Kansas bill would offer loan aid for rural legal work

The two law schools could lend money to participating students, with loans forgiven after they meet the program requirements. Students at Washburn University or the University of Kansas law schools may be considered. Kansas residents receive preference. The program depends on legislative funding, and the law schools do not have to sign agreements with students. Students must finish law school, complete required training and mentoring, and meet the rural practice commitment. If they fail to meet it, they generally must repay the loan amount not covered by qualifying practice, with interest. Students must begin full-time rural practice within 90 days after joining the Kansas bar, or after finishing a post-degree training program. They must practice for at least 12 continuous months for each year they received a loan.

The state could pay some or all of selected rural lawyers’ education loans. Applicants must have an accredited law degree, a Kansas license in good standing, outstanding student loans, and live and practice law in a rural Kansas community. Loans for undergraduate education may qualify. The program depends on legislative funding, and receiving assistance is not a legal entitlement. The advisory committee would select recipients and set assistance amounts. Each lawyer could receive up to $20,000 a year, no more than $100,000 total or five years of help. Lawyers must agree to practice in a rural community for the required period; agreements must include reasonable penalties for breach. For each year they receive help, lawyers must agree to practice law in a rural community for at least 12 continuous months.