An Overview of Public Interest Law
Public interest law has been a vital component of the legal system in the United States since the 1930s. The main goal of public interest attorneys is to represent and defend the underprivileged and the disadvantaged, regardless of whether or not those clients are unable to pay for legal service. The attorneys who perform this vital public service often work for themselves as solo practitioners, but many others work for non-profit organizations. Litigation is the bread-and-butter of public interest law; public interest lawyers are primarily focused on the results of their cases. That said, public interest lawyers can also help the causes they support by performing legal research, drafting briefs, and managing cases.
There are many different types of law practiced in the legal sector we call public interest law. Some of them include immigration law, employment law, environmental law, and consumer rights law. Public interest attorneys pick from any one, or a handful, of these fields of law to focus on. One of the most common practices in public interest law is homelessness law, lawyers who tend to homeless clients for basic matters such as eviction notices, the enforcement of tenant rights, and housing discrimination. Sometimes employment law is combined with homelessness law to give employees help with job-related housing discrimination issues . Another variety of law that is similar to both homelessness law and employment law is entitlements law, which helps clients acquire government entitlements like housing, welfare, food assistance, and pensions. Yet another area of public interest law is called civil rights law. Civil rights attorneys defend and protect people who experience discrimination in their everyday lives. Examples of the discrimination public interest lawyers regularly litigate for clients include cases of fair housing, gender, and racial discrimination. In addition to the areas of law above, other fields of law fall under the umbrella of public interest law, such as education law, health care law, international human rights law, and consumer law.
One of the most notable examples of public interest law at work was the Brown v. Board of Education case, which was a class-action lawsuit that was filed by Oliver Brown. The plaintiff accused the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas of discrimination against his daughter, who was a student at a segregated school. The case was decided by the Supreme Court in May of 1954. The majority opinion, delivered by Chief Justice Earl Warren, resulted in the desegregation of public schools throughout the United States. Thus the Brown v. Board of Education decision reversed an earlier Supreme Court ruling – Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which upheld racial segregation under the separate but equal doctrine – and is now heralded as one of the most important landmarks in American history.
The Case for a Career in Public Interest Law in Chicago
Chicago is not only a major legal hub in the Midwest, but it also provides fertile ground for those seeking a career in public interest law. The city is home to over 60 law schools and a thriving community of legal professionals, making it an ideal place for those looking to break into the field. Public interest law jobs in Chicago may be available for recent graduates or experienced lawyers, such as the attorney job by the United States Department of Labor.
The unique "Chicago Advantage" allows recent law grads to tap into the city’s wealth of law firms, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. A legal career in Chicago offers special benefits as the city is home to numerous top-rated law schools including the University of Chicago Law School, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and DePaul University College of Law. This vibrant legal environment, coupled with the city’s highly developed court system, creates an ideal setting for aspiring public interest lawyers.
The need for public interest lawyers is constant, especially as the legal industry continues to evolve and adapt to new political challenges. Chicago is not only home to the Illinois Municipal Law Institute, but a host of government-affiliated and non-profit law centers. This abundance of government-supported legal resources fosters an environment of opportunity for the next generation of public interest lawyers. Whether your passion lies in civil rights, criminal law, bankruptcy, immigration, or another special legal area, you will find the resources necessary to launch a successful career.
Public Interest Law Job Options
Types of Public Interest Law Jobs Available in Chicago
There are numerous avenues for pursuing public interest law careers in Chicago. In the realm of legal services, legal aid attorneys represent low-income individuals and groups, pro bono lawyers provide their time and legal expertise on a voluntary basis for people who can’t afford to pay, and legal services consultants provide technical support at a conceptual level to non-profit and other organizations. Legal services attorneys may also specialize in certain subject areas, such as immigration, housing, family, criminal, and employment law, etc.
Public defender work generally takes place in either a federal district or circuit court. Federal public defenders mostly defend individuals charged with felonies, while circuit public defenders represent individuals accused of misdemeanors and felonies. The job may involve working both in a courtroom and having a caseload outside of the courtroom. Public defenders in Illinois are referred to as Assistant Public Defenders (APDs) and their work is overseen by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Policy advocate is another type of public interest law job in Chicago that emphasizes an individual’s expertise and interest in the law. Policy advocates work within organizations to advance a particular legal agenda. They help communities and policymakers address key issues, and focus on community representation to advocate for policy change and shape new legislation.
Non-profit organization lawyers navigate the complex and often risky methods of managing an organization. They help nonprofit groups address legal issues and stay in compliance with state and federal laws. Non-profit lawyer tasks may include:
There are myriad opportunities to be involved in the field of public interest law in Chicago. There’s a wide variety of jobs within legal aid, public defender offices, policy advocacy, and non-profit settings, and the only way to determine which job is best suited for you is to experience as many as you can get. If you attend local law school, get involved in as many public interest volunteer opportunities as possible to learn about the field.
Key Skills and Qualifications
Getting behind the scenes of public interest law jobs in Chicago includes understanding the essential skills and qualifications required for success. First, it’s vital to hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school in the United States, meeting the admission requirements of the bar exam in the state of Illinois. Some entry-level positions may be open to law students and recent graduates who have completed their first year of legal studies, but these opportunities are limited. Public interest law jobs require a strong foundation in areas such as criminal defense, civil rights, family law, environmental law, and immigration law, depending on the focus of the organization. Applicants are expected to have a thorough understanding of the applicable state and federal laws, and those with experience clerking for judges, participating in clinical programs, and assisting pro bono legal services will stand out. Lawyers in the public interest sector should possess excellent analytical and research skills, strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to build relationships with diverse communities. Collaboration, empathy, and cultural competency are also essential for working with vulnerable populations and disadvantaged communities. Those in public interest law should have a substantial commitment to their mission and should demonstrate good organizational, management, and negotiation skills.
Top Employers for Public Interest Lawyers in Chicago
When it comes to landing a position in public interest law, there are a number of key players looking for ambitious, talented individuals who want to advance the cause of justice for all. Typically, a job search will be aimed at a few key areas: non-profit law firms, government agencies, for example the U.S. Department of Justice, legal aid societies, pro bono law firms, inter-governmental organizations (IGOs), like the United Nations. A look at three top law firms that commonly employ legal professionals in this field gives you an inside look at just what each is looking for when it seeks to fill such high-stakes positions. First, the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) offers pro bono legal counsel to low-income immigrant populations, including those with special needs, like asylum seekers and survivors of torture or trafficking. The NIJC primarily relies on the support of individuals. States NIJC, "Each person, family, company, or foundation that invests in our mission increases NIJC’s capacity to care for and respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of our immigrant clients . " Secondly, the Chicago Legal Clinic (CLC) is a non-profit entity that provides affordable legal services to low to moderate income individuals unable to access traditional legal assistance. A primary focus for the Chicago Legal Clinic is to provide legal representation to the poor, working with vulnerable populations who may not otherwise have any means to secure legal representation. Last, the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights is another non-profit group that employs lawyers to serve as advocates to a range of social justice issues, including policing, economic development, and teachers’ unions. CLC has added considerable amounts of legal aid to underrepresented populations, leveraging a robust Pro Bono Network. CLC also provides funders with pro-bono services via the Project for the Underserved, advancing funds for those in need while developing socially responsible lawyers.
Researching the Public Interest Legal Job Market
The Chicago job market presents a unique set of challenges for public interest law job seekers. With a multitude of public interest providers and a relatively small number of law schools contributing to a pool of qualified applicants, standing out among the crowd is essential. Networking continues to be one of the most effective tools for securing interviews in this competitive environment. Law schools, county court judges, private practitioners, non-profit organizations, and even alumni from your undergrad are all potential networking contacts. Leveraging the power of social media to get connected to people in Chicago who may know about open public interest law positions is always a good option. Equally important is the experience you can get through volunteer opportunities and internships. Many public interest law firms offer paid and unpaid part-time and full-time internship opportunities year-round. Reaching out personally can sometimes be the best way to find available work.
Resume construction is another consideration job-seekers should keep in mind when applying for public interest law jobs in Chicago. Although many of the public interest law jobs in Chicago will likely receive hundreds of applications from qualified law school graduates, public interest law employers are often looking for candidates with prior public interest law internships or volunteer experience. A resume that includes experience involving community organizing, providing pro bono services, or volunteering at domestic violence shelters can provide those with lesser legal experience the opportunity to secure an interview. It is also important to prepare your cover letter and CV to meet the expectations of public interest law employers recruiting law students and graduates. Being prepared and having current information on events involving public interest law issues and organizations is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public interest law.
The best place for public interest law jobseekers to find employment opportunities in the Chicago area is the Chicago Bar Association’s job board. Job-seekers are also encouraged to review job postings located on the American Bar Association’s website. Legal Services Corporation also offers a free LSC Jobs Board channel access to public service attorneys seeking employment in the four-state area of Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio.
Pros and Cons of Doing Public Interest Work
As with many career choices, public interest law has its difficulties. Public interest lawyers often struggle with a number of factors, like an overwhelming caseload, lack of resources, and inadequate funding. Nonprofits can also be restrictive in terms of professional development. You may have limited opportunities to practice a variety of kinds of law. Workplace culture might be worse than at a corporate firm or government office .
But of course, all careers have something challenging, and for so many public interest attorneys, the difficult nature of the work is worth it. Often, clients are extremely grateful and appreciative. You’ll quickly see the small yet significant impact that your work can have on the community as you get to know your clients. Public interest law offers you the chance to make a real difference in this world. And for many, a job that serves underrepresented communities without adequate resources is the most rewarding way to do that.