Public Interest Law (J.D. Certificate)

This program is designed to help students carve their own niche in the competitive field of public interest law. To meet their goals, students receive individualized academic and career planning.

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The J.D. Certificate in Public Interest Law enables students to demonstrate their commitment to public interest law, define public interest career goals, customize coursework to match both interests and career objectives, and connect with potential professional opportunities.

Chicago-Kent's long-established institutional commitment to this field has inspired a comprehensive curriculum, including concentrated public interest course work, a focused volunteer service requirement, and opportunities to work with two public-interest resource centers as well as the law school's student-run Kent Justice Foundation.

Program Overview

The certificate enables students to demonstrate their commitment to public interest law, define public interest career goals, customize coursework to match both interests and career objectives, and connect with potential professional opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Public interest lawyers work in legal aid societies, prosecutors’ and public defenders’ offices, state attorney generals’ offices, and local or national public advocacy organizations such as the National Disability Rights Network and the NAACP. Others work for the pro bono programs of large law firms.

Among the many career options in this area are:

  • Civil rights attorney
  • Disability rights attorney
  • Environmental law attorney
  • Legal aid attorney
  • Nonprofit director
  • Prosecutor
  • Public defender
Disclaimer for prospective students, please read.
The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast, and is provided here for informational and educational purposes only. Please be advised that the inclusion of the Lightcast resource on this website does not imply endorsement by Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), nor is it a guarantee of the accuracy of this information. Illinois Tech makes no representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, that the information presented herein is reflective of the outcomes you can expect if you enroll in or graduate from an Illinois Tech program. Illinois Tech expressly disclaims any liability regarding Lightcast, or in connection with any actual or potential employment opportunity stemming from information on this site and you hereby irrevocably waive any claim(s) against the Illinois Tech for the same. Your use of this web page is an acknowledgement of your understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth herein. You are encouraged to conduct your own thorough research into job opportunities and outcomes in your field of study.

To obtain the J.D. Certificate in Public Interest Law, students must complete 12 hours of coursework, including two core courses, and complete 50 hours of pro bono community service before graduation.

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This program is open only to J.D. students at Chicago-Kent College of Law.