Indiana John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program
The John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program was established by the federal government in 2010 with a $10 million appropriation from Congress to help retain prosecutors and public defenders. The John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program provides payment of eligible educational loans for state public defenders and state prosecutors employed in Indiana.
The goal of this program is for Indiana to recruit and retain talented public defenders and prosecutors by setting up and maintaining a student loan repayment assistance program. This program will assist attorneys with the most student loan financial burdens and those who agree to commit to remain employed as public defenders and prosecutors for at least three years.
Apply for this grant between May 19 and June 20
Awardees will be notified by July 18, 2025. Learn more about eligibility and other program information below.
- Eligibility
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen and have an outstanding balance of at least $20,000 due on eligible student loans. Eligible loans include FFELP and Direct educational loan(s) (Federal Stafford loans, Graduate PLUS loans, federal consolidation loans) and Federal Perkins loans.
Applicants must be:
- An attorney continually licensed to practice law in Indiana, an employee of the state of Indiana or unit of local government (including tribal government), whether full-time or part-time, who prosecutes criminal or juvenile delinquency cases at the state or unit of local government level, including supervision, education, or training of other persons prosecuting such cases, or;
- An employee of the state of Indiana or unit of local government (including tribal government) who provides legal representation to indigent persons in criminal or juvenile delinquency cases including supervision, education or training of other persons providing such representation. Applicants must also not be in default on any federal student loans.
State public defenders and prosecutors employed in Indiana must have been employed a minimum of one year in a qualifying position as of December 31, 2024. If awarded, they must agree to remain employed as a full time prosecutor or public defender for a minimum of three years following receipt of the award.
Elected officials are not eligible for John R. Justice funds. The Bureau of Justice Assistance, in its discretion, has determined that policy and ethical considerations preclude elected officials from being eligible.
- Licensure
All participants must be licensed to practice law in the State of Indiana. Participants must currently be and remain in good standing with the Indiana Supreme Court. Prior discipline may be a factor in determining eligibility.
- Employment
To qualify, applicants must either be employed by a prosecutor's office or be appointed as a salaried or contract public defender to represent indigent individuals in the State of Indiana through a uniform system of periodic appointments. At least fifty percent (50%) of a public defender applicant's practice must be dedicated to representing indigent individuals.
- Assistance
A payment of no less than $5,000 shall be awarded to each approved applicant to cover minimum loan payments. Loan assistance shall be paid directly to the lender. Payments will be made in lump sums or in monthly installments.
- Notification to Applicants
All applicants will be notified by email of the results of their application. Those applicants selected as participants will be sent instructions with their award notices. Extenuating circumstances may be considered upon request.
- Beneficiary Limitations
Award amounts to eligible beneficiaries are determined by the state administering agency within the submitted budget. Repayment benefits for each beneficiary cannot exceed $10,000 in a calendar year, with a total aggregate not to exceed $60,000.
- Eligibility Changes
Any employment status changes shall be reported immediately by the participant to the Office of Judicial Administration. Assistance shall cease in the quarter following the quarter when a participant terminates qualified employment. If a participant changes employment to another qualifying employer during an award cycle, the participant’s eligibility will be reviewed by the Office of Judicial Administration.
Former participants may, and are encouraged to apply in future award cycles if they meet eligibility requirements.
- Federal Income Tax Liability
The recipient remains solely responsible for any federal, state, or local income tax liability they may incur because of the forgiveness of the loan.
- Program Budget and Funding
Funding available for the Indiana John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program is based upon performance of the Office of Judicial Administration’s grant funds and will be reviewed periodically. Continued operation and funding allocations are contingent on available funding.
- Contact Information
Prospective applicants should direct questions to:
Chris Biehl, J.D.
Federal Grants Manager
Indiana Supreme Court
Fiscal, Operations & Personnel
Christopher.Biehl@courts.in.gov