$390K in Loans. A $220K Salary. Still Drowning.
The Reality Every Young Lawyer Faces (But Nobody Talks About)
Meet Elena, a 32-year-old BigLaw associate who reached out to us last year. On paper, she's crushing it—$220K salary at a top Manhattan firm. In reality? She's carrying $390,000 in student loans.
After three years of $3,200 monthly payments, she'd paid over $115,000. Her principal balance had dropped by just $14,400.
“I felt completely defeated,” Elena shared with us. “I was doing everything 'right' but getting nowhere.”
This is a common problem we advise clients through.
Yes, the monthly payments are challenging. But our lawyer clients tell us it's the ripple effects that really hurt: That house your college friends just bought? You're still renting. The public interest job you dreamed about in law school? Can't afford the pay cut. Your colleague's wedding in Napa? You're sending regrets. Even simple financial decisions become fraught. Should you contribute to your 401(k) or pay extra on loans? Save for a wedding or knock down principal? Every choice feels like a trade-off.
How We Actually Help You Take Control
This can be overwhelming, so we act as your hands-on guide through this process.
Step 1: We Untangle Your Loan Mess Most lawyers don't have one big loan—they have 8-10 different ones at different rates.
We map each one like an investment portfolio: Which could be refinanced? Which had favorable federal protections worth keeping? Are there any that are eating you alive in interest?
Just this first step can be one of the most impactful in terms of saving you money.
Step 2: We Build Your Battle Plan Once we know what we're dealing with, we create your strategy. There’s a few tactics and strategies we can employ. We’ll assess all of them with you and lay out your most suitable approach. For example:
- The "13th Payment" Method: Using your year-end bonus as an extra principal payment on your highest-rate loan.
- Smart Cash Flow Management: Should you pay a lump sum or monthly? Depends on your situation. We’ll run your numbers both ways.
- Strategic Prioritization: Pay minimums on the 3.2% federal loan while aggressively attacking the 7.8% private loan? That's exactly what we recommended.
Step 3: We Balance Life and Loans Here's what sets us apart—we don't pretend you'll live like a monk for five years. We’ll work with you to build a plan that includes:
- Protected budget for the life you actually want to live
- Investment strategy that runs parallel to debt paydown (yes, you can do both!)
- Flexibility for career moves and life changes
- Tax optimization based on your specific state and situation
Step 4: We Adapt as Life Happens Got a raise? Having a baby? Considering that in-house position? We adjust your strategy in real-time. Elena's plan evolved three times in the first year as her life changed.
As a Titan client, you can speak with us as often as you wish. We can have a check-in every 6 months if that’s helpful for you.
What Actually Changes When You Work With Us
Elena's story isn't unique. Here's what our lawyer clients consistently tell us: They sleep better. That's the most common feedback we get. Not about returns or interest rates—about finally feeling in control.
They can see the finish line. Instead of an endless debt treadmill, you have a clear timeline with milestones worth celebrating.
They’re actually living their life. No more putting everything on hold. Our clients buy homes, take sabbaticals, and switch to their dream jobs—while still making serious progress on loans.
Their money is finally working for them. By year two, most clients are building wealth alongside debt paydown. That compound interest that was crushing you? Now it's on your side.
Take the First Step
Ready to change your relationship with debt?
Join us for an exclusive session with student loan expert Betsy Mayotte, President of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors, where we'll dive deep into:
- What’s actually changing — and what’s just fear-mongering.
- How to pick the right strategy: IDR, rehab, lump-sum, consolidation.
- The blueprint for how to save on interest and get debt-free faster.
- Live Q&A: Bring your specific situation—we’ll tackle it together.
Reserve Your Spot Now → Here
Listen, we get it. Your law school debt feels overwhelming. But you didn't come this far to let loans dictate your life. Let's build a plan that honors both your financial goals and the life you actually want to live.
Ready to talk? Let's figure this out together.
- Elena’s story is for illustrative purposes only, and her name has been changed here to provide privacy protections and anonymity.
