Public interest litigation involves legal actions taken for the betterment of society or a particular section of society. Lawyers play a crucial role in public interest litigation, working on a wide range of issues and representing underrepresented groups or interests.
1. Legal Representation and Advocacy:
Public interest lawyers provide legal representation to previously underrepresented groups or interests. They work on a variety of issues such as environmental concerns, predatory lending, debt collection, and more. Their work can involve litigation in the courts, practice inside or before government agencies, efforts to shape legislation and agency rules, and the production of reports and documents designed to push for reform .
2. Advancing Social Justice:
The role of lawyers in public interest litigation is committed to utilizing the law and legal education to advance social justice and promote the practice of public interest law .
3. Impact on Social Movements and Change:
Public interest law has played a critical role in American social movements and change. Lawyers have been involved in litigating various issues that have had a significant impact on society .
4. Professional Standards and Ethics:
Professional associations of lawyers have a vital role to play in upholding professional standards and ethics, protecting their members from persecution and improper restrictions, providing legal services to all in need of them, and cooperating with governmental and other institutions in furthering the ends of justice and public interest .