Equal Justice Works Media Advisory

What:	Jeff Hanson, Director of Borrower Education Services at Access Group - a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing graduate and professional student loans - will answer applicant and law student questions about financing a legal education on a "live talk" hosted by Newsweek.com. Mr. Hanson's presentation, titled "Sticker Shock: Making Law School Affordable," is offered in connection with The E-Guide to Public Service at America's Law Schools. Launched by Equal Justice Works and Newsweek.com, The E-Guide offers a broad range of information about law school public interest programs and curricula, as well as in-depth data on debt load and debt relief options.
Why:	Many students go to law school considering the possibility of either spending a few years, or possibly even a career, working in the public interest. However, mortgage-sized education debts and frequently low salaries available in the organizations in need of assistance make that dream impossible. More than 80 percent of law students borrow to pay for their law degree. The average amount borrowed in law school by the class of 2005 was $78,763 at a private school and $51,056 at a public school. Fortunately, there are solutions. Recent changes in federal student loan policies now offer more choices for loan repayment and consolidation. Mr. Hanson will discuss these changes and how to plan an educational investment, borrow money wisely, avoid deficits and budget for the future.
When:	November 15, 2006 at 1 p.m., EST.
Where:	To submit a question to Mr. Hanson in advance or participate in the live talk, visit The E-Guide at http://ejw.newsweek.com.
Contact:	For additional information about The E-Guide to Public Service at America's Law Schools, contact Dottie Li at 202-466-3686 ext. 102.