Government & Public Interest Opportunities

Working in Government 

The government provides a number of excellent career opportunities for attorneys, be it at the federal, state, or local level. Government agencies and non-profit organizations are involved in various combinations of litigation, lobbying, policy-making and direct representation involving virtually every law practice area. Typical employers include public defenders, district attorneys, U.S. Attorneys, legal aid and legal services organizations, government agencies (Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, Attorneys General, County Attorneys, etc.), and public interest organizations. Students also have the opportunity to spend a semester in D.C. working for a non-profit or government agency for law school credit.   If you would like to work in D.C. or in any public policy-related position after graduation, this program offers the opportunity to make contacts and gain intensive, hands-on experience in your field of interest.  To learn more view the Semester in D.C. Program or contact Megan Lovett.

What is Public Interest Law?

Public interest law is the practice of law pursued on behalf of both individuals and causes that are not typically served by the for-profit-bar. Public interest lawyers serve the public by working for civil legal services organizations, nonprofit organizations, public defense organizations, prosecutors’ offices, government agencies, lobbying for the advancement of rights, and more. Public interest work is not confined to any one political ideology; it is work to advance concepts of justice, fairness, and protection of the public, rather than for purposes of commercial or personal gain. Public interest lawyers seek access to justice for everyone, regardless of their background or income.

Motion for Good 

Pitt Law's public interest program includes a vast array of coursework, clinical experiences, and extracurricular programs devoted to service. From day one, public interest law is a central component of Pitt Law's mission. First-year students hear from leading public interest faculty and participate in a collaborative day-long community service program at Pitt Law's 1L Orientation, and there are abundant opportunities to reflect on, participate in, and analyze public interest law throughout the first-year. Throughout their law school experience, students can build specialized knowledge in courses central to public interest law, and put that expertise to work in clinical programs, practicums, and, in externships with nonprofits, public defenders, and legal services, along with student organizations dedicated to public service. 

Pro Bono Recognition Policy and Program

The School of Law encourages all law students to perform public service activities while in law school, without academic credit or financial compensation. In keeping with the Law School’s longstanding commitment to encouraging its students to engage in public service activity, the Law School faculty has adopted a program for recognizing students who engage in significant amounts of public service work. To learn more, contact Megan Lovett.