The Public Service Bridge Loan supports Columbia Law School J.D. students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service. The Public Service Bridge Loan assists with the financial challenges public interest students may face in registering for bar courses and covering postgraduate living expenses.
The Public Service Bridge Loan for up to a maximum of $10,000 in borrowing per participant for bar-related expenses is considered LRAP-eligible debt. Qualifying LRAP employment is full-time work that makes direct use of a graduate's legal education in the public interest or public service sectors, or in legal services for the poor. Public Service Bridge Loan applicants will be required to provide documentation of an offer to work in LRAP qualifying employment (reviewed by the CLS Office of Financial Aid), or, if unemployed, will apply with the intent to be employed in a full-time LRAP-eligible paid position (as determined by the Office of Public Interest/Public Service Law and Careers).
All of the following documents are required for the processing of a Public Service Bridge Loan and all required documents must be submitted by the application deadline of April 30, 2025:
- Public Service Bridge Loan request form.
- Completed LRAP application.
- Employment documentation as described on the LRAP application.
Questions?