The shift towards public interest work among law graduates is becoming increasingly apparent. According to the Bloomberg Law 2023 Law School Preparedness survey, a sizeable percentage of law students have expressed their intention to serve as attorneys in the public sector after completing their studies. This is an interesting trajectory considering that previously only around 10% of practicing attorneys had aspired to work in the public sector while being law students.
What could be driving this trend? The survey did not specify a singular reason, however, it’s plausible to consider that the amplification of student loan forgiveness programs for public service may have prompted this shift. Policies in this area have undergone recent changes expanding student loan forgiveness programs, offering viable opportunities for those pursuing a career in the public sector.
Aligning one’s legal career towards public welfare not only offers an opportunity to shape societal rules, but also provides avenues to directly contribute to social justice. This highlights the role of practicing law beyond traditional corporate or law firm settings. Thus, as the dynamics of the legal profession change, the inclination towards public interest work appears to be gaining ground.
Law professionals interested in in-depth insights can refer to the full Bloomberg Law 2023 Law School Preparedness survey.