Public Interest
Overview:
"Public interest law" can be difficult to define. Public interest work is not affiliated with a certain political ideology. Attorneys who consider themselves liberal, those who call themselves conservative, and all those who fall somewhere between, all find worthwhile positions under the broad heading of public interest law. Generally speaking, public interest lawyers work for the interests of people not traditionally served by the for-profit legal sector. This can include work with a non-profit organization, legal aid provider, government, pro bono project, or public interest law firm.
The practice areas for public interest lawyers vary greatly. Often, a person's interest in a particular practice area will direct their search for employment. Listed below are examples of practice areas available in the field:
- Administrative
- AIDS/HIV
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Animal Rights
- Arts
- Children
- Criminal Law/Death Penalty
- Disability Rights
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Law
- Environment
- Farm and Migrant Worker
- Gay/Lesbian Rights
- Health
- Homelessness
- Housing
- Human Rights
- Immigration
- Legal Aid
- Consumer Rights
- Native American Rights
- Poverty
- Prisoner's Rights
- Public Benefit Reform
- Racial Justice
- Reproductive Rights
- Women's Rights
- Zoning/Land Use
Some General Resources:
Equal Justice Works Public Interest Career Fair
Over 1000 students and 200 employers attend this event which provides students with opportunities for employment, networking, and advice.
Equal Justice Works
On-line service which lists internship and fellowship opportunities in the public interest.
PSLawNet
On-line service which lists public interest job opportunities.
National Legal Aid and Defender Association
Jobs with legal aid and public defender offices throughout the country.
Nebraska Fund for Clerkships in the Public Interest
The Nebraska Fund for Clerkships in the Public Interest (NFCPI) is a student run, non-profit corporation dedicated to removing financial barriers for law students who wish to secure public interest employment. Grants are awarded to University of Nebraska College of Law students for volunteer or low-paying public interest summer clerkships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or private firms with a public interest practice. For more information, contact the Career Services Office.
Non-Traditional Legal Careers Report
Available on-line with a password this job bulletin lists employment opportunities which include public interest positions. This site is accessible by password. All passwords are available in the ROSCOE GUIDES.
Public Interest Clearinghouse
Public interest employer directories, job postings, and fellowship information.
