What is Public Interest Law?

Public Interest Law has been described as legal work on behalf of individuals, groups, and causes that are underserved by the for-profit bar as well as the promotion of economic, social & political justice. The public-interest legal practice includes a variety of options including:

1. Legal clinics, public interest advocacy groups

2. Private practice firms and lawyers who dedicate their practice to “public-interest” or “social justice” areas such as union/employee-side labour/employment, human rights, criminal defence law, etc..

3. Agencies, Boards, and Commissions,

4. Government:Federal, Provincial or Municipal

How can I start a career in public interest law?

Public interest law organizations often do not actively recruit in the same way as firms in the for-profit sector. As such, law students interested in public interest law need to actively pursue these opportunities independently and be persistent in their search. Although some bodies may not hire students, if there is a particular organization that you are interested in it never hurts to make inquiries directly to them.  

A career in public interest law requires self-motivation and an ability to search out interesting and relevant job opportunities, but can ultimately be extremely rewarding. 

Here is a list of Atlantic Region public interest organizations that have been known to take on summer or articling students.

Online Resources