1. Financial planning for young lawyers
Busy young lawyers are fortunate to be preoccupied by the demanding nature of their new
careers. With so many obligations to consider, there is hardly time left over to fret about
impending student loan payments. Yet, given that a law school graduate’s average debt is now
more than $100,000, financial planning should be on the forefront of young lawyers’ minds.​1
Heather Jarvis graduated cum laude from Duke University School of Law in 1998. Her plan was
to become a criminal defense lawyer, but her student loans coerced her otherwise. Like so many
young lawyers whose parents were unable to finance an education, Heather faced an enormous
amount of student loan debt that was to be paid off in $1,200 monthly payments over 30 years.
According to Lending Tree, the average monthly payment for a 30­year mortgage is $1,061.​2
That means the cost of education is now roughly equal to the cost of purchasing a home, and
many Americans must commit to that investment without a guarantee for financial reciprocation.
Thus, America’s student loan crisis.
Jarvis deviated from her criminal defense track to pursue a facet of public interest with which she
could personally resonate; she advocates to reduce financial barriers for young professionals and
strives to prepare graduates for successfully undertaking their own financial circumstances. She
makes her knowledge available as a resource to the legal community through her blog,
askheatherjarvis.com, where users can easily navigate frequently asked questions and trending
debt topics. Her advice is candid and empathetic, making her an optimal and reliable support
system for financial advice.
Now, OBSA members can take heed of Jarvis’ astute advice via web seminar, for free, while
earning two CLE hours! Her lesson expands on trendy fiscal topics including: student loan
repayment options, forgiveness provisions, consolidation and of course, President Obama’s
Pay­as­you­Earn plan. Don’t miss out on an auspicious opportunity that, unlike other aspects of
your education, is available to you at no cost!
1.http://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_aid_indigent_defendants/initiatives/loan_repayment
_assistance_programs.html
2.http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily­news/2012/01/03/what­does­average­home­owner­pay­mort
gage