Recent graduates with student debt who work in public interest law can receive assistance through a program being offered by the University of Tennessee College of Law.
Four graduates each will receive up to $4,000 this year through the Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, PC Loan Repayment Assistance Program.
“In this time of crisis, it’s more important than ever that we assist our students, our graduates, and our community in whatever ways we can,” Dean Melanie Wilson said. “This program enables us to highlight UT Law graduates who are doing influential work in their communities, and we are so grateful to Baker, Donelson, our partner in this effort, for providing the financial support for these deserving graduates.”
Qualified applicants employed in legal positions that benefit non-profit organizations, or local, state or federal government entities are eligible to apply for assistance through the program.
The 2019 recipients included: 2013 alumna Buki Baruwa, a research and policy fellow for Fair and Just Prosecution; 2016 alumna Lucy Boateng, who works with Community Legal Center’s Immigrant Justice Program in Memphis; 2016 alumna Kirsten Jacobson, a staff attorney for the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services; and 2014 alumnus Charles Simmons, the assistant solicitor general for the Fulton County Solicitor General’s Office.
Applicants must meet a number of criteria in order to qualify for assistance. Those whose employment involves legal representation of financially challenged and historically under-represented clients are encouraged to apply.
The application due date is April 27, 2020.