Public interest law firms typically concentrate on one or two practice areas, such as criminal defense, class action litigation, labor/employment, or family law. Unlike public interest organizations, these firms are private, for-profit institutions and do not receive 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. As public interest law firms are often small practices, they typically prefer experienced attorneys. Applicants are expected to have strong research and writing skills as well as experience in oral advocacy.

Students interested in working for a public interest law firm are encouraged to visit PSJD and Martindale Hubbell as well as review Harvard Law School's Private Public Interest and Plaintiff's Firm Guide for a state-by-state breakdown of firms.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Jill Frost, Director of OCPD, at (202) 319-5132 or frost@law.edu.