July 10, 2008

STATE BAR ASSOCIATION PROVIDES FUNDING TO PUBLIC SERVICE LAWYERS

Two New Grant Awards Will be Made in Addition to Continued Grants

ALBANY—The New York State Bar Association announced today that its Student Loan Assistance for the Public Interest (“SLAPI”) program will be providing two new grants this year of up to $4,000 each to public service law attorneys. Public service attorneys play an invaluable role in ensuring access to justice for all, but new lawyers are often discouraged from choosing a career in public service in the wake of increasing student loan debt. The program is designed to encourage lawyers to pursue such careers by helping them repay their law school debts. In addition to the two new grants, past grantees will be eligible for continued funding.

Candidates chosen for the program must be employed to work at least 35 hours per week in a law-related position in New York Stateat an organization providing civil, criminal or child welfare/juvenile justice legal services to low income people; a federal, state or local government agency; or a similar organization. While a wide range of positions qualify for awards, priority will be given to civil legal services attorneys. Candidates must have incurred debt through institutional sources to pursue a law school education and have been admitted to the New York Statebar within the last five years.

The application deadline is September 1, 2008 . Recipients will be announced in November 2008. Application packets may be obtained at www.nysba.org/slapi or by contacting the Department of Pro Bono Affairs at (518) 487-5641 or probono@nysba.org.

The 74,000-member New York State Bar Association is the official statewide organization of lawyers in New Yorkand the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Founded in 1876, NYSBA programs and activities have continuously served the public and improved the justice system for more than 130 years.

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