Bill > S00161

This bill expands the eligibility period and increases loan reimbursement for attorneys working in legal services for indigent clients, meaning those who cannot afford legal representation. Specifically, it extends the "eligible period" during which attorneys can receive loan forgiveness from six years to eight years after completing their second year of law school and before starting their eleventh year of employment. It also clarifies that periods of employment as a law school graduate awaiting admission to the bar, or as an attorney working for a prosecuting agency, criminal defense agency, or a non-profit indigent civil legal services corporation, count towards this eligibility. The bill further defines "year of qualified service" to include periods of vacation or approved family and medical leave, and increases the maximum annual reimbursement for student loan expenses from $3,400 to $8,000 per qualifying year, allowing attorneys to receive grants for up to eight years of qualified service within the expanded eligible period.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S161