Financial Foundations

Did you know that there are tangible, beneficial steps you can take during law school to put yourself on the path to financial security? Build a strong foundation in money management with this course as you uncover the building blocks of financial capability, unlock the power of interest, and set your financial goals with your future law career in mind.

• Building Financial Capability - Having financial capability means continuously developing your point of view, knowledge, tools, and habits to pursue your financial goals—as a law student now, and as a legal professional later.
• Financial Goals for Future Lawyers - Building a well-rounded financial plan for law school starts with committing to goals across five financial categories: earning, spending, borrowing, protecting, and saving.
• Building Your Law School Budget - Creating a budget that actually works will fuel your financial plan during law school and keep you informed and motivated along the way.
• The Power of Interest - Knowing how interest works, both for and against you, is a key concept that will play a role in most of the financial decisions you make throughout life.
• Summer Financial Planning - Getting the most from your summer experiences starts with planning now. A little preparation can lead to big results when it comes to getting your foot in the door of potential employers.

Crafting Your Legal Career

Laying the groundwork for your legal career starts in law school. In this course, you’ll analyze legal salaries and benefits and learn what it takes to fund your bar exam experience, as well as how to manage debt and credit for bar admission. Start designing your career blueprint today!

• Your Law School Return on Investment (ROI) - A legal education can pay tangible and intangible dividends over your lifetime. Whenever you make a big financial commitment like law school, it’s important to understand what you’re planning to get in return as you move closer to starting your legal career.
• Comparing Job Offers  - Whether it’s comparing salary, benefits, location, growth opportunities, or quality of life, getting clear on your personal values now will help you make confident career decisions when the time comes.
• Managing Debt and Credit for Bar Admission- Understanding how debt and credit impact your character and fitness evaluation after law school is a financial key to unlocking your legal career.
• Funding Your Bar Exam Experience - Now is the time to be thinking about the cost associated with your bar experience and professional transition so you can take steps to focus less on funding, and more on studying!
• Consumer Loans and Major Buying Decisions - Education, houses, and vehicles are three of the most expensive decisions we make in our lifetime, and many of us borrow to finance at least a part of these purchases. Your debt to income, or DTI ratio, is an important tool you should use when making decisions about loans you’ll be paying month-to-month.

Life After Law School

Launching your legal career means taking your money management to a whole new level. Level up with this course by identifying core investing and tax strategies, covering risk with insurance, and choosing a student loan repayment approach that fits your specific situation. You’ll also build your own financial dashboard to keep track of important money metrics as you make the transition from student to legal professional.

• Managing and Repaying Your Student Loans - Chipping away at your student loan debt over time will take a repayment strategy built around your individual financial and professional goals. Learning about the options and paths available to you after graduation starts now.
• Your Personal Tax Strategy - Wealth-building isn’t based on how much you make, it’s based on how much you keep. Sound tax management is vital for protecting your income and building wealth. Learn how to pay only what you need now, take advantage of important tax credits and deductions, and use tax-advantaged accounts for the future when the time comes.
• Investing Essentials - Investing can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. A basic understanding and simple approach can lead to financial prosperity given enough time and discipline to stick to the plan.
• Retirement and Estate Planning - While the traditional notion of retirement may seem abstract and unreachable for many, retirement really can be whatever you make it if you start planning at the launch of your career. It’s never too early (or too late) to build your basic plan.
• Covering Risk with Insurance - An emergency fund is a must-have for temporary unemployment and financially manageable bumps-in-the-road. For everything else, there’s insurance. Your insurance needs will change as your career and life evolve, so getting a handle on the different types of insurance coverage available to you is a great first step toward your ultimate insurance goal – gaining financial peace of mind.

Contact us for more information about requesting an on-campus presentation

MAX by AccessLex®: The Personal Finance Program for Law Students

Used by almost all of the ABA-Accredited law schools in America, MAX by AccessLex® is an award-winning free personal finance program built for law students, with online lessons, live events, and financial coaching lead by a team of Accredited Financial Counselors from AccessLex Institute®. Attend this live session to learn all that MAX has to offer, including how to earn entries into the annual MAX Scholarship Drawings.

Building Your Law School Budget

Tracking money coming in versus money going out during law school is a skill that will transfer to the rest of your life. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute®will unpack five practical budgeting steps and two different budgeting approaches so you can get started today. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Financial Planning for Law Students

A simple, effective financial plan that addresses your goals for borrowing, spending, earning, protecting, and saving can help lower stress during law school and in your career. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will guide you through these elements and introduce you to the courses and coaching in MAX by AccessLex® that can help you along the way. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX Scholarship Drawings.

Money and Your Career: Legal Salaries, Taxes, and Benefits

Whether you plan to pursue a position in public service or Biglaw, open your own practice, or follow any other professional path, there is more to consider than just your starting salary. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will discuss making informed career decisions that consider pay, benefit packages, taxation, and cost of living. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Student Loan Repayment Strategies for Legal Careers

Student loan repayment can feel overwhelming, but you can chart a path to a debt-free future based on your specific income and career trajectory. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will cover common repayment strategies for different legal careers and essential details regarding repayment plan options, consolidation, and loan forgiveness programs. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Your Public Service Loan Forgiveness Action Plan

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program enables employees working for qualified public service employers to achieve forgiveness of their federal Direct Student Loans after 120 monthly payments on a qualified repayment plan. During this session, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will review the details of and recent updates to the program, as well as the steps you need to take to get on the right track for forgiveness. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Five Habits of Financially Successful Lawyers

Making lifestyle choices with debt-to-income ratios in mind, keeping credit usage under control, building a cash cushion, and automatically investing a percentage of each paycheck are key habits legal professionals can develop to manage money and build wealth over time. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will explore these habits and provide a financial dashboard you can use to track your progress. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Financial Planning for Law Students

A simple, effective financial plan that addresses your goals for borrowing, spending, earning, protecting, and saving can help lower stress during law school and in your career. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute®will guide you through these elements and introduce you to the courses and coaching in MAX by AccessLex®that can help you along the way. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX Scholarship Drawings.

Building Your Law School Budget

Tracking money coming in versus money going out during law school is a skill that will transfer to the rest of your life. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute®will unpack five practical budgeting steps and two different budgeting approaches so you can get started today. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

An Introduction to Personal Finance for First-Generation Students

First-generation students begin their legal education from various starting points academically, professionally, and financially. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will present money scripts that impact decision-making and actions you can take as a first-generation student to confidently earn, borrow, spend, protect, and save money. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex®Scholarship Drawings.

Taxes for Law Students

Effective tax management means paying only what you owe and holding onto more of your hard-earned money throughout the year. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute®will discuss the progressive U.S. tax system and education tax benefits available to students, when you should file taxes, and how to do so based on your situation. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex®Scholarship Drawings.

The Other Bar Prep: Budgeting, Credit, and Debt Management for the Bar

The costs associated with taking the bar exam can add up. And did you know that bar examiners may also review how you’ve handled financial obligations when evaluating your Character and Fitness to practice law in your state? During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will walk you through a credit and debt checklist that includes when and how to review credit scores and reports, options for funding the various components of studying for and taking the bar, and how to check Character and Fitness requirements for your jurisdiction. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Establishing Credit

Establishing a history of responsible credit use while taking on the lowest risk possible can help pave the way for life after law school. Join an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® to learn how to establish and optimize your credit profile based on available tools and the primary components of the prevalent FICO score. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex®Scholarship Drawings.

Car Buying and Financing Decisions

Buying a new vehicle comes with a variety of function, fit, and financing decisions. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will discuss buying and leasing new or used vehicles, as well as options for funding and financing your purchase. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Real Estate Ownership and Investing

Owning and investing in real estate plays a significant role in increasing your net worth over a lifetime. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will discuss the benefits of real estate ownership, trends, how to prepare yourself financially for the homebuying process, and considerations for those looking to use real estate as an investment in the future. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex®Scholarship Drawings.

Foundations of Investing Webinar Series

Are you thinking about when and where to begin investing for the future or how to take your investing to the next level? Join an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® for this series of live webinars to learn how to get your money to work for you by setting investing goals, evaluating investment options, and setting up your investing program when the time comes. Attendees will receive entries into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings for each session they attend.

• Foundations of Investing: Setting Investing Goals
  Investing is a powerful tool for reaching long-term goals, such as retirement, making big purchases, or leaving a legacy for your family or charity. Learn how to develop your own specific, measurable, and realistic investing goals during this event led by an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute®. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.
• Foundations of Investing: Evaluating Investment Options
  Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, and target date funds are all common investments used to create a diverse portfolio. During this live webinar, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will discuss how these investments work and how a simple approach to investment selection can often yield the best results. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.
• Foundations of Investing: The Investing Process
  Most people know investing plays an important role in securing the future, but when and where is the best place to start? During this live webinar, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will walk through how to set up an investing strategy, using retirement and brokerage accounts, that supports your goals. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Cryptocurrency Basics

Are you curious about cryptocurrency but have a hard time wrapping your head around the concept and deciding what, if anything, to do about it? During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will discuss crypto facts, history, recent developments, and the debate around crypto’s function as a plausible currency and/or investment. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Investing Essentials

Investing has never been so accessible, but before you get caught up in the latest crypto-craze or meme stock, attend this session to cover the essentials of investing for the long-term. During this live webinar, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will walk you through creating a simple investing plan, mutual and index funds, and basic investing tax strategy. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Foundations of Insurance Webinar Series

Insurance is the best tool we have for protecting against catastrophic financial risk throughout life. Join an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® for this series of live webinars to learn about health, life, property, and professional liability insurance, how to identify what types of coverage you need and when, and how much coverage is appropriate given your situation. Attendees will receive entries into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings for each session they attend.

• Foundations of Insurance: Health Insurance
  Did you know that healthcare expenses and medical debt are the number-one reason individuals file for bankruptcy in the U.S.? The good news is that there are many options for protecting your health without risking your wealth. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will walk through the various health insurance choices you will face through your career and life and how to approach these choices based on your specific healthcare needs. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.
• Foundations of Insurance: Professional Liability Insurance
  The vast majority of practicing attorneys carry some form of professional liability insurance, covering errors and omissions claims that can arise out of your primary area of practice. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will discuss this vitally important insurance coverage and what you need to know to protect yourself and your firm as you practice. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.
• Foundations of Insurance: Property Insurance
  Property insurance can help you replace a car, a house, clothing, or other valuables when disaster strikes. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will go over the policies and coverages to look for to protect your property at the proper level and price. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.
• Foundations of Insurance: Life Insurance
  Having the right kind of life insurance and the right amount of coverage can provide for children, settle debts, and replace lost income in the event of an untimely death. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will provide practical steps for comparing permanent and term insurance, when to think about buying it, and how to evaluate the amount of coverage you need. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Money and Your Career: Legal Salaries, Taxes, and Benefits

Whether you plan to pursue a position in public service or BigLaw, open your own practice, or follow any other professional path, there is more to consider than just your starting salary. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute®will discuss making informed career decisions that consider pay, benefit packages, taxation, and cost of living. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex®Scholarship Drawings.

Five Habits of Financially Successful Lawyers

Making lifestyle choices with debt-to-income ratios in mind, keeping credit usage under control, building a cash cushion, and automatically investing a percentage of each paycheck are key habits legal professionals can develop to manage money and build wealth over time. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will explore these habits and provide a financial dashboard you can use to track your progress. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Financial Planning for Legal Careers Webinar Series

Legal careers working in BigLaw, small to mid-sized firms, solo practice, and public interest positions come with unique financial planning considerations. Join an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® for the session or sessions in this series that appeal to you, and learn a financial planning approach to spending, managing debt, protecting your money, and investing for the future using the income trajectory from your specific professional field. Attendees will receive entries into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings for each session they attend.

• Financial Planning for a Public Service Legal Career
  A legal career in public service comes with unique demands on your cashflow each month. Join an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® to learn about utilizing income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans and pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness, all while maintaining a realistic insurance plan and investing program to fund your future. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.
• Financial Planning for a Biglaw Career
  A legal career working for a Biglaw firm comes with unique opportunities for your cashflow each month. Join an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® to learn about accelerated payoff strategies for federal student loans, establishing appropriate insurance coverages, and investing to fund your future goals. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.
• Financial Planning for Careers at Small and Mid-Sized Private Firms
  A legal career working for a small to medium-sized law firm comes with unique demands on your cashflow each month. Join an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® to learn about building your lifestyle with generally recommended debt-to-income limits in mind, servicing your student loans, obtaining appropriate insurance coverages, and investing for the future based on your specific salary. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.
• Financial Planning for Solo Practitioners
  Starting your own law practice comes with both financial opportunities and unique challenges. Join an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® to learn about establishing your lifestyle and student loan repayment strategy based on a variable income, obtaining appropriate insurance coverages, and specific accounts solo practitioners have at their disposal for investing for the future. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Student Loan Repayment Strategies for Legal Careers - Offered Every Semester

Student loan repayment can feel overwhelming, but you can chart a path to a debt-free future based on your specific income and career trajectory. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will cover common repayment strategies for different legal careers and essential details regarding repayment plan options, consolidation, and loan forgiveness programs. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Your Public Service Loan Forgiveness Action Plan

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program enables employees working for qualified public service employers to achieve forgiveness of their federal Direct Student Loans after 120 monthly payments on a qualified repayment plan. During this session, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will review the details of and recent updates to the program, as well as the steps you need to take to get on the right track for forgiveness. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Working with Your Student Loan Servicer

Proactive communication and consistent documentation are two keys to navigating and working with your student loan servicer. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will walk through how to develop these habits and other pitfalls to avoid as you establish your student loan repayment system. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

What You Need to Know About Student Loan Refinancing and Consolidation

Consolidating federal student loans and/or refinancing student loans with private lenders both serve specific purposes based on your career, income, and pay-off goals. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will discuss the difference between the two strategies, when they are appropriate to consider, and the consequences you will want to be aware of if you go down either path. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

The Psychology of Financial Decision Making

The decisions we make with money are informed by many inputs including our background, experience, and environment. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will discuss these factors along with the concepts of money scripts and psychological explanations for how we interact with money. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.

Health and Wealth

Did you know that financial stress and overall health are connected? During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will discuss the link between the two and evidence-based strategies for pursuing a peaceful approach to money management. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® Scholarship Drawings.