passionate public interest lawyers who choose to serve their communities—thanks, in large part, to the generosity of donors who make this support possible. Contact lawaid@sandiego.edu or call (619) 260-4570 to learn more .

❱❱ The University of San Diego School of Law’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) is a vital resource that empowers graduates to pursue meaningful careers in public interest law without the overwhelming burden of student loan debt. Designed to remove financial barriers, LRAP provides annual grant support to alumni working in qualified public service posi tions—roles often critical to advancing justice for low-income individuals and underrepresented communities. USD Law’s deep commitment to public service begins long before gradu ation, through its robust network of legal clinics, centers and institutes that immerse students in hands-on work serving real clients and communities. These programs not only train students to become thoughtful, ethical advo cates—they also spark passions for public interest careers that extend well beyond their time on campus.

USD SCHOOL OF LAW

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