Public Interest Law Intern Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of societal change, the focus on public interest law interns has never been more critical.

As justice and advocacy continue to evolve, the demand for passionate minds who can navigate, contribute to, and protect our legal framework amplifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a public interest law intern?

Whether you are:

• A law student seeking to understand the core of this role,
• An employer outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of public interest law,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable public interest law intern job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Public Interest Law Intern Duties and Responsibilities

Public Interest Law Interns provide support to legal professionals in nonprofit and governmental environments.

They play a critical role in conducting research, drafting legal documents, and engaging with clients who are generally disadvantaged or marginalized.

Public Interest Law Interns have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct legal research to support ongoing cases and legal matters
• Assist in drafting legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, contracts, and legal memos
• Attend court proceedings, administrative hearings, and other meetings to gain a practical understanding of the legal process
• Assist in interviewing clients and witnesses to gather facts pertinent to cases
• Participate in case strategizing and planning meetings
• Support in administrative tasks including file management and correspondence
• Help in preparing presentations and reports to be used for client meetings or court proceedings
• Collaborate with legal staff and volunteers on public interest projects and initiatives
• Contribute to outreach and educational efforts to raise awareness about pertinent public interest issues

 

Public Interest Law Intern Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and highly motivated law student to join our team as a Public Interest Law Intern.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about social justice, have a strong understanding of the legal system and be committed to making a difference in the community.

The intern will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, such as policy research, legal writing, litigation support and community outreach.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in legal research and writing for various cases and projects
• Attend court hearings and client meetings under the supervision of practicing attorneys
• Assist in drafting legal documents such as pleadings, motions and briefs
• Help in preparing legal advice and strategy for clients
• Communicate with clients and other stakeholders to gather information
• Participate in community outreach and education programs
• Assist with case management and administrative tasks

 

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited law school
• Strong interest in public interest law and social justice
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

 

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on meaningful cases and projects
• Gain practical legal experience
• Mentorship from experienced attorneys
• Flexible work schedule
• Opportunity to network and make professional connections
• Potential for school credit, depending on school policy

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Interest Law Intern
• Work Environment: Office setting with some remote work possible. Some local travel may be required for court hearings or client meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Attorney or Legal Director.
• Stipend: A modest stipend may be available, depending on funding.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Internship
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your interest in public interest law, and a writing sample to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Public Interest Law Intern Do?

Public Interest Law Interns typically work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or law firms that specialize in public interest law.

Their primary role is to assist attorneys and other legal professionals in preparing and managing legal cases that serve the public interest.

This may involve researching legal issues, drafting legal documents, and assisting in the preparation of court filings.

Interns are often tasked with conducting legal research on relevant statutes, case law, regulatory requirements, and legal articles to support the organization’s ongoing cases or projects.

They may also assist in interviewing clients, witnesses, or experts, and organizing case materials.

This could involve reviewing and summarizing client files, transcripts, and other documents.

In addition, Public Interest Law Interns may participate in community outreach and education programs, helping to inform the public about their legal rights and available resources.

A significant part of their job is also to attend meetings, hearings, and court proceedings to gain real-world experience and a better understanding of the workings of the public interest law sector.

Finally, Public Interest Law Interns are expected to maintain strict confidentiality and professional ethics while performing their duties, respecting the sensitive nature of the information they handle.

 

Public Interest Law Intern Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Public Interest Law Intern should have the skills and qualifications that align with the nature of their work, such as:

• Studying or recently graduated from a law degree program, with coursework in social justice, human rights, or other relevant areas of legal study
• Excellent research skills to investigate legal precedents, local and federal laws, and other pertinent data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to draft legal documents, correspond with clients and legal professionals, and present arguments
• Analytical skills to interpret complex legal information and make informed decisions
• Interpersonal skills to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and build trust
• Ability to work within a team and collaborate with other legal professionals
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and case files concurrently
• Passion for public service and understanding of social justice issues

 

Public Interest Law Intern Experience Requirements

Public Interest Law Interns are often law students or recent law school graduates who are looking to gain practical experience in the field of public interest law.

They usually have completed at least one or two years of law school and have a solid theoretical understanding of legal principles.

During their course of study, they may have taken courses related to public interest law, such as human rights law, environmental law, or social justice law.

Some students may also have participated in legal clinics or moot court competitions that offered hands-on experience in these areas.

Previous internships or part-time roles in legal organizations, non-profit organizations, or government agencies focused on public interest law can provide valuable experience for these roles.

Candidates with experience in conducting legal research, writing legal briefs, and interacting with clients are often preferred.

Familiarity with public interest law issues and a demonstrated commitment to public service can also be advantageous.

Those with more than a year of experience in these roles may be ready for more advanced tasks such as leading a project or assisting with litigation cases.

This could potentially prepare them for future roles as a Public Interest Attorney or Advocate.

 

Public Interest Law Intern Education and Training Requirements

Public Interest Law Interns are typically law students, so they need to be enrolled in or have completed some coursework in a law school program.

They must have a strong academic record, particularly in courses relevant to public interest law such as constitutional law, criminal law, human rights law, and others.

Knowledge of administrative law, civil rights, and other areas related to public advocacy could also be beneficial.

Interns may also need to show proficiency in legal research and writing, as these are crucial skills for any law-related role.

Some positions may require interns to have completed their first year of law school, while others may accept students who are in their first year.

Many programs also look for candidates with a demonstrable commitment to public service, such as volunteer work or previous internships in non-profit organizations or government agencies.

Although not required, fluency in a second language may be helpful depending on the demographics of the community the organization serves.

Lastly, all interns need to have excellent communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and a passion for serving the public interest.

 

Public Interest Law Intern Salary Expectations

A Public Interest Law Intern can expect to earn an average of $20.71 (USD) per hour.

This salary may fluctuate depending on factors such as the geographical location, the prestige of the law firm, and the exact nature of the internship.

 

Public Interest Law Intern Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Public Interest Law Intern need?

Public Interest Law Interns should have excellent research and writing skills, since they will often be tasked with drafting legal documents and researching case law.

Strong communication skills are also essential, as interns will need to interact with clients, lawyers, and other legal professionals.

Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure and within tight deadlines are other key traits expected in this role.

 

What kind of education is required for a Public Interest Law Intern?

Most Public Interest Law Internships require candidates to be currently enrolled in an accredited law school.

Some internships may be open to undergraduate students with a strong interest in law and social justice.

All interns should be in good academic standing and may need to demonstrate their commitment to public interest law through coursework or volunteer experiences.

 

What should you look for in a Public Interest Law Intern resume?

The applicant’s resume should clearly outline their education, including their current enrollment in a law program.

It should also list any previous internship experience in law firms or other legal settings.

Look for experience or involvement in public interest issues, such as volunteering at community legal clinics or participating in social justice initiatives.

Strong research and writing skills should also be evident, often through academic achievements or projects.

 

What qualities make a good Public Interest Law Intern?

A good Public Interest Law Intern is passionate about social justice and committed to making a difference through their work.

They have a solid understanding of the law and are able to apply this knowledge in a practical setting.

They’re disciplined, organized, and can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Excellent communication skills are essential, as they will often interact with clients, lawyers, and other legal professionals.

 

What are the daily duties of a Public Interest Law Intern?

On a typical day, a Public Interest Law Intern may conduct legal research, prepare legal documents, attend meetings or court proceedings, assist with case management, and interact with clients.

They may also be involved in policy research and advocacy work, depending on the nature of their internship organization.

All these tasks provide the intern with a comprehensive understanding of public interest law.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a public interest law intern.

Exciting, isn’t it?

It’s not just about case studies and legal briefs.

It’s about making a difference in society, one case at a time.

With our comprehensive public interest law intern job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your mark.

But let’s go further.

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting the most accurate job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every case is a step towards justice.

Let’s make that difference. Together.

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