University of South Carolina School of Law alumni who work in public interest positions are encouraged to apply to the Public Interest Law Loan Forgiveness Fund.  All applications must be received by June 30. 

The fund was established in 2002 by the late William McAninch, law professor emeritus, to provide financial assistance to South Carolina Law graduates who obtain employment in the public interest field and who need assistance in repaying their law school loans. 

"The burden of law school debt often precludes an attorney from practicing in these relatively low-paying positions," said McAninch in a 2017 interview. "Consequently, my wife, Jerry, and I donated $50,000 to establish [the fund] to provide debt relief to these lawyers."

Over the years, the fund has continued to grow, thanks to generous donations, and has paid more than $100,000 of student loan debt for more than 40 South Carolina Law graduates. This is the 17th year the School of Law has distributed funding to deserving public interest attorneys in South Carolina.

The application, rules and FAQs are available here or by contacting Pamela Robinson at (803) 777-3405 or robinspd@law.sc.edu.