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Public Interest Legal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas

Legal Secretary

Amarillo, TX · On-site

$35K - $57K/yr

Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality, free civil legal services to low‑income individuals and families in 114 counties across ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$91K - $154K/yr

The incumbent in this position will work with community legal services providers throughout Pennsylvania to develop academic-year and summer public interest and pro bono opportunities. This ...

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How much do public interest legal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for public interest legal in the United States is $55,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by public interest legal professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Public interest legal professionals often work with limited resources and high caseloads, which can make it challenging to provide individualized attention to every client. Additionally, they may encounter emotionally demanding situations, as clients are often facing significant hardships. To address these challenges, many public interest lawyers rely on strong time management skills, seek support from colleagues, and utilize community partnerships to maximize impact. Ongoing professional development and a commitment to self-care are also essential for maintaining effectiveness and job satisfaction in this field.

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

To thrive as a Public Interest Lawyer, you need a solid understanding of constitutional, civil rights, or administrative law, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, and a valid license to practice law. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and sometimes specialized certifications in public interest or social justice law, are typically used. Outstanding communication, cultural competency, and advocacy skills help lawyers connect with diverse clients and communities. These abilities are crucial for effectively advancing social justice causes and representing individuals or groups with limited resources.

What is the difference between Public Interest Legal vs Public Defender?

AspectPublic Interest LegalPublic Defender
Primary FocusAdvocating for social justice, policy change, and underserved communitiesDefending individuals accused of crimes, ensuring legal representation
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, government agencies, policy groupsCourts, legal offices, government agencies
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, interest in social justiceLaw degree, bar admission, experience in criminal law

Public Interest Legal professionals focus on advocating for social justice and policy reform, often working in nonprofits or government agencies. Public Defenders primarily defend individuals in criminal cases, working within the criminal justice system. While both roles require a law degree and bar admission, their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

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What cities are hiring for Public Interest Legal jobs?

Cities with the most Public Interest Legal job openings:

What states have the most Public Interest Legal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Interest Legal jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Public Interest Legal jobs look for?

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Public Interest Legal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Interest Legal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,419 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Assistant General Counsel

The Public Interest Network

Denver, CO • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Public Interest Network is hiring an Assistant General Counsel to provide legal advice to our network of environmental and consumer advocacy organizations. The Public Interest Network consists of organizations, such as PIRG (Public Interest Research Group), Environment America, and their state groups, that are committed to a shared vision of a new future and a strategic approach to change. Our groups work for clean air and water, protection of wildlife and open spaces, a livable climate, and are an advocate for consumers, advancing solutions to problems that affect our health, our safety and our well-being. We work across the political spectrum for pragmatic solutions, prioritizing making a difference in people's lives over "making a statement." Our groups use a variety of methods including advocacy, education and organizing to achieve these goals, working in more than 25 states with more than 250 full time staff. We also work closely with the Fund for the Public Interest, which conducts fundraising, membership-building, and other organization-building efforts on behalf of organizations within the Network.

The Assistant General Counsel works with the rest of the General Counsel's office and the leadership of The Public Interest Network to provide strategic and knowledgeable in-house legal advice and guidance to the leadership and staff of the Network and its groups, working with outside counsel as necessary. This position requires excellent judgment, discretion and the ability to oversee significant projects.
  • Employment practices: Advising on employment matters and benefits, including overall policies, advising on new laws and regulations, and specific day to day matters. Also includes training staff directors on legal requirements and best practices.
  • Corporate compliance: Fostering sound corporate practices and maintaining our organizations' good standing with federal and state corporate and tax regulators. The majority of the organizations in the network are 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 corporations registered in states across the country. 
  • Lobbying compliance: Advising groups on regulations and compliance with state and local lobbying laws.
  • Contracts: Drafting and reviewing contracts, leases and grant agreements.
  • Risk management: Working with organizations' leaders to adopt policies that protect organizations from legal exposure.
  • Additional legal areas: In addition to the above, the position may include work in areas including election law and campaign finance law, intellectual property and copyright, and first amendment and charitable solicitation, among others as they arise. 
  • A J.D. and state bar membership in good standing is required. Preference for a bar admission in Colorado (or candidate may be admitted to Colorado state bar within 6 months of accepting role)
  • Experience: The ideal candidate has 3-5 years experience practicing law, with at least some of that time working in one or more of the practice areas described above.
  • Successful candidates will also bring the following skills and attributes to the position:
    • A strong commitment to non-profit work and enthusiasm for the mission of The Public Interest Network and its member organizations;
    • Comfort working with both the most senior staff (CEO, Vice Presidents, Executive Directors) on major organizational strategies, and with training brand new staff on basic relevant legal principles in an understandable way; and
    • Prior experience working with or advising nonprofit organizations. Firsthand experience doing organizing, issue advocacy or political work is a plus.
The starting target annual compensation range for someone with 3-5 years of relevant experience is $57,000-$93,000. Candidates on the lower end of directly relevant experience should expect to be on the lower end of this range; candidates on the higher end of relevant experience are likely to be on the higher end of this range. The Public Interest Network offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, paid sick time (60-72 hours/year depending on location), vacation time (accruing 10 days over year 1, 15 days over year 2, and 20 days over year 3 and thereafter), a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long-term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location: Denver, CO is preferred. Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and remote may be considered for top candidates. This position is hybrid, with 3 days in office. 

Why work with the Public Interest Network? Check out 10 reasons: https://publicinterestnetwork.org/why-work-with-us/

Our Mission and Values
Why work with The Public Interest Network? Here are ten reasons: https://publicinterestnetwork.org/why-work-with-us/

The Public Interest Network operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://publicinterestnetwork.org/core-values for things you should know about our network when you apply. 

Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.

The Fund for the Public Interest is an equal opportunity employer. 

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