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Public Interest Lawyers

Employment Prospects

Employers

Approximately 657,170 lawyers are employed in the United States. The list of PIL employers is endless—ranging from government agencies, to nonprofit organizations, to advocacy groups. Organizations such as Equal Justice Works (https://www.equaljusticeworks.org) offer programs for lawyers to match their pro bono legal services to individuals or areas that need them most. Many private law firms also encourage their lawyers to provide pro bono work or volunteer in other capacities.

Starting Out

Beginning lawyers often work as law clerks or as assistants to senior lawyers doing research work and other routine tasks. After a few years of experience, they may be assigned their own cases; some may choose to go into private practice specializing in public interest law.

Many new lawyers are recruited by law firms or other employers directly from law school. Recruiters come to the school and interview possible hires. Other new graduates can get job leads from local and state bar associations.

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