Notre Dame Law School announces significant expansion of Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Notre Dame Law School has announced enhancements to its Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for the second consecutive year, aimed at supporting a greater number of J.D. graduates pursuing careers in public interest law and government with loan repayment assistance.

Two significant updates include raising the salary cap to $110,000 starting in 2025, and extending the eligibility to include part-time J.D. graduates.

LRAP aims to alleviate the financial burden of law school debt to graduates dedicated to public interest careers, which are often less lucrative. This initiative demonstrates the Law School’s dedication to promoting the common good and encouraging graduates to take on important roles that contribute to society. Since its launch in 2003, LRAP has disbursed millions of dollars to hundreds of graduates in diverse public interest and service roles in the United States and internationally.

The program offers up to ten calendar years of loan assistance to J.D. graduates in public interest law careers.

The Law School’s LRAP works alongside the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to help graduates achieve total forgiveness of their federal student loans, both graduate and undergraduate, with only minimal, income-driven out-of-pocket payments.

This year, 98% of those enrolled in the Law School’s LRAP have had their monthly payments fully covered. Graduates in public interest or public service roles can qualify for complete forgiveness of their federal student loan balances after ten years of employment.

The inclusion of part-time graduates was particularly beneficial to Elizabeth DeCenzo, a 2013 ND Law graduate, who currently works part-time as a child abuse and neglect case prosecutor for the Indiana Department of Child Services. Last summer, when she sought LRAP assistance for part-time employment, she found there was no such option available. DeCenzo balances her time between her part-time prosecutor role and caring for her two young sons as a stay-at-home mom.

"Even though I work part-time, I manage a full caseload and believe my work should qualify despite reduced hours. I reached out, explaining that many ND Law graduates who are parents make career sacrifices for their families. My letter was forwarded to the LRAP committee, which promptly approved the change," said DeCenzo. "Most days, I spend mornings litigating cases and afternoons with my sons Henry (3) and Alex (2), enjoying family time. I am grateful to the Law School for supporting me in balancing work and family life."

LRAP is an endowed program, with an annual budget of $500,000 that continues to expand. LRAP ensures that all eligible graduates receive benefits thanks to the generosity of its donors. No eligible LRAP applicant has ever been turned away.

"The Loan Repayment Assistance Program truly gives individuals the opportunity to pursue the career of their choice in public service,” said Will Tronsor, ‘18 J.D. and LRAP participant. “Thanks to LRAP, I started my career at Disability Rights New York, where I continue to work today, providing free legal services and fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities. LRAP has had a ripple effect of not only helping me, but helping the many clients I have served with the many successes we have achieved. LRAP offers crucial support to those of us striving to be a different kind of lawyer, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity it provided me."

LRAP applications are due Nov. 1 of every year, and more information about the program is available on the Notre Dame Law School website. Questions can be directed to LRAP Coordinator Cathy Kustner, who can be reached at ckustner@nd.edu or (574) 631-9301.