SB 5953-S2 - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/14/00)

     Finds that the high cost of attending law school requires that attorneys command high incomes to repay the financial obligations incurred in obtaining the required training.  As a result of the need for high incomes, few attorneys are able to practice in public interest areas of the law, which traditionally pay substantially less than other areas.

     Finds that encouraging outstanding law students and attorneys to practice in public interest areas of the law is essential to assuring access to legal services in areas of public interest.

     Establishes the public interest attorney loan repayment and conditional scholarship program for licensed attorneys and law students who practice or agree to practice in public interest areas of the law in the state of Washington.