Newsweek/MSNBC has made available the E-Guide to Public Service at America's Law Schools.

What is public interest law?
Public interest is probably a phrase you are unfamiliar with if you have not already worked in law. In the About section (here), the guide states that "'Public interest,' 'public service,' and 'social justice' are often used interchangeably to refer to issues and activities serving the public good."

It goes on further to specifically define "public interest" as programs that help the legal needs of:

• persons of limited means and charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental and educational organizations in matters that are designed primarily to address the needs of persons of limited means; and
• individuals, groups or organizations seeking to secure or protect civil rights, civil liberties or public rights, as well as law-related service to charitable, religious, civic, community, governmental and educational organizations of limited means in matters in furtherance of their organizational purposes.

Why should you care?
They explain here that a future law student should take a look at this guide because:

• No matter your practice setting, public service will play a role in your practice and you want to discover what works best for you while in law school.
• The opportunity to learn by doing – whether as a volunteer, a clinic or extern student or a summer clerk for a government or nonprofit office – offers an unparalleled experience in bringing the classroom to life, helping to ensure that you have the skills to practice law even before you graduate.
• Public service opportunities in law school provide an excellent avenue for networking and resume building.
• Many public and private sector lawyers will tell you public service and pro bono work is the most satisfying and fulfilling work they do with their law degree.
• Whether you want a full-time public service career or want a fulfilling pro bono practice, you want to attend a law school that offers the courses and programs that will help you succeed in your goals.

So take a look at this new tool to learn more about public interest and how it relates to your school or potential schools.

UPDATE 9/12/2006: Article on why the schools in this guide are not ranked here.