The paper reviews and critiques the 13 existing (1987) law school assistance programs and proposes a national repayment-assistance debt-forgiveness program which would involve an income-contingent repayment "tax" coupled with an assurance to creditors of repayment by means of a "guarantee" or "insurance" fund. (DB)

The trend in rising tuitions at law schools is documented as is the increasing reliance of students on loans to finance their legal education. Among concerns raised are that the need to "hustle" to make ends meet will present problems in maintaining standards of professionalism. (DB)

The paper details likely incomes and living costs of law graduates as related to educational costs and debts. Concern is expressed about the deterrent effect of potential high debt on minorities and an approach to financial aid which would take minority status into account is urged. (Author/DB)

The examination of current and future trends in educational debts incurred by law students concludes that economics will force increasing numbers of law school graduates to emphasize wealth maximization at the expense of public service with resultant decreases in access to legal services for low- and middle-class clients. (DB)