NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Tennessee U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (TN-02) has filed legislation which would provide legal aid to low-income communities by lawyers who received federal student loans.

Rep. Burchett introduced H.R. 9242 last week, otherwise known as the Legal Aid for Americans Act of 2022.

Under the bill, lawyers who received federal student loans to pay for law school would need to complete 50 hours of pro bono work each year for the first three years after passing the bar exam.

In a statement on the bill, Rep. Burchett says "Many lawyers rely on taxpayer-funded student loan programs to pay for law school, then go on to make millions of dollars throughout their careers. It makes sense to require these lawyers to give back to the communities whose support made their dreams a reality, especially when their legal services can really help folks in need.”

Rep. Burchett's media statement adds 95% of law students take out student loans provided by the federal government yet most Americans cannot afford high-quality representation. The bill is seen by Rep. Burchett as a way to provide help to those who need it most.

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