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Public Interest Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Disability Rights Lousiana

Staff Attorney

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

The ideal candidate has a demonstrated strong commitment to public interest law and social justice ... Since 1977, DRLA's team of attorneys and advocates have provided free legal and advocacy services ...

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$111.7K

$171K

How much do public interest attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for public interest attorney in the United States is $111,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $137,000.00 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.

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What states have the most Public Interest Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Interest Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Interest Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Interest Attorney jobs are:
Public Interest Attorney jobs near you
Assistant Attorney General - Consumer Fraud - Chicago

Assistant Attorney General - Consumer Fraud - Chicago

Illinois Attorney General

Springfield, IL • On-site

$84K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Salary: $84,480.00 - $107,550.00 Annually
Location : Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-AAG-CON-FRD-CHI
Administration: Chief Deputy - Attorney General
Bureau: Consumer Fraud - Chicago
Opening Date: 09/23/2025
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
The Consumer Fraud Bureau is responsible for handling a broad spectrum of consumer protection activities. Its focus is to protect Illinois residents from fraudulent or dishonest business practices. It engages in investigations of possible fraud or deception and, when appropriate, files enforcement actions in state or federal court. Some examples of types of businesses the Bureau investigates are: home repair companies, auto dealers, mortgage and payday lenders, student loan and mortgage servicers, immigration consultants, and drug companies. In addition to litigation, the Bureau also drafts legislation, comments on proposed rules and legislation, and follows emerging consumer problems and issues.
Responsibilities:
An Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Fraud bureau builds cases against alleged perpetrators of fraud. Assistant Attorneys General investigate consumer complaints, draft pleadings, draft and respond to motions, negotiate settlements and represent the interests of the People of the State of Illinois in court. An Assistant Attorney General may also be tasked with reading and following proposed legislation and rules on consumer protection topics.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Candidates must be licensed by the State of Illinois at the time of application. A strong candidate will have enthusiasm for and experience in complex litigation, sound judgment, and excellent research and writing skills. A demonstrated commitment to public interest work is also considered.
Supplemental Information
Salary:
Salaries are commensurate with number of years of practice as a licensed attorney and range from $ 84,480 to $ 107,550.
To ensure full consideration, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a writing sample. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:
Attn: Thor Y. Inouye
Office of the Illinois Attorney General
115 S. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 814-3695
(312) 814-5024 (Fax)
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
As an employee of the Illinois Attorney General's Office, you'll have access to many great benefits. Join the legal team responsible for protecting the public interest of the state and the people of Illinois!
  • Health and Dental insurance along with free Vision insurance*
  • Pension Benefits through the State Employees'; Retirement System
  • Deferred Compensation: supplemental retirement savings program-457k
  • Commuter Savings Program: pre-tax transportation program
  • Flexible Spending: Medical and Dependent pre-tax savings program
  • Life insurance benefit: free with option to purchase additional (up to 8 x your annual salary) at low cost. Spouse and child life insurance available
  • Disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program through ComPsych
  • Holidays: 13 1/2 paid
  • Vacation days: minimum of 12 days, maximum of 27 days, prorated
  • Personal days: 4 annually
  • Floating Holiday: 1 annually
  • Sick days: 1 per month
  • For attorneys, office provided Continuing Legal Education
  • Semi-monthly payroll

*Health and Dental cost ranges: for single: $131.00 - $314.00 monthly; for family: $299.00 - $653.00 monthly
For more information on benefits:

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