Excellent advice. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Steve

I’m a fairly recent law school grad myself, and recently found myself unemployed and in debt (student loans and credit cards) as well, so I completely understand your situation and know just how you feel.

First off, try and take a step or two back and relax a little. I know it’s hard, as this is an insanely stressful situation, and us law types are prone to some major stress, so take a couple deep breaths and relax a little.

Now for my $0.02: to begin with, definitely finish law school. You’ve made it this far, and the first year’s the toughest. Your third year (or third and fourth if you’re going part-time) gives you a lot of flexibility and options with regard to what you can take, because you’ve filled all the requirements by now, so take classes on issues and topics that you’re interested in and immerse yourself in it while you’re in class or studying. Not only will you learn a lot, and perhaps find something you really like, but it’ll be a great way to take your mind off of everything else.

Next, there are TONS of career options once you get out that don’t involve being an underappreciated associate at a big firm. In fact, I think those jobs are all quickly disappearing anyway. There are lots of options in government, non-profit agencies, public defender services, prosecutors’ offices, you name it. Find something that’s important to you, an issue you really care about, and chances are you can find an agency, company or small firm that deals with that. Having worked in a couple such places, I can say that those environments are a million times more supportive and enjoyable to work in than the big firms. Find a job that you love, in a field you genuinely care about, and the rest will follow. I know, sounds cheesy, but it really is true.

As for the student loan debt, I know from experience on both the private and Stafford sides, that the lenders are reasonable about deferments and forbearances. That’s because they’re generally not dischargeable, so they know you’ll eventually pay them back. Most lenders have their own programs that go above and beyond the government programs to help you figure out just how much you can pay and will work with you. Additionally, if you go to work in the public sector or for a non-profit agency that does some good things for people (and this’ll be rewarding to you personally), there are programs that forgive (meaning erase) huge chunks of your student loan debt. Look into them – it’s worth the investment of time.

Another thing that most people don’t realize is that the legal community is incredibly supportive. I belong to no less than four different bar associations (and you can join most as a student for free, or at the most $30 or $40 a year) and they all offer a myriad of different programs to help out its members, from lawyer assistance programs (to help with substance abuse, or just referring you to someone
to talk to to help ease the stress), to job banks, free lunches, mentoring networks and even free legal research sites. They more than pay for themselves in a week’s time. Plus, if you’re still enrolled in school, you’re entitled to all of the services that the university (not just the law school) offers – from the gym to the medical center. And take advantage of the law school’s career center. You’ve already paid for their services, plus I know from experience that they enjoy working with someone that isn’t just looking for help getting into some sweatshop of a firm for the big paycheck.

And, as Steve said, talk to a bankruptcy attorney. I did, and while I’m not filing for bankruptcy myself, it was incredibly helpful to get the information. The more you know, the better you’ll feel. And bring a copy of your resume – who knows, they may need a law clerk now or an associate soon. Be friendly and polite, and at the least you’ll have made a contact.

Ok, so this was pretty long-winded. Bottom line – try and relax a little and realize that the only problem you’re dealing with right now is a financial one – a small matter of numbers, that’s it. It’s not life-threatening, and in the end, it has no bearing on who you are as a person.

All the best,
Alex

You might want to talk to an attorney about investigating a Chapter 11 bankruptcy to discharge your student loans under hardship.

Moving to Canada does not stop collectors from coming after you there.

Steve

I am considering moving to Canada, and am trying to research the laws for domestication of foreign debt but am not having much success. I don’t know what else to do. I am currently searching for an attorney/ law firm that is knowledgeable about student loan collection practices specifically as it relates to collection practices including debtors living in Canada.

I know this seems irresponsible but due to penalties and interest, my loans are now more than $160K and growing by the day. There is no way I can pay this. If they would just let me pay what I borrowed, I would be happy to pay this, but this just seems criminal.