Public Interest Law

USF has a strong commitment to public service and many of our graduates practice public interest law by devoting their careers or volunteering their time to represent disadvantaged people or to promote public causes.

Some work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or international organizations. Others work in law firms but devote a portion of their time to uncompensated pro bono activities.

A public interest practice helps clients in need of free or low-cost representation because of poverty, age, youth, or other obstacle to enforcing their legal rights. Lawyers in such practices often use law to advance equal rights and fight discrimination.

Public interest issues span every area of law, so virtually all of our course offerings are relevant to a career in public interest law. To prepare for a career in public interest law you should take a broad range of courses, including courses like Administrative Law and Corporations as well as courses that will enhance lawyering and problem solving skills.

Curriculum

Basic courses are those which introduce fundamental concepts and provide the necessary background to pursue advanced courses in the area. Additional courses expand upon basic concepts and offer advanced study in the subject area. Related courses provide additional background or demonstrate how the subject area relates to the core concepts of another subject area.