Jarvis is a former capital defense attorney who now dedicates her expertise to helping student-loan borrowers better understand the repayment system under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.
As someone with first-hand experience in entering the public interest sector while saddled with law-school debt, Jarvis tailors her presentations to fit the educational needs of government and nonprofit lawyers.
In her speech, titled "Public Service Loan Forgiveness in Five Easy Steps," Jarvis will break down the program's requirements by teaching students how the income-based repayment plan works and how to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Through this federal student loan program, underpaid — and, many times, overworked — public interest lawyers can gain much-needed relief from debt acquired in college.
"Sure, nobody gets rich doing public interest work, but available student debt relief programs make it possible for us to dedicate ourselves to the greater good and still pay the rent," Jarvis says. "I find one of the biggest misconceptions about a career in public interest law is, 'With my student loans, I can't afford a public interest salary.' Not true! Income-based repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness make it possible for even high-debt student loan borrowers to pursue careers in public service."
Jarvis has given this presentation to thousands of students and graduates, and has contributed to student debt relief policy for the House Education Committee and other Congressional bodies. Jarvis spent more than six years advocating for public service loan forgiveness, paving the way for more recent graduates to dedicate their careers to socioeconomic justice and equality.
The presentations are part of Miami Law's National Pro Bono Week celebration, a collaborative effort within the Miami legal community to showcase the importance of pro bono work. Jarvis will also give her presentation to Miami Law's Student Affairs and Career Development offices, the Litigation Skills faculty and Legal Corps Fellows, in addition to other faculty, clinical professors, alumni and community partners.
For more information on Heather Jarvis, visit her educational resource and training website at www.askheatherjarvis.com.
Miami Law Welcomes Leading Student Loan Expert
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL 33124
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