Public Interest Law

Law has long been associated with creating and sustaining a just society. Public interest practice may involve providing free or low-cost legal representation because of poverty, age, youth, or similar reason and/or using the law to advance a particular social cause.

Public interest law is not a substantive area of law. rather, public interest lawyers work in many different practice areas and for a broad range of employers. They may litigate, handle transactional work, or conduct advocacy.

Two of Moritz’s most active student groups involve public interest. The Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) hosts a multitude of social events and auctions throughout the year. The money raised is used to support law students working in nonpaying or low-paying summer positions in public interest. PILF also hosts guest speakers and events highlighting public interest career options and volunteer opportunities. The Class of 2012 volunteered more than 14,000 hours to public interest organizations during their three-year stay at Moritz.

The Pro bono research group provides legal research and writing services to practicing attorneys working on pro bono cases. Often, these attorneys are volunteering their services to a legal aid foundation or court and need assistance in researching legal questions. Moritz students provide this research and work directly with the practicing attorneys.

Students with a strong interest in public policy may also consider pursuing a joint degree in public policy with the John glenn School of Public Policy.

Course Sampling for Public Interest Law

• Administrative Law
• Children and the Law
• Civil Rights
• Constitutional Litigation
• Consumer Law
• Criminal Defense Clinic
• Disability Discrimination
• Election Law
• Employment Discrimination
• Environmental Law
• Federal Courts
• Gender and the Law
• Immigration Law
• Justice for Children Clinic
• Lawyers as Leaders
• Legislation Clinic
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Sexual Orientation and the Law
• Special education Advocacy
• Trial Practice