public interest law

During the week of October 25 to 31, the American Bar Association and the legal community in the United States are celebrating national Pro Bono Week, dedicated to showcasing the impact pro bono efforts can make in the nation, especially during the economic downturn.

While not the same as a career in public interest law, pro bono — Or volunteer/unpaid — legal work is a way that all lawyers can help meet the needs of people and organizations in the community that can't afford to pay for private legal representation.

Posted by Aaron Pickering, Senior Communications Specialist at Equal Justice Works, an organization that mobilizes the next generation of lawyers committed to equal justice. Aaron blogs at the Equal Justice Works blog.

My eyes lit up when Idealist’s Amy Potthast emailed me about Nonprofit Career Month. A whole month dedicated to public service? Count me in.

Aside from being a nonprofit employee myself – I work in communications at Equal Justice Works – I spend most days supporting and promoting the work of public interest attorneys and volunteers working at nonprofit organizations across the country to defend the people with few resources and connections. Nonprofits truly do touch all corners of the United States (check out this map to see how) and have a huge impact on the lives of others.