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

Town Attorney

Apex, NC ยท On-site

$180K/yr

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

Tax Manager - Federal / Corporate Tax

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

... for the CPA * If not CPA eligible: * Licensed Attorney * Enrolled Agent * Certifications ... your interest? Do you enjoy providing federal tax compliance and consulting services to large ...

Planning Specialist

Durham, NC ยท 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 ...

Prepare and calculate monthly interest accruals, managementfeesand capital allocations * Calculate ... Prior experience at a public accounting firm * CPA or parts passed towards completion * Master ...

Prepare and calculate monthly interest accruals, managementfeesand capital allocations * Calculate ... Prior experience at a public accounting firm * CPA or parts passed towards completion * Master ...

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท 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)

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท 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)

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท 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)

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)

Senior Legal Counsel

Cary, NC ยท 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)

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)

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 3, 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.

What are popular job titles related to Public Interest Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Public Interest Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Interest Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Public Interest Attorney jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Public Interest Attorney jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Public Interest Attorney job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Interest Attorney job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,616 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Senior Associate City Attorney

City of Raleigh North Carolina

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

$119K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Description The Senior Associate City Attorney provides a broad range of legal services to the City Council, the City Manager and City Officials and staff in the conducting of City business, especially in the area of employment and personnel law. This position provides formal and informal legal opinions and drafts a variety of documents, ranging from a low to high level of complexity. Please note: Applicants will be required to attach a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Duties and Responsibilities The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Provides a broad range of legal services related to municipal and public enterprise/utility operations as directed by the City Attorney, particularly in the area of employment and personnel law.

Assists in addressing employment law issues close in time to their occurrence. Participates in problem-solving on a variety of City issues and special projects from the legal perspective, interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations. Serves as a member of a team of highly experienced professionals in a dynamic law office setting.

Researches a variety of legal issues and provides legal advice and direction to City representatives, who may include the City Council or City Departments, with a focus on all aspects of employment and personnel law. Works with City Departments in providing day-to-day advice on departmental operations. May serve as lead attorney to one or more assigned City Departments or Offices.

Reviews and assists in the drafting of changes to the City Code, City Administrative Regulations, personnel policies and provides advice relating to interpretation of the same. Represents the City in a variety of administrative matters relating to employment and personnel issues as well as in state and federal court. Monitors legislative and regulatory developments in employment and personnel laws and advises the City Attorney and relevant City departments about those developments.

Reviews and drafts contracts and other procurement documents. Handles related procurement issues. May represent the City Attorney's Office when attending staff, Council, community, and other meetings.

Assists with supervising and mentoring Associate City Attorneys, providing day-to-day legal advice and guidance. Assists the City Attorney or other attorneys in addressing matters as they may arise. Typical Qualifications Education and Experience: Graduate Degree in Law; 1 to 3 years' experience in providing professional public or private sector legal services OR Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted Licensing and Certifications: License to practice law in North Carolina by hire date Admission before U.S

District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina may be required after hire date Preferred Qualifications: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience and demonstrated success in matters of at least moderate complexity and organizational risk Ten (10) years of practice law experience Experience in employment and personal law in a public sector setting Interest in areas of law relevant to municipal practice, local government and public service Additional Information Knowledge Of: Coaching and leading the work of others Managing municipal office administration Engaging in practices of intergovernmental relations Managing business office administration and management Applying best practices, trends and emerging technologies Conducting qualitative and quantitative research Using critical thinking and analysis Preparing business correspondence Business math concepts Records management principles Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment) Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment Modern office technology Skill In: Coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning/monitoring work performed Overseeing the implementation and adherence to quality assurance and standards Reading, analyzing, evaluating, interpreting and summarizing written materials and statistical data Reviewing research and implementing industry trends, solutions and best practices Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations Authoring and editing complex reports and documents Facilitating group discussions and building consensus using persuasive reasoning Exercising political acumen, tact and diplomacy Overseeing the management and maintenance of official records and documents Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment) Providing customer service Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction ADA and Other Requirements: Work Environment and Physical Effort: Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office or similar indoor environment. Work Exposures: Work in this position does not require frequent environmental exposures.

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.