Public Interest Law

Abstract

Georgetown is a leader among law schools in providing academic offerings in public interest law, which deals with the representation of people or interests that, through most of history, have been underrepresented in legal institutions and processes. Many lawyers practice public interest law by devoting their careers or volunteering their time to serving people who are disadvantaged or to advance public causes of various types. Some work for non-profit organizations (such as legal aid agencies or public defender offices), national or local governments, or international organizations. Others work in law firms but devote a portion of each year's work to uncompensated pro bono activities.