"Demonstrated Interest and Commitment" for Public Interest Forum

[JDeezy]

I promise I am searching, both these forums and the internetz, before posting.

I have a idea in my head that I want to do biglaw --> Public Interest.

I've seen a lot of posts that say something along the lines of "demonstrated interest and commitment," along with solid grades are necessary for PI work coming out of a T14.

What does 'demonstrated interest and commitment' mean? Actual work experience at a non-profit? Volunteering on the weekends?

And is biglaw --> public interest a somewhat viable path (presuming that you have a big law job) ?

Thank you all, appreciate it.

[Rocío]

I promise I am searching, both these forums and the internetz, before posting.

I have a idea in my head that I want to do biglaw --> Public Interest.

I've seen a lot of posts that say something along the lines of "demonstrated interest and commitment," along with solid grades are necessary for PI work coming out of a T14.

What does 'demonstrated interest and commitment' mean? Actual work experience at a non-profit? Volunteering on the weekends?

And is biglaw --> public interest a somewhat viable path (presuming that you have a big law job) ?

Thank you all, appreciate it.

A demonstrated interest and commitment means experience. So this could include internships/externships with public interest organizations, participation in a clinic through your school that serves the public interest (like representing immigrants facing deportation), ongoing community service, or participating in a spring break or winter break pro bono program or service trip, or being a member of your school's student public interest program/board. If you go to a firm, you would want to volunteer for pro bono opportunities.

As for moving from Big Law to public interest, this definitely happens. But "public interest law" covers everything from working at the ACLU, to working for the government, to representing the indigent, so your success in transitioning from Big Law to PI depends on a lot of factors.

[ksllaw]

A demonstrated interest and commitment means experience. So this could include internships/externships with public interest organizations, participation in a clinic through your school that serves the public interest (like representing immigrants facing deportation), ongoing community service, or participating in a spring break or winter break pro bono program or service trip, or being a member of your school's student public interest program/board. If you go to a firm, you would want to volunteer for pro bono opportunities.

As for moving from Big Law to public interest, this definitely happens. But "public interest law" covers everything from working at the ACLU, to working for the government, to representing the indigent, so your success in transitioning from Big Law to PI depends on a lot of factors.

What about coursework in "minority" studies or classes that deal with social stratification and things like that?

Additionally, I work part-time in a hospital at the front desk (taking the year off to study for LSAT), but have also done some summer volunteer work for the same hospital.

None of these things are law related, but it's volunteer work and also classes that have dealt with underprivileged people in society. Would any of these help at all for me?

[JDeezy]

I promise I am searching, both these forums and the internetz, before posting.

I have a idea in my head that I want to do biglaw --> Public Interest.

I've seen a lot of posts that say something along the lines of "demonstrated interest and commitment," along with solid grades are necessary for PI work coming out of a T14.

What does 'demonstrated interest and commitment' mean? Actual work experience at a non-profit? Volunteering on the weekends?

And is biglaw --> public interest a somewhat viable path (presuming that you have a big law job) ?

Thank you all, appreciate it.

A demonstrated interest and commitment means experience. So this could include internships/externships with public interest organizations, participation in a clinic through your school that serves the public interest (like representing immigrants facing deportation), ongoing community service, or participating in a spring break or winter break pro bono program or service trip, or being a member of your school's student public interest program/board. If you go to a firm, you would want to volunteer for pro bono opportunities.

As for moving from Big Law to public interest, this definitely happens. But "public interest law" covers everything from working at the ACLU, to working for the government, to representing the indigent, so your success in transitioning from Big Law to PI depends on a lot of factors.

Thank you for the informative reply. Appreciate it.