Plan Your Legal Career with Confidence: Financial Literacy at Southwestern

Southwestern Law School supports students in developing the financial literacy they need to make informed, strategic career decisions. In a time of evolving federal financial aid policies, student loan programs, and uncertainty around public service loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment, this support is more important than ever—especially for those pursuing public sector or public interest careers. Southwestern ensures that students are not navigating these complexities alone, offering practical resources through dedicated programming, individualized advising, and a supportive alumni network, along with strong connections to employers.

  1. On-Campus Resources

    Career Services Office

    Prospective students, current students, and alumni can make an appointment to discuss career paths, average salaries, negotiating the financial terms of a job offer, or employment-related resources for paying student loans. To make an appointment please use the Symplicity system if you have access or contact careerservices@swlaw.edu. 

    Financial Aid Office

    The goal of the Financial Aid Office is to provide personal financial assistance and design a financial aid plan that meets your needs—allowing you to focus on your law school education and your career goals. For personalized advising contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@swlaw.edu.

    Admissions Office

    If you are a prospective student and have general questions about what sets Southwestern apart and our admissions process, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@swlaw.edu. 

    Food Pantry

    The Southwestern Food Pantry is available for any member of the Southwestern Community with food insecurity.  Located in Room 408 on the 4th Floor of the Bullocks Wilshire Building, the pantry stocks non-perishable food and toiletry items. The pantry is open from Monday-Sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. It is not open on days when campus is closed, but if you are experiencing an emergency, please contact Campus Security at (213) 738-5793 to arrange access. For questions about the food pantry or how to support it, please contact the Student Affairs Office at studentaffairs@swlaw.edu.

    Professional Clothes Closet

    Located in the California Room of the Law Library, on the first floor in the Bullocks Wilshire Building, the Professional Clothes Closet contains clothes and accessories donated by Southwestern alumni, faculty, and staff and available at no cost to current students. Most available clothing ranges from business casual to business professional attire and is intended to be used for career fairs, interviews, networking events, externships, the workplace, and other professional settings. The Clothes Closet is open when the Southwestern Law Library is open. Library hours are available on the Law Library website. For questions about the professional clothes closet or how to donate to it, please contact Director of Student Affairs Charlyne Yue at cyue@swlaw.edu. 

    Student Professional Development Fund

    Provides grants to fund a portion of travel costs and other expenses incurred by current students who participate in professional development activities not otherwise funded by Southwestern Law School and approved in advance by the Student Affairs Office. To apply for a grant please contact the Student Affairs Office at studentaffairs@swlaw.edu.

    Public Interest Law Committee (PILC) Summer Grant Program

    PILC Summer Grants provide financial support for students who spend their summer contributing to the work of public interest and government agencies. Learn more about PILC Sumer Grants and how to apply. 

    Public Interest Law Concentration

    A concentration is like an undergraduate major.  There are required courses, a minimum number of applicable units, and a notation on your transcript. One of Southwestern’s available concentrations is in Public Interest Law. Participants in the concentration have access to specialized programming and advising designed to support career success in the public sector. Learn more about the concentration. 

  2. Law Student Specific Finance Education

    AccessLex Institute MAX Personal Finance Program for Law Students

    MAX provides quick and easy to understand lessons, in-person and online learning options, one-on-one financial coaching from Accredited Financial Counselors, and nearly $400,000 in scholarship incentives each year to keep you motivated! From paying for law school to investing for your retirement – and every step in between – let MAX be your guide. Learn more about the AccessLex Institute MAX Personal Finance Program.

    AccessLex Student Loan Calculator

    The AccessLex Student Loan Calculator features the latest student loan details—including revised loan limits, repayment options such as the Tiered Standard Repayment Plan and Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), and an integrated private loan calculator. 

    AccessConnex by AccessLex

    AccessConnex by AccessLex provides one-on-one Accredited Financial Counselor support at no cost to law school students. 
  3. General Personal Finance Education

    Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

    Wherever you are on your financial journey, you can prepare yourself to make informed financial decisions with resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, including information on budgeting, credit scores, and educational debt management. 

    Khan Academy Personal Finance Courses

    Learn the basics of personal finance management for free with Khan Academy.

  4. Public Service & Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Resources

    Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program Information

    Attorneys employed by a government or not-for-profit organization might be eligible for the PSLF Program, which forgives your Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments. To learn more, visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program information page on Federal Student Aid. 

    Equal Justice Works (EJW) Student Debt Resources

    EJW believes those with a passion for equal justice should have an opportunity to pursue a public service career regardless of student debt. EJW provides numerous resources, tools, and financial grants to assist public interest oriented students and graduates. To learn more, visit the Equal Justice Works student debt resources page for law students and graduates. 

    PSJD.org

    PSJD is a unique online clearinghouse for law students and lawyers to connect with public service job notices, career-building resources, and expert advice in a variety of areas including funding and student loan repayment. To learn more, visit the PSJD.org public service legal careers and resources website.

  5. Financial Planning for New Attorneys

    American Bar Association Law Student Division

    Includes career and financial readiness content useful for law students and young attorneys. To learn more, visit the American Bar Association Law Student Division webpage for career and financial readiness resources. 

    National Association for Law Placement (NALP)

    NALP is a national association of legal employers and law school career development professionals that provides research backed information on lawyer salary data, employment outcomes, career path comparisons, and legal hiring market trends. To learn more, visit the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) website.