Gavin Howe
A public interest law degree can open doors to a variety of careers, from working with legal services organizations, public defender's offices, prosecutor's offices, and federal, local, or state governments to pursuing roles in public interest law firms. This diverse field offers the opportunity to advocate for marginalized communities, address social injustices, and drive legal and social change. While financial rewards may not be the primary attraction, the impact of this work is significant, and graduates can find fulfillment in giving back to society. The path to a career in public interest law can include internships, fellowships, and pro bono work, allowing graduates to gain practical experience and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Public interest law degree career paths | Non-profit organizations, legal services organizations, public defender’s offices, prosecutor’s (DA’s) offices, federal/local/state government, and public interest law firms |
| Work settings | Non-profit settings may include museums, universities, not-for-profit hospitals, and public interest legal organizations |
| Roles | In-house or general counsel, executive directors, lobbyists, legislative directors, writers, editors, development directors, community outreach directors, investment managers, financial officers, grant writers, and policy advisors |
| Fellowships | Short-term entry-level public service jobs that offer exposure to a broad range of legal issues and networking opportunities in the public sector |
| Pro bono opportunities | Many firms offer pro bono programs that allow attorneys to collaborate with local or national public interest organizations |
| Summer internships | Private public interest law firms often offer summer internships to build relationships with students |
| Coursework | Trial advocacy, public interest-related classes, public speaking, debate, foreign language, and classes focused on social justice and history |
| Extracurricular activities | Leadership positions, community activism, and volunteer work are appealing to potential employers |
| Graduate programs | Post-graduate programs, often called "Honors Programs", are offered by law schools and can lead to government internships or fellowships |
| Specialty areas | Children’s rights, civil rights, consumer rights, disability rights, education, elder rights, employment rights, environmental issues, family law, LGBTQ+ rights, health/mental health, housing, human rights, immigration, international law, and more |
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What You'll Learn
- Gaining experience through internships, fellowships, and pro bono work
- Working for non-profit organisations and legal services organisations
- Understanding the diverse practice settings and specialty areas
- Exploring international public interest positions and their challenges
- Transitioning to private sector jobs and maintaining a public interest focus
Gaining experience through internships, fellowships, and pro bono work
Gaining practical experience is crucial for students pursuing a career in public interest law. While in law school, students can participate in internships, fellowships, and pro bono work to develop their skills and build a strong resume.
Internships are a great way to gain experience and build a professional network. Students can intern at legal aid offices, public interest law firms, or private public interest law firms during the summer or even during the school year. These internships provide valuable opportunities to work directly with clients, especially low-income individuals, and understand their needs. Summer internships are highly competitive, with most firms accepting only 2L students, while some also offer positions to 1Ls.
Fellowships are another important avenue for gaining experience and are often short-term entry-level positions. They provide an opportunity to work with public interest organizations, sometimes right after graduation. Fellowships can be a pathway to working with larger, national nonprofit organizations and allow graduates to gain exposure to a broad range of legal issues. Fellowship programs, such as the Stanford Law School Deane F. Johnson Public Interest Fellowship and the Sullivan and Cromwell Fellowship at Public Counsel, offer grants and benefits to fellows.
Pro bono work is also an essential aspect of gaining experience in public interest law. Many firms offer pro bono programs where attorneys collaborate with local or national public interest organizations. Summer associates are often encouraged to participate in these programs, gaining valuable experience while contributing to social causes.
In addition to internships, fellowships, and pro bono work, students can explore other opportunities to build their resumes. This includes participating in advocacy competitions, joining student public interest organizations, and taking on leadership roles in community activism and volunteer activities. Students can also consider service programs like AmeriCorps, Teach for America, and the Peace Corps to work in underserved communities and discover their passions.
Pursuing a career in public interest law requires dedication and a strong commitment to social causes. By gaining practical experience through internships, fellowships, and pro bono work, students can develop the skills and network necessary to succeed in this rewarding field.
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Working for non-profit organisations and legal services organisations
Within these non-profit organisations, individuals with law degrees can serve in various roles. Some may serve as in-house or general counsel, while others may take on executive director, lobbyist, legislative director, writer, editor, development director, community outreach director, investment manager, financial officer, grant writer, or policy advisor positions. These roles often require a host of non-legal skills and analytical and writing abilities, in addition to legal expertise.
Legal services organisations, on the other hand, specifically provide attorneys to low-income individuals within a certain geographic area. These organisations address general poverty law issues, such as public benefits, housing, employment, civil rights, and family law. They also tackle community-specific legal challenges, such as those faced by migrant farmworkers or AIDS-related legal issues.
Fellowships are a common way for recent graduates with a public interest law degree to enter the non-profit sector. These opportunities can provide a gateway to working with larger, national non-profit organisations and allow individuals to gain exposure to a broad range of legal issues while building a network of contacts in the public sector. Additionally, pro bono work is often a feature of both non-profit and legal services organisations, allowing attorneys to provide reduced-rate or free legal services to those in need.
While working in the non-profit sector, it's important to gain practical experience, such as filing and writing motions, courtroom experience, and client interaction. This can be achieved through internships, externships, or volunteering during law school. Developing skills in public speaking, debate, and foreign languages can also enhance one's ability to advocate for clients and the organisation's mission.
Overall, working for non-profit and legal services organisations with a public interest law degree offers a rewarding career path, often involving tireless work advocating for those in need, such as marginalised populations and those living in poverty.
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Understanding the diverse practice settings and specialty areas
A public interest law degree can lead to a diverse range of practice settings and specialty areas. The public interest sector encompasses a broad spectrum of issues and concerns, and lawyers in this field can choose from various career paths and organisations to work for.
Practice Settings
Public interest lawyers can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Non-profit organisations: Non-profits are a common setting for public interest lawyers. These organisations often focus on specific target populations, such as racial or ethnic groups, children, abused women, or immigrants. They may also centre their mission around social concerns, including education, the environment, consumer issues, gun control, youth issues, and historic preservation.
- Legal services organisations: These organisations provide legal services to low-income individuals or those in need of legal aid. They often receive federal funding and address issues such as public benefits, housing, employment, civil rights, and family law.
- Public defender's offices and prosecutor's offices: Public defenders and prosecutors play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, advocating for the rights of the accused and representing the state, respectively.
- Federal, local, and state government: Lawyers can work directly for the government, advocating for the public interest in various agencies and legislatures.
- Public interest law firms: These firms focus on public interest cases and may collaborate with national or local public interest organisations.
Specialty Areas
The specialty areas within public interest law are diverse and far-reaching. Some of the key areas include:
- Civil rights and liberties: Protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals, including civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, and racial justice.
- Economic and social justice: Addressing economic inequality, poverty, employment rights, and access to education and health care.
- Environmental protection: Advocating for environmental preservation, conservation, and holding accountable those who violate environmental laws.
- Criminal justice reform: Working to reform the criminal justice system, ensure fair trials, and advocate for the rights of prisoners.
- Education and youth empowerment: Promoting equal access to quality education and addressing issues affecting young people.
- Health and mental health: Ensuring access to healthcare and mental health services, and advocating for the rights of individuals with mental health issues.
- Housing and homelessness: Addressing housing insecurity and advocating for the rights of those experiencing homelessness.
- International human rights: Working on a global scale to protect human rights and address issues such as migrant workers' rights and international development.
Career Paths
Within these practice settings and specialty areas, public interest lawyers can pursue various career paths. These include:
- Litigation and legal advocacy: Lawyers can represent clients in court, advocate for their rights, and work on high-profile cases or class actions.
- Policy and legislative work: Developing and proposing policy changes, either within a legislative office or as a staff member of a governmental entity.
- Non-profit management and leadership: Managing non-profit organisations, fundraising, and ensuring the organisation's mission is achieved.
- Media and communications: Reporting on legal issues, raising awareness, and educating the public.
- International public interest: Working with international organisations or on international projects to address global issues and promote human rights.
The diverse nature of public interest law means that lawyers in this field can tailor their careers to their specific passions and interests, whether that be through traditional legal practice or less conventional roles that utilise their legal training and skills.
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Exploring international public interest positions and their challenges
A public interest law degree can open doors to a variety of international career paths, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. While there is no single guaranteed pathway to a career in international public interest practice, here are some avenues to consider:
International Public Interest Organisations: These organisations focus on a range of issues, including international human rights, migrant rights, and international development. They often work with local communities and partner organisations in different countries, offering legal services and advocating for social change. One example is Equal Justice Works, which provides training and opportunities for law students and attorneys to serve underserved communities. Working for such organisations can be challenging due to frequent international travel, the need for cross-cultural competence, and the diverse legal landscapes navigated.
International Non-Profit Sector: Law graduates can explore international non-profit organisations, including philanthropic foundations, museums, universities, and hospitals. These organisations may focus on social concerns such as education, the environment, consumer issues, or human rights. Lawyers in these settings may serve as in-house counsel, executive directors, legislative directors, lobbyists, or take on other administrative and leadership roles. The challenge here may lie in navigating the diverse missions and structures of non-profit organisations across borders.
International Public Sector: A public interest law degree can also lead to positions in the public sector, such as working for federal, local, or state governments. For example, attorneys can work as state attorneys general, acting as legal counsellors to state government agencies and representing the public interest. Internationally, this could involve navigating different legal systems and understanding the intricacies of public international law.
International Law Firms: Many private international law firms offer pro bono programs or split summer programs, allowing lawyers to engage in public interest work alongside their regular caseload. This provides an opportunity to work on high-profile cases or complex litigation with international dimensions while also contributing to access to justice for underserved communities. The challenge here may be balancing the demands of private practice with pro bono commitments.
Fellowships and Grants: Fellowships are an excellent way for recent graduates to gain experience in international public interest work. Fellowships can provide funding and support for graduates to pursue their passions, whether through established organisations or self-directed projects. International fellowships are often available for graduates to work with overseas communities and organisations, offering a unique perspective on global legal issues.
When considering international public interest positions, it is beneficial to develop cross-cultural competence, adaptability, and a strong understanding of international law and its diverse applications. Building a network of contacts and seeking advice from career services can help navigate the challenges and uncover opportunities in this dynamic field.
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Transitioning to private sector jobs and maintaining a public interest focus
Transitioning to private sector jobs is a path many law school graduates with a public interest focus consider. There are several reasons for this, including the lure of higher salaries and the perception that public interest positions are hard to come by. However, it is possible to maintain a public interest focus even while working in the private sector. Here are some ways to do so:
Fellowships and Pro Bono Work: Many private law firms offer fellowships and pro bono programs that allow attorneys to engage in public interest work. These programs may involve court-appointed cases, collaborations with local or national public interest organizations, or providing pro bono representation to low-income clients or non-profit organizations. By participating in these programs, attorneys can use their legal skills to serve the public interest while still working in the private sector.
Summer Associate Programs: Some law firms offer summer associate programs that allow students or graduates to split their time between working at the firm and working with a public interest organization. This provides an opportunity to gain experience in both sectors and build relationships with public interest organizations.
Non-Profit Organizations: Lawyers with a public interest focus can seek positions at non-profit organizations, where they can serve in various roles such as in-house counsel, executive directors, legislative directors, lobbyists, or community outreach directors. These organizations often focus on social concerns such as education, the environment, consumer issues, and human rights, allowing lawyers to advocate for the public good.
Government and Public Service: Working in the government sector, such as with the state Attorney General's office or legislative representatives, provides an opportunity to represent the public interest and propose policy changes that benefit the public. Lawyers can also explore international public interest practice, which involves frequent travel and a diverse range of issues, although it may offer fewer training resources than private firms.
Leadership and Activism: Maintaining a public interest focus can also be achieved through leadership positions and community activism. This could involve serving as a public official, participating in advocacy competitions, or volunteering with public interest organizations. Such experiences demonstrate a commitment to public service and can be valuable for future public interest career opportunities.
When transitioning to the private sector, it is beneficial to keep in mind that public interest work often involves a different timeline and less predictable path. Graduates seeking public interest positions should not be discouraged by the lateness of offers and should focus on gaining practical experience and demonstrating their dedication to public service.
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Frequently asked questions
Public interest law is defined as anything that affects the well-being, rights, health, or finances of the public at large, most commonly advocating for those living in poverty or marginalised populations.
Public interest careers include working in non-profit organisations, legal services organisations, public defender's offices, prosecutor's offices, federal/local/state government, and public interest law firms.
During law school, you can take coursework in trial advocacy and public interest-related classes, participate in advocacy competitions, and join a student public interest organisation. You can also gain practical experience through clinic work, internships, externships, and volunteering at a public interest organisation.
Public interest law positions may not offer the same financial rewards as private sector jobs, and the hiring process may be less predictable. Public interest organisations often have fewer resources for training new attorneys, so practical experience and professional skills are highly valued.
You can explore job opportunities through fellowships, pro bono programs offered by private firms, and resources such as the Public Service Jobs Directory (PSJD) or the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) guides. Networking with advisors and alumni can also help identify potential opportunities.
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