Bill should help recruit prosecutors

The prosecution of violent crime here in Cook County received a major shot in the arm when Congress approved legislation that would provide much needed debt relief for prosecutors who dedicate their careers to public service.

The measure, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin would forgive up to $10,000 a year in student loan debts for lawyers who decide to pursue a career in public service as a prosecutor or a public defender.

Equally as important, the legislation will allow the debt relief to extend to those already working as prosecutors or public defenders who agree to extend their commitment for three years.

If this measure is signed by President Bush, it is going to be an enormous help to the Cook County state's attorney's office and a great enhancement for the criminal justice system.

When you consider that the average law school graduate is facing student loan debts that range from $50,000 to $90,000, it is understandable that young lawyers would be more inclined to pursue more lucrative career opportunities in the private sector.

As the chief deputy in the state's attorney's office, one of my highest priorities has been to recruit quality prosecutors from across the country and that is why we worked hard over the last several years to help craft this legislation and to lobby for its approval.

The state's attorney's office has traditionally experienced difficulty recruiting and retaining minority prosecutors, and I believe this measure will go a long way to help address that issue as well.

It will not only help to ensure that we are hiring more minority prosecutors at the entry level, but even more importantly, retaining and promoting seasoned minority prosecutors who are being recruited out of our office for higher paying positions in private law firms.

With the availability of creative funding here in Cook County at diminished capacity, an important initiative such as this that will be funded with federal dollars is a welcome treasure.

Anita Alvarez

Chief Deputy State's

Attorney

Cook County