Public Interest Salaries

[sallyawp]

<p>Here is an exerpt from an article in today’s National Law Journal:</p>

<p>

NALP’s 2008 Public Sector and Public Interest Attorney Salary Report, which is published every two years, found that the median entry-level salary for public defenders nationwide is about $47,000, and $75,000 for public defenders with 11 to 15 years of experience. Compensation is similar for prosecuting attorneys. The median starting salary for attorneys at civil legal services organizations is $40,000, and $60,000 after 11 years of experience. Entry-level attorneys at public interest organizations that focus on specific issues such as the environment can expect starting salaries of $41,000, which rise to about $69,000 with 11 to 15 years of experience.

</p>

<p>

The survey of public sector and public interest attorney salaries also found that salary growth has been modest since 2004, with compensation typically increasing by less than $10,000.

</p>

[stacy]

<p>Pretty frustrating, especially when someone three years out of a decent college with decent grades can be making the same amount (and didn’t have to take out law school loans or forgo 3 years of earnings!).</p>

<p>Hopefully, public interest work will be rewarding in other ways.</p>

[sakky]

<p>Well, there’s more to life than just money. I would rather take a low-paying job doing something I really like rather than a high-paying job doing something I dislike.</p>