LIPP offers coverage in the case of firm sponsored fellowships and delayed start dates under the terms applying to judicial clerkships.
A firm-sponsored fellowship for LIPP purposes is a position funded by a law firm for a fixed period of time.
Under this policy, LIPP assistance is available only to those individuals for whom the firm-sponsored position is LIPP-eligible and who continue in a LIPP-eligible position at the end of that period. Repayment of the LIPP benefits received will be required for those who enter a LIPP-ineligible position for any length of time at the end of the deferral or fellowship period, calculated according to these guidelines:
- Repayment of assistance by participants who do not continue in a position that qualifies them for a LIPP benefit while they still owe a repayment obligation will be based on the amount of income, including bonus pay, earned following the fellowship/deferred start. When considering income a full-time equivalent is always used. Spousal income is also considered when determining the repayment amount. The amount repaid will be the difference between the documented amount of income (including bonus pay) in the ineligible position and the highest income at which the participant would be LIPP eligible, or the full amount of any assistance received during the fellowship/deferred start, whichever is lower.
- Should a participant become ineligible for a LIPP benefit due to the value of their assets while they still owe a repayment obligation either during or following their fellowship/deferred start, or because they accept a position which does not meet the LIPP employment eligibility guidelines, the full balance of the fellowship/deferred start assistance received will become immediately repayable.
Classes of 2010 and 2011: For details on eligibility, please reach out to the LIPP program directly.
Please note: Harvard Law School reserves the right to change the terms of LIPP participation at any time in order to make the best use of funds available.