Explore ABA's Center for Public Interest Law's fellowships, internships, trainings, and networking opportunities.
20 ways the ABA made an impact in 2020
by Amy Horton-Newell, Director, Center for Public Interest Law
Center for Public Interest Law
Carrying the ABA motto of “Defending Liberty and Pursuing Justice” one step further, the Center for Public Interest Law is committed to serving the common good for people and communities across the country, at the border and around the world, and championing the issues that are important to you through advocacy, research and education.
Did You Know?
The ABA has a Public Interest Membership Rate!
The ABA offers a special, reduced membership rate for public interest lawyers. Lawyers in the first four years of practice pay $75, and those with more experience pay only $150. Join the ABA and take advantage of exclusive membership benefits.
Join - Today
Serving the Common Good
Get Inspired
The Center for Public Interest Law is committed to serving the common good for people and communities across the country, at the border and around the world, and championing the issues that are important to you through advocacy, research and education. Get inspired by the ABA and learn more about the initiatives of the CPIL's 11 entities.
Meet the - CPIL TeamGet Ahead
Get Ahead with ABA! Explore Pro Bono career opportunities, the Commission on Immigration's Law Academy, the Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence's competitions and awards, and many more valuable resources of the Center for Public Interest law.
CPIL Opportunities
Get Involved
Get involved with ABA by learning about who we are, Pro Bono opportunities, Grassroots Advocacy and the variety of benefits offered through ABA membership.
Learn More - Get Involved
Get Informed
Get Informed! Explore the Center for Public Interest Law's Initiatives, e-Newsletter, upcoming CLE events, Pro Bono opportunities, trainings, and Library Resources.
Get Political
What are you passionate about? Learn more about ABA's Governmental Affairs and Grassroots Network, ABA Letters and Testimony, ABA CPIL Policy Library, and ABA's Call to Action.
Learn More - Get Political
Highlights
Public Interest Law
The practice of public interest law encompasses protection of individual rights, advancement of justice, and improvements for the good of the general public. All of these important objectives can be accomplished through a variety of means and settings. The Center for Public Interest Law is committed to providing programming and other resources to help lawyers accomplish these important goals.
Resources and Information:
Portal: ABA Resources for Public Interest Lawyers
Special Dues Categories for Public Interest Lawyers and Others
American Bar Endowment grants $3.2 million to ABA FJE
Generous Support for Legal Services
The ABA Fund for Justice and Education is grateful for the ABE's investment of over $3.2 million to ABA charitable programs in 2020. The ABE's grant improves access to justice and provides life-saving legal services to individuals and families in need. Over many decades, the ABE has generously made grants of nearly $300 million to help support law-related public service, educational, and research projects of interest and importance to the public and the profession.
See how - ABE Gives BackBest Sellers
Publications | Book
Educating Students Experiencing Homelessness (5th Ed.)
Publications | Book
Children's Justice: How to Improve Legal Representation of Children in the Child Welfare System
Featured Publications
Publications | Book
Assessment Of Older Adults With Diminished Capacity: A Handbook For Lawyers
Save #Loan4Giveness
Loan Forgiveness is in danger. Congress created the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program in 2007. Under PSLF, those who make 120 monthly payments (10 years) on their federal graduate student loans while employed full-time in qualified public service jobs are eligible to have their remaining balance forgiven. Congress is on the verge of eliminating the program. It only takes a few minutes to Save #Loan4Giveness.