Governor Quinn Signs Law That Will Help Dedicated Lawyers Serve Vulnerable Illinoisians

The Public Interest Attorney Assistance Act will help key public service offices in our State by providing a framework for much-needed loan repayment assistance to attorneys who commit to working in the public interest.

Earlier this week, Governor Quinn took an important step towards access to justice for all by signing Senate Bill 266, the Public Interest Attorney Assistance Act (PIAAA), into law (Public Act 96-0615).  This law will help ensure that vulnerable residents in our State have committed and capable legal representation to protect their rights by creating a framework for a state loan repayment assistance program for lawyers working in the public interest.

The new law’s purpose is to encourage qualified individuals to enter into and continue in employment in Illinois as assistant State's Attorneys, assistant Public Defenders, civil legal aid attorneys, assistant Attorneys General, and assistant public guardians. Access to justice requires dedicated lawyers willing to pursue careers in public service in the face of the often overwhelming financial challenges.

“Many law students must forgo careers in public service because of law school loans, while dedicated lawyers are increasingly forced to leave public interest law careers because of the combination of mortgage-sized student loan debt and lower public service salaries,” said Patrick Delfino, Executive Director of the State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor. “Now, under this new legislation, Illinois’ prosecutor and public defender offices, the Office of the Attorney General, Public Guardian and legal aid organizations will be all able to recruit and retain dedicated attorneys in public service.”

"Public interest lawyers play an important role in the criminal justice system and provide legal services to some of our state's most vulnerable citizens," said Anita Alvarez, President of the Chicago Bar Association.  "We commend Governor Quinn for signing this bill into law and demonstrating the commitment of the State of Illinois to ensuring that all citizens receive capable and quality legal representation."

Under the PIAAA, once funding for the program is appropriated, eligible public interest attorneys will receive up to $6,000 per year in loan repayment assistance--with a lifetime maximum of $30,000--in exchange for a renewable yearly commitment to provide legal representation to vulnerable Illinoisans.

“The PIAAA is a solid investment for the State as it will allow more qualified attorneys to pursue and remain in public interest law careers to fight crime, protect the rights of the innocent, safeguard children and the elderly from abuse and financial exploitation and ensure that other vulnerable Illinoisans have access to the legal assistance they need,” added John G. O’Brien, President of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Senator Jeffrey M. Schoenberg introduced SB 226, which was co-sponsored by Senators Kirk W. Dillard and Jacqueline Y. Collins. Representatives Arthur Turner and Jay Hoffman led the efforts in the House along with Representatives Kathleen A. Ryg, Jim Durkin and André M. Thapedi.

"This new law will make it possible to keep many more dedicated attorneys in the public sector by providing much-needed relief from the debt burden of their student loans," Senator Schoenberg said. "As a result, many seasoned lawyers who have a wealth of experience will be able to continue their public sector careers as prosecutors, public defenders, policy specialists and regulators."

The Chicago Bar Association and The Chicago Bar Foundation worked in support of SB 266 in coalition with the Illinois State Bar Association, Office of the Attorney General, State’s Attorney and Public Defender offices around the State (including the Appellate Prosecutor and Appellate Defender offices) and the Cook County Public Guardian’s office.