$25,000 donated to LRAP

January 10, 2011
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Reporter Rebecca Berfanger contributed this post.

At its annual dinner in mid-October, Indiana Bar Foundation representatives described a continued need for funding to have a sustainable loan repayment assistance program. That program was first established by the IBF in 2006.

The challenge was extended to IBF supporters in the room Oct. 15 to give to the Richard M. Givan Loan Repayment Assistance Program, named for the late former chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court.

On Jan. 7, the IBF announced that South Bend attorney Timothy Abeska of Barnes & Thornburg had donated $25,000 to the Givan LRAP and that his gift would be doubled by a matching program of the Indiana Supreme Court.

“This is one way I can help Hoosiers in need to ensure they have equal access to the law,” Abeska said in a statement from IBF. “I hope the announcement of this gift will encourage other attorneys or law firms to support this program, which will impact the lives of many of our less fortunate citizens.”

The Supreme Court, which has already given $25,000 to the fund, has offered to match funds up to $175,000 that are donated by Nov. 1, 2011. The funds would then help attorneys who make less than $50,000 per year in public service positions to pay back some of their law school loans.

“We hope Tim’s generous leadership gift will inspire other attorneys to match his giving and propel this campaign forward,” Chuck Dunlap, IBF executive director, said in a statement.

To contribute to the Givan LRAP, contact the IBF at (317) 269-2415 or visit the program’s website.
 

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  • Another Idea
    Paul K. OgdenJanuary 14, 2011 6:06 PM
    I have a better idea. Why not get involved early on BEFORE the student amasses a huge debt he or she will struggle to ever repay. The fact is the job market is saturated. We don't need to be encouraging people to go to law schools considering the poor salaries and employment prospects these people will be facing.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
    • They are employed
      Theresa BrowningJanuary 21, 2011 12:16 PM
      Paul, Let me clarify a point... attorneys who receive these grants ARE employed in legal aid or pro bono organizations at reduced salaries.

      From the web site: "for law school graduates employed in non-profit organizations dedicated to serving the civil legal needs of low-income individuals and families in Indiana" http://www.inbf.org/grants_lrap
      Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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