Public Interest Careers

Public interest careers are as vast and varied as the law itself. The terms “public interest” and “public service” are used interchangeably to describe work pursued in furtherance of justice, fairness, and the public good, rather than commercial or personal gain. This deliberately broad definition includes work in public defense, civil legal services, law reform and public policy, government, prosecution, international public interest, and private public interest firms, and encompasses a wide array of legal issues.

Students interested in public interest careers should consider courses that build substantive knowledge in their areas of interest, as well as those that deepen their understanding of the relationship between law and society. Courses examining the role of law in shaping and challenging social, racial, and economic inequality can provide valuable perspectives, while seminars offer opportunities to explore particular issues in greater depth. Students are encouraged to think broadly about their course selections and remain open to exploring new areas of interest.

Experiential learning is also an important component of preparing for a public interest career. NYU Law's clinical program offers opportunities to develop practical lawyering skills, work with clients and communities, and gain experience with different forms of advocacy. Students are strongly encouraged to explore clinical and other experiential learning opportunities as part of their academic planning.

For more tailored guidance on courses, clinics, and other opportunities relevant to particular public interest career paths, students should consult the Public Interest Law Center’s practice-area resources.