What qualifies as public interest?

To serve in the public interest means to advocate for the rights of individuals, groups, or organizations that are underrepresented, marginalized in society, or otherwise lack effective representation within systems of justice.

PILA recognizes the multiplicity of issue areas that fall under the umbrella of public interest law and aims to bring together students and practitioners from across this spectrum who seek to pursue justice-driven careers and leverage the legal system to catalyze change. These issue areas may include, but are not limited to:

·  Academia

·  Animal Issues

·  Antitrust

·  Children/Youth

·  Civil Rights/Liberties

·  Consumer Protection

·  Constitutional law

·  Criminal Legal Reform

·  Disability

·  Domestic Violence

·  Education

·  Environmental Law

·  Gun Violence Prevention

·  Healthcare/Medical

·  Housing/Homelessness

·  Human Rights

·  Immigration/Refugee

·  Labor/Unions/Employment

·  Legal Aid

·  LGBTQ+ Issues

·  Native American/Tribal Law

·  Prosecution

·  Public Defense

·  Race/Ethnic Justice

·  Religious Issues

·  Reproductive Freedom

·  Technology Law

·  Voting/Campaign Finance

·  Women’s Rights

What jobs do you consider a part of public interest?

Beyond the multiplicity of issue areas that comprise public interest law, the field is also varied in its practice. PILA adheres to the following six broad categories of public interest law practice as defined by Stanford Law School while appreciating that careers in public interest law often take non-traditional and non-predictable pathways.

• Non-Profit Direct Services (e.g. legal aid)

• Non-Profit Impact Litigation (e.g. ACLU)

• Civil Governmental Practice (e.g. DOJ Antitrust)

• Criminal Practice (e.g. public defender)

• Private Public Interest Law Firms (e.g. Institute for Justice) 

• International Public Interest (e.g. the UN ICJ)

Several law schools have compiled a variety of resources about careers in public interest law. For further reading, check out these guides from Stanford Law School, Harvard Law School, and Georgetown Law.