Public Interest Law

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Public interest law is the practice of law to further the interest of the general public or a specific segment of it. The different types of clients and issues handled in public interest law reflect the many, broad areas of public concern, such as child welfare, illegal discrimination, environmental protection, and domestic violence. There are many different types of jobs in the public interest area, and, if you are considering going into the field of public interest, it is worthwhile to inquire about different careers to determine which might best fit your talents, aspirations, and desired lifestyle. Below I’ve listed several of the different, common types of traits employers look for when considering an up and coming lawyer for their firm. …show more content…

This is especially important due to the fact that college tuition continues to rise each year.
Students who are seriously interested in public interest careers should take the time to realistically evaluate the amount of debt they will accumulate over the next few years from college and law school, and the amount of the monthly payments they will be required to make after graduation. Students should also think about any changes they could make right now in their lifestyles and consumer habits that would help to minimize the amount of loans they need to take out. Big firms also look for experience in legal work regarding public interest. If students are looking to get a job in the field, it is crucial that they start gaining experience while they’re in school. One important reason for this is that many public interest employers, like many small private firms, do not have tremendous amounts of money or time to invest into training new attorneys. Acquiring experience in a related public interest field will make an applicant more likely to be hired by a public interest employer. A second, and perhaps more important, reason is that employers like to see a demonstrated commitment to the public interest. You should not go into public interest work for the money, You should go into the field to show employers that you share a passion for their cause, or social justice in general. That you made a thoughtful and informed decision to pursue a public interest career, and did not just follow an idealistic thought, and finally that you will have the conviction to stick with your work even

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