The University of New Hampshire School of Law recognizes the high debt load that faces many JD graduates and wants to enable those graduates to still pursue public interest law careers. The University of New Hampshire School of Law established the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for JD graduates who take low paying public interest law jobs. There are also scholarships and fellowships, and funding is provided through the Social Justice Institute with the University of New Hampshire School of Law’s Institutional Advancement, Career Services, LRAP committee and Financial Aid.

Warren B. Rudman Center Summer 2013 Fellowships

The Warren B. Rudman Center Summer 2013 Fellowship Application was available in two formats, RTF & print friendly PDF.  The deadline for submission was April 1, 2013 at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

This $4,000 stipend is intended to cover basic living costs for students working at non-paying public interest organizations or at government agencies doing law-related work for the summer. The purpose of this stipend is to encourage students to consider working in public interest and government service jobs upon graduation. 

Read more about UNH Law's new Warren B. Rudman Center.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)

LRAP is available for JD graduates who are practicing law full-time in a qualified public interest job and are making less than $55,000/year. Public interest is defined as: Jobs with federal, state or local governments, qualified not–for–profits, including legal services programs, as well as legal aid, prosecutors and public defenders offices. Half–time or part–time employment may be covered on a pro–rata basis. The assistance takes the form of reimbursement of a portion of the law school loan repayments that the public-interest graduate made in the previous tax year. Reimbursement is limited to five years and will not exceed 50% of the annual consolidated federal loan payments for the average UNH School of Law graduate.

Bruce E. Friedman Scholarship Fund

The Bruce E. Friedman Scholarship is named after a professor and former director of the Civil Practice Clinic. The award of $1,000 is based on community service, public service participation, and commitment of the student while attending Pierce Law. Students from the first and second year classes may apply. Two faculty recommendations are required, including one recommendation from a member of the clinical faculty. Applications are accepted through the deadline. Funds are disbursed the following fall and spring semesters.

As an attorney for poor people in New Hampshire, Professor Friedman, with the help of his students, won major victories for children and other under-served and vulnerable clients. Professor Friedman was awarded the 1991 Voice of Children award by Child and Family Services and the NH Bar Association's 1993 L. Jonathan Ross Award.

Professor Friedman was a frequent lecturer in education programs for lawyers and others. He and his students also authored Justice for Juveniles, a widely quoted blueprint for improving the court's treatment of children of divorces. Professor Friedman taught Civil Procedure, Alternate Dispute Resolution and was the director of UNH Law's Civil Practice Clinic.