May 18, 2026

Let’s face it: tens of thousands of students enroll in law school every year, each with a dream in their hearts of saving the world. Whatever their public-interest cause may be, only a select few will go on to accept a position that goes hand-in-hand with their do-gooder career goals.
Some law schools are better than others when it comes to getting their graduates a leg up on the competition for one of these coveted jobs. According to Law.com, which analyzed employment data for the class of 2025, there are certain institutions that excel in ushering their students into public interest roles.
Today, we highlight the law schools that have sent the highest number of students from their most recent graduating class into public interest work. Leading the pack is the City University of New York School of Law, with an impressive 90 graduates stepping into public service roles. Following closely are New York University School of Law with 74 graduates, and Georgetown University Law Center with 71.
Other notable institutions include Harvard Law School contributing 58 graduates to public interest, Northeastern University School of Law with 52, and George Washington University Law School with 44. The University of Michigan and UCLA each had 43 graduates entering public interest roles, while the University of California, Berkeley, saw 41 of its graduates do the same. Rounding out the top ten is the University of California College of Law, San Francisco with 38 graduates.
These figures highlight the significant role educational institutions play in shaping the careers of future public interest lawyers. The commitment of these schools to not only educate but also to facilitate entry into meaningful legal work is commendable.
Are you a recent law school graduate working in public interest? We are eager to hear about how your school supported your career path. Your experiences, whether positive or negative, could inspire future law students and inform educational practices. Feel free to share your stories with us, as they may be featured anonymously on Above the Law.
For those interested in exploring further, more information on law schools that are leading the way in public interest employment can be found on Law.com.
This focus on public interest careers is essential, as these roles are crucial for addressing various societal issues through legal means. As law schools continue to foster a commitment to public service, they ensure that the legal profession remains a powerful tool for social change.