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Public Interest Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Attorney | ICE

General Attorney

Raleigh, NC

$63K/yr

Applicants should have a strong interest in supporting and providing stellar client services to ... If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal ...

New

Town of Apex North Carolina

Town Attorney

Apex, NC · On-site

$180K/yr

They will demonstrate sound judgement, ethical decision-making and a strong commitment to public ... Candidates should submit: ‣ A cover letter explaining their interest in the position and the Town ...

City of Durham

Planning Specialist

Durham, NC · On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

Interacts and coordinates with developers, citizens, engineers, architects, attorneys, and City ... Interest obtaining AICP certification. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and web-based GIS ...

Wolters Kluwer

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC

$129K - $175K/yr

... private and public organizations, (ii) business development, co-development/co-marketing ... attorneys within the GLCD globally (e.g., IP, litigation, regulatory, HR/employment, M&A)

Wolters Kluwer

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$129K - $175K/yr

... and public organizations globally, (ii) business development, co-development/co-marketing ... attorneys within the GLCD globally (e.g., IP, litigation, regulatory, HR/employment, M&A)

Wolters Kluwer

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$129K - $175K/yr

... and public organizations globally, (ii) business development, co-development/co-marketing ... attorneys within the GLCD globally (e.g., IP, litigation, regulatory, HR/employment, M&A)

Wolters Kluwer

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$129K - $175K/yr

... and public organizations globally, (ii) business development, co-development/co-marketing ... attorneys within the GLCD globally (e.g., IP, litigation, regulatory, HR/employment, M&A)

Wolters Kluwer

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC

$129K - $175K/yr

... private and public organizations, (ii) business development, co-development/co-marketing ... attorneys within the GLCD globally (e.g., IP, litigation, regulatory, HR/employment, M&A)

Wolters Kluwer

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC · On-site

$129K - $175K/yr

... private and public organizations, (ii) business development, co-development/co-marketing ... attorneys within the GLCD globally (e.g., IP, litigation, regulatory, HR/employment, M&A)

All JobsPublic Interest Attorney JobsPublic Interest Attorney Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Public Interest Attorney information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$51.5K

$108.6K

$166.2K

How much do public interest attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for public interest attorney in Raleigh, NC is $108,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,700.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a public interest attorney do?

As a public interest attorney, you work on legal cases or issues that involve underrepresented clients, class-action lawsuits, civil rights cases, or other matters that concern the wellbeing of the public. You can also function as a public defender or work on legal reformation efforts to change unfair laws and practices. You may perform your duties for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or charities. Your responsibilities can vary from case to case and based on the type of services you provide. Some public interest attorneys represent one client at a time, while others focus on the legal aspects of a specific issue, such as immigration.

What is a public interest attorney?

A public interest attorney is a lawyer who works to advance the common good, often representing individuals or groups who are marginalized or unable to afford legal representation. They typically focus on issues such as civil rights, environmental protection, consumer advocacy, or social justice. Public interest attorneys may work for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or legal aid societies, and their work often involves policy advocacy, litigation, and community education. Their primary goal is to promote justice and ensure equal access to the legal system.

What are some common challenges faced by public interest attorneys in balancing caseloads and client needs?

Public interest attorneys often work with underserved communities and manage a high volume of cases simultaneously. Balancing limited resources, tight deadlines, and diverse client needs can be challenging, especially when handling emotionally charged issues such as housing, immigration, or civil rights. Attorneys in this field must develop strong time-management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to advocate effectively under pressure. Collaboration with colleagues and leveraging support from paralegals or volunteers can help manage workloads and provide comprehensive client services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public interest attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Interest Attorney, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a strong understanding of constitutional, civil rights, or administrative law are essential. Proficiency with legal research databases, case management software, and legal writing tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills help build client trust and effectively advance causes. These abilities are crucial for navigating complex legal systems, championing underserved populations, and achieving meaningful legal outcomes.

What is the difference between Public Interest Attorney vs Civil Rights Attorney?

AspectPublic Interest AttorneyCivil Rights Attorney
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, often specialized in public serviceLaw degree, bar admission, specialized in civil rights law
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government agencies, legal aid societiesLaw firms, government agencies, advocacy groups
Employer & IndustryPublic sector, nonprofit sectorPublic sector, nonprofit, private law firms
Common Search/ComparisonPublic Interest Attorney vs Civil Rights Attorney

Both roles focus on advocating for social justice and protecting individual rights. Public Interest Attorneys often work in nonprofit or government settings to serve underserved communities, while Civil Rights Attorneys typically handle cases related to discrimination and civil liberties, often within law firms or advocacy groups. While their work overlaps, Public Interest Attorneys have a broader focus on public service, whereas Civil Rights Attorneys specialize specifically in civil rights issues.

More about Public Interest Attorney jobs
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Public Interest Attorney jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Public Interest Attorney job openings:
Public Interest Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Interest Attorney job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,616 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

General Attorney

Attorney | ICE

Raleigh, NC

$63K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Launch a prestigious career as an Attorney with ICE's Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA)! Join a legal team dedicated to defending the nation's immigration laws and safeguarding the United States with expertise and integrity.
Organization Location: This announcement will be used to fill multiple vacancies at various locations throughout the United States.
The salary range listed is the General Schedule (GS) base rate. Click here to access the GS locality pay tables.Qualifications:Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time on 02/05/2027. Please note that qualification claims will be subject to verification.
Applicants should possess an ability to efficiently produce quality legal analyses of complex and novel issues, exercise sound legal judgment, be detail oriented, prioritize competing assignments, and work effectively independently, as part of a team, and across work units. Applicants should have a strong interest in supporting and providing stellar client services to diverse program offices including law enforcement officers, policymakers, attorneys, and agency senior leadership, and must be able to tailor communications to a particular audience. Applicants should be able to demonstrate an ability to take initiative and work in a reliable, decisive, and professional manner. Applicants should possess the following characteristics and competencies: integrity, sound professional judgment, organizational skills, decisiveness, initiative, stellar client services, the ability to function independently and cooperatively, and superior written and oral advocacy skills.
Bar Membership: You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 C.F.R. 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 C.F.R. 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps/VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs.Education:Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LLM degree. Please see Required Documents for more information.
A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.Employment Type: OTHER

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