Court Stands Firm: Law License Denied Because of Unpaid Student Loans

A law graduate denied bar admission because of unpaid student loans saw another setback earlier this month, when a New York appeals court refused to reconsider its decision in the case.

On Nov. 19, the court refused Robert Bowman’s motion for reconsideration, the New York Times reports. Bowman’s student debt, including penalties and fees, now stands at $480,000, according to an opinion (PDF) explaining the decision.

“His application demonstrates a course of action amounting to neglect of financial responsibilities with respect to the student loans he has accumulated since 1983,” the decision says. “His recalcitrance in dealing with the lenders has been and continues to be incompatible with a lawyer's duties and responsibilities as a member of the bar.”

The court said Bowman could seek to reopen the matter if he can prove a relevant change in circumstances.

Bowman’s debt is growing by about $10,000 a month because of fees, penalties and interest, the Times says. He plans an appeal.

“This has destroyed my life,” Bowman told the Times. “Everything I’ve worked for, every effort, every fight that I’ve taken to make this progress, has been for nothing.”

Hat tip to Adjunct Law Prof Blog and Above the Law.

Prior coverage:

ABAJournal.com: “Unpaid Student Loans Derail Law Grad’s Quest for NY Bar Admission”