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Student Loans and Finances

Providing research and solutions to help understand the impact of student loan debt on the personal and professional lives of relatively new lawyers

Student Debt Surveys
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YLD Debt Surveys

Infographics and links to articles from media outlets about the ABA YLD Debt Surveys.

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Video: Recapping the 2021 Results

The 2021 report aims to answer questions and provide more nuanced understanding of the impact of student loan borrowing on the career trajectory of young lawyers.

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The ABA YLD Supports...

Reducing the Student Loan Burden

(ABA Policy)

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Easing Student Loan Bankruptcy Standards

(ABA Policy)

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Paycheck Fairness Act

(ABA Letter to Congress)

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Public Service Loan Forgiveness

(Latest Developments)

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More Congressional Action

(ABA Op-Ed)

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Student Loan Articles

How to Prepare for the End of the Student Loan Payment Pause

Here’s what borrowers should do now to get ready for when their student loan payments resume this fall.

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How to Shift Your View of Your Student Loan Debt and Learn How to Manage It

Many lawyers feel shame about their debt and are overwhelmed just thinking about it. That’s unsurprising, considering that our society has conditioned us to believe that debt is bad and that you’re somehow a bad person if you have it. It’s not true.

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The Student Loan Debt Fire Burning Around Us

The cost of attending law school has increased significantly, and tuition costs for law students far outpace lawyer salaries at large firms and even the costs of housing.

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10 Tips to Help You Pay Off Your Student Loans and Save for Retirement

So how do you tackle both paying off your debt and saving for retirement? By making the right choices early on in your career and by having a clear financial plan.

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15 Considerations for When You’re Planning Your Student Loan Repayment

The best student loan strategy will be one that can adapt as circumstances change. Consider how changes in living situation, employer, and salary might impact your plans.

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Your Financial Troubles May Affect More Than Just Your Wallet

Research indicates that debtors report significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and anger than individuals living without the burden of debt.

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Student Loan Videos and CLE

Understanding and Navigating the Student Debt Crisis

The ABA dives into the 2020 Student Loan Debt report’s findings and discuss proposed solutions – on both the practical, personal level and the systemic, policy level – to address these critical issues.

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CLE: Financial Fitness: How Your Finances Affect Your Well-Being

This program will educate attendees about the ways poor financial fitness can affect their lives and practice and will provide practical solutions to these financial issues by a Certified Financial Advisor.

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Key Strategies for Managing Student Loans and Other Debt

Debt and Credit Strategist Jen Lee and Creative Joy Director Samorn Selim, both lawyers, will share their expertise on how law students and lawyers can navigate the waters of debt and careers.

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More Resources
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Prepare for Student Loan Payments To Restart

Don’t wait for your bill to arrive. Start preparing now with these resources from the U.S. Department of Education.

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