1 L.A. PUB. INT. L.J. 338

Table of Contents

Download PDF

LETTER TO A YOUNG PUBLIC INTEREST ATTORNEY*
Sid Wolinsky

Re: 9 Wrong Reasons Not To Be A Public Interest Lawyer

          I am 72 years old. I have been practicing law for 47 years. Because I am a public interest lawyer, I am so excited about my legal work that I cannot wait to get to the office every morning. While I have watched many of my friends in private practice become depressed, be overcome with ennui, or long for retirement, I find my public interest law practice deeply satisfying and meaningful. To me, the work is not only joyful, but represents as high a professional calling as any man or woman could ever wish for. Hence, you will understand why I am astonished to see bright and even idealistic law graduates continue to succumb to the fading blandishments of corporate and large firm practice.

          By listening to the musings of law students, I have identified nine of the most commonly used excuses for not pursuing a public interest career. They are largely a combination of myths and misinformation, infused with an unhealthy dose of corporate firm propaganda. This letter is a modest effort to set the record straight.

* For complete letter, please download the PDF.