Public interest law is the practice of law pursued on behalf of both individuals and causes that are not typically served by the for-profit-bar. Public interest lawyers can serve the public by working for civil legal services organizations, non-profit organizations, public defense organizations, prosecutors offices, government agencies, lobbying for non-profit organizations, and more.

Public interest work is not confined to any one political ideology or any one legal practice area. It is work undertaken to advance concepts of justice, fairness and protection of the public, rather than for purposes of commercial or personal gain.  

Important Documents

• Public Interest Certificate Description (pdf)
• Pro Bono & Community Service Program Handbook (pdf)
• Post Graduate Public Interest Fellowships Handbook (pdf)
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program Description (pdf)

Lewis & Clark Law School, The Place for Public Interest Law

Lewis & Clark Law School graduates go on to practice public interest law at a rate far above the national average. In 2007, we were the school with the 5th highest percentage of graduates entering public interest law careers. Lewis & Clark Law School graduates enter public interest careers at a rate that is more than three times the national average. Combining graduates who enter government work with our public interest graduates, more than one third of Lewis & Clark Law School’s graduates entered public service careers.