Public Interest & Pro Bono
Service is core to the profession and central to the Duke Law experience. Whether you aspire to become a public interest lawyer, incorporate pro bono work into your practice, or serve in other ways, you will find the resources and community at Duke to reach your goals.
Duke Law boasts a vibrant public interest community led by the Office of Public Interest and Pro Bono. Starting in the fall of 1L year, students may engage in pro bono volunteerism through over 13 pro bono projects and receive one-on-one career advising from specialized public interest career counselors. Upper level students may pursue the Public Interest and Public Service Law Certificate, earn course credit when working with public interest employers in an externship, and enroll in one of 12 clinics practicing under the supervision of Duke Law faculty.
Pro Bono Program
The Pro Bono Program enhances Duke Law's commitment to greater access to justice by supporting a diverse range of student-led pro bono groups and individual pro bono opportunities.
Clinics and Externships
Duke Law's clinical program, which includes 11 clinical courses and a robust and rigorous selection of externship placements, offers students a carefully structured opportunity to build their own experiential bridge between the classroom and practice.
Public Interest Careers and Funding
Duke Law offers individualized career counseling for students interested in government and public interest positions and proudly offers funding to support these students, including guaranteed summer funding, post-graduate funding and fellowships, interview travel support, and approved conference funding.
Certificate Program
The Certificate in Public Interest and Public Service Law is a JD certificate program for students committed to a legal career in public service.