April 14, 2008 | Vol. XI, Issue 29

Center for Governmental Responsibility Fellows

Interested in Public Interest? Don’t Let the Myths Deter You
by Katy Debriere

I applied to law school because I wanted to work in public interest. Of course, at the time of my application, I had no idea what "public interest" meant. Really, my dream was to counsel for the ACLU or NOW. When I told others about these aspirations, they were quick to rebuff my dreams: "It doesn’t pay enough, especially with your student loans," "only rich people work in the public sector," "it’s too competitive," "you won’t make a difference," "you’ll just get frustrated."

Yet, here I am, my third year in law school, and less than a year away from carving out my place in the public interest field. I’m not worried about loans because they’re being paid. I’m not worried about keeping up with living expenses because I’ll have enough to cover my bills. I’m not at the top of my class, but I still have a job I love. And, I do not fear frustration because my work, thus far, has shown me how integral public interest can be to our communities. A career in public interest is a real option.

First, there is literally a job for anyone. Public interest jobs already exist in criminal law, environmental justice, administrative law, and civil rights; to name a few areas. Or, you can create your own job. If you believe a population or issue is underrepresented, and you have an idea about how to help, then apply for a post-graduate public interest fellowship through Equal Justice Works. This option is especially open to people who wish to work in Florida because the Florida Bar Foundation has strong ties to EJW. There are other post-graduate opportunities, like the Soros fellowship or the Skadden Fellowship.

Second, there is no reason to worry that you won’t make a comfortable living. It is true you probably won’t be able to afford a luxury car or four-bedroom house straight out of law school, but you also won’t be forced to eat PB&J for every meal. A $30,000 to $45,000 salary might be small change compared to private firms, but who wants to make money at a private firm when you don’t have time to spend it? Plus, public interest hours usually allow you to enjoy a life outside the law firm.

Third, for student loans, post-graduate fellowships often offer loan repayment plans. And, if you don’t think a fellowship is your cup of tea, you still have the option of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRA). This legislation allows public interest lawyers to take an income-based reduction on their monthly student loan payments. In addition, after 10 years working in public interest, all government loans are forgiven.

Don’t forget all the money you can earn while still a law student. The Florida Bar Foundation Fellowship pays students $6,000-$7,000 a summer to work for a Florida legal services agency. And, the Center for Governmental Responsibility (through the generosity of the Florida Bar Foundation) accepts applications for year long fellowships that include a stipend of $3,500. Furthermore, there are options outside of Florida. The National Lawyer’s Guild and Equal Justice Works both hold annual career fairs where throngs of public interest employers are willing to pay law students for summer work.

Fourth, although good grades and law review never hurt, public interest truly values dedicated people. That value often makes up for a not so stellar class ranking. They know you’re smart and a hard-worker because you’re in law school. What they really want is someone that cares about the issues they care about. They want a passionate person who will work hard and create enthusiasm for the issues in others. If you can engage your public interest interviewer, you have already got your foot in the door.

Finally, public interest work is really rewarding. I know I don’t have to pound this one home because it is self-evident. Things may become frustrating. But, if you care about your work, then the frustration is overcome by the fact that you enjoy what you do everyday. Plus, public interest law needs fresh ideas and new perspectives to prevent stagnation in defining and achieving its goals. You’re contribution could be what other public interest lawyers need to avoid their own frustration.

If you came to law school because you wanted to make a difference, don’t let others convince you of its impossibility. A public interest career is as attainable as being accepted into law school. You’ve made one a reality, now it’s time to realize the other.

Florida Bar Foundation Public Interest Law Fellows are funded by the Florida Bar Foundation

Home | Email to a friend | Print article | Contact FlaLaw Online