Do law firms pay off law school debt?

Asked by: Luz Conn  |  Last update: January 6, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (31 votes)

Enlist the support of your employer Legal employers know what's up with law school debt. Many big firms and even smaller employers offer student loan repayment benefits.

Will law firms pay off student loans?

Many civil legal aid organizations and some other public interest employers provide loan repayment assistance to their attorneys. A centralized list of employer programs has not been compiled, so law students and attorneys need to discuss the possible availability of such assistance with individual potential employers.

Do law firms help pay for law school?

Some firms will but not all. Most law firms (and companies) have a tuition reimbursement plan but it's typically for undergrad classes.

Do companies ever pay for law school?

Explore employer sponsorships for your law school program

Some employers may assist with law school costs, as they see it as an investment in promising employees. It might also be used as a recruiting tool to bring in top talent from schools that cost an arm and a leg to attend.

How hard is it to pay off law school debt?

It is very difficult for the average lawyer working in the public sector to pay off federal student loans if they follow CFPB recommendations and guidelines. 19.1 years is how long it will take the average lawyer working in the public sector to pay off their loans if they use 25% of their income.

How to Minimize Law School Debt

39 related questions found

How long to pay off 200k law school debt?

How long does it take to pay off $200,000 in loans? If you choose the standard 10-year repayment plan, you'll pay off your loans in a decade. Longer plans, like those with 15- or 20-year terms, reduce monthly payments but significantly increase the total interest you'll pay over time.

Does McKinsey pay for law school?

The Firm will subsidize post-BA education to the equivalent of a two year MBA, so a big US law school will mean you'll have to pay for the third year pretty much on your own. You also have to agree to come back after your JD and continue at the Firm (or pay back the school loan).

How bad is law school debt?

Of lawyers surveyed by the American Bar Association (ABA), 85 percent borrowed money to cover their studies, with the average law school debt exceeding $100,000. Luckily, there are a few alternatives law school grads can explore to reduce their debt burden and make payments more manageable.

What is the failure rate for law school?

The 2023 law school attrition rate was 3.8 percent, varying across demographics and institutions.

Is it worth it to pay for law school?

Expected Salary After Law School

Taking on such debt might be a smart investment if a law degree provided reasonable assurance of a high-paying job. Ideally, recent graduates should earn yearly salaries equal to or greater than their total student debt.

Do law firms care where you went to law school?

Your Previous (On-the-Job) Training

Certain firms have the reputation for training people very well—and everyone knows that they have high expectations for the people there. If you get a good job right out of school or thereafter (with a major law firm), firms no longer really care about where you went to law school.

Does the FBI pay for law school?

The FBI has a program called UEP, University Education Program, where the FBI will help pay for your grad school but they will not pay for law school.

Will a law firm pay for law school?

Many firms also offer tuition reimbursement programs, with the expectation that the funded paralegals will become their next practicing attorneys after graduation. However, not all firms will have the capacity to fund your studies.

Do companies pay off your student loans?

These programs, offered by government agencies and private employers, can provide hundreds or even thousands of dollars in aid to borrowers every year. Currently, employers can provide up to $5,250 in student loan repayment annually as a tax-free benefit for employees.

Do law firms have debt?

In the management of a healthy, profitable law firm, debt can play a significant role — and not just as a safety net, but as a proactive part of a firm's financial strategy.

How many people regret going to law school?

Law School Regret by the Numbers

Only 35 percent said law school prepared them well for practicing. Only 20 percent strongly agreed that their law school was worth the cost. Thirty-eight percent said they were struggling financially; 30 percent said they were "suffering"

How do you survive financially in law school?

The primary funding options are Scholarships and grants—the “free” money this is either funded by your law school or funded by private organizations, civic groups, etc.; Loans which can be federal loans or private/alternative/institutional loans.

Is a Tier 3 law school worth it?

Tier 1 schools are the most prestigious and competitive, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 schools offer strong programs with varying selectivity. Your choice should align with your career goals, as the tier can influence your legal career opportunities. However, when picking a law school, don't focus solely on tiers.

What GPA does McKinsey want?

Myth #1: McKinsey has a GPA Cutoff.

While a GPA of 3.6 is generally considered competitive, candidates with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have impressive strengths in other areas, such as relevant work experience, leadership roles, or excellent test scores (SAT, GRE).

What is the lowest salary in McKinsey?

What is the lowest salary at McKinsey & Company? The lowest-paying job at McKinsey & Company is a Design Director with a salary of ₹3,02,002 per year (estimate).

Are there companies that pay for law school?

Many law firms will pay for a Technical Specialist or Patent Agent to attend law school, but programs and policies differ from firm to firm, and there are strings attached. Potential candidates should know what they are.

Are most lawyers in debt?

Eighty-three percent of those with no loans would still get a JD, compared to 69% with student debt greater than $250,000. Finances are a worry for 67% all young lawyers and 68% of young lawyers with student debt, according to a Sept. 9 ABA press release summarizing the survey findings.

How much do Harvard Law graduates make after 10 years?

At mid-career, Harvard law graduates earn $234,000, on average. Stanford and University of Virginia follow closely, with recent grads earning $133,000 and $130,000, respectively. About 10 years into their careers, those grads earn upwards of $220,000.

Is Yale Law worth the debt?

Long-Term Financial Success

Yale law graduates go on to earn much more than those who didn't go to university. In fact, the average salary of former Yale students is $118,400. That's 245% higher than the national average. You can't argue with the stats.