In a world often divided by conflict and inequality, how can individuals become powerful agents of change?
The answer lies in public interest law and peace studies—two vital fields dedicated to justice, human rights and peacebuilding. Closely related, both areas equip individuals with the tools to address societal challenges, shape policies and drive social change.
However, recognizing how these fields differ and overlap provides a comprehensive perspective on the meaningful careers they support, the collaborative impact they achieve, and the ways you can contribute as a peacebuilder and justice advocate.
What is Public Interest Law?
Public Interest law is a branch of law focused on protecting human rights, promoting justice and supporting vulnerable communities. Lawyers in this field work with marginalized groups to advocate for their rights, represent them in legal proceedings and push for legislative reforms that protect their interests. They advocate for environmental protections and social issues like healthcare access. Public interest lawyers often work with nonprofit and grassroots organizations to address local, national or global challenges.
Explore key areas within public interest law:
- Environmental Law: Protects natural resources and public health by regulating pollution, land use and conservation efforts. Lawyers in this field advocate for stronger environmental policies, represent communities affected by environmental harm and work to ensure compliance with laws that safeguard ecosystems and human well-being.
- Civil Rights Law: Focuses on securing equality for all individuals, particularly in areas such as racial discrimination, gender rights, First Amendment rights and other civil liberties. Lawyers in this field defend individuals whose rights are violated due to discrimination or oppression.
- International Human Rights Law: Operates on a global scale to protect human dignity and uphold international laws that safeguard the rights of people worldwide. Lawyers in this area may work on issues like refugee protection or freedom of expression.
Each of these specialized fields plays a role in imparting change for various populations. For instance, a public interest lawyer focused on environmental law might fight for environmental justice, advocating for stronger regulations to prevent pollution in a low-income neighborhood. Civil rights lawyers might challenge discriminatory policies that prevent minority groups from accessing quality healthcare or education. International human rights lawyers, meanwhile, may represent individuals facing political persecution or work on global treaties to protect displaced populations.
Naturally, this kind of advocacy work has a profound impact on communities on both a local level and systematically on a global scale.
The Impact of Public Interest Law
Lawyers and advocates in these fields do more than just represent clients—they help shape policy, create social movements and push for legislative reforms. For example, civil rights lawyers have been instrumental in advancing gender equality, voting rights and racial justice. Their legal challenges can spark public debates, influence political decisions and inspire broader movements. Similarly, advocates in international human rights law often bring attention to violations like human trafficking or forced migration, urging governments to adopt stronger protections.
Lawyers in these sectors of legal advocacy have shaped history through groundbreaking cases. For instance, Thurgood Marshall’s work in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) declared racial segregation in schools unconstitutional, paving the way for desegregation. Similarly, Mary Bonauto’s efforts in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) led to the legalization of same-sex marriage, ensuring marriage equality nationwide. More recently, Benjamin Crump has championed civil rights by representing families like those of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, spotlighting racial injustice and pushing for systemic reform. Advocates in international human rights law often bring attention to violations like human trafficking or forced migration, urging governments to adopt stronger protections.
Public interest law has been instrumental in advancing gender equality, voting rights and racial justice. These legal challenges not only address immediate concerns but also spark public debates, influence political decisions and inspire broader movements. Through litigation, negotiation and public advocacy, legal professionals have the power to enact tangible change, influencing everything from local policies to international agreements.
The transformative power of public interest law is undeniable, but its impact becomes even more profound when combined with the principles of peace studies.
How Public Interest Law and Peace Studies Intersect
Peace studies is an interdisciplinary field that blends insights from various social sciences, including political science, economics, sociology and anthropology to understand and resolve conflict. Through research, conflict analysis and policy work, it promotes social justice and advances human rights. Like public interest law, peace studies is concerned with creating sustainable solutions to conflicts and working toward a world where justice, equity and peace prevail. Learn more and explore careers in peace studies.
Public Interest lawyers and peacebuilders often collaborate on critical issues such as:
- Protecting Human Rights in Conflict Zones: Lawyers and peace studies professionals work together to ensure human rights are protected in areas of armed conflict, providing legal support and peacebuilding strategies to address the needs of affected populations.
- Designing and Implementing Peace Agreements: Public interest law and peace studies often converge in post-conflict scenarios, where legal experts help draft peace agreements that address the needs of all parties, while peacebuilders facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.
- Advocating for Social and Economic Equity: Both fields recognize that lasting peace requires justice. Lawyers advocate for policies that protect marginalized communities, while peacebuilders work to create social, political and economic systems that are inclusive and equitable.
This relationship only begins to capture the depth and breadth in which peace and law unite in the pursuit of justice and peace.
Real-World Applications of Law and Peace
Professionals in both public interest law and peace studies often work together to address complex global challenges. One example is the collaborative efforts in post-conflict reconstruction, where peacebuilders help design the social and political frameworks for rebuilding societies, while public interest lawyers work to ensure that legal protections are in place for displaced populations, refugees and human rights activists.
In situations where communities face economic inequality or social injustice, lawyers may advocate for policy reforms, while peacebuilders implement programs aimed at fostering reconciliation, social justice and sustainable development.
Explore examples of USD alumni using public interest law and peacebuilding to make an impact.
If both of these fields pique your interest, you don’t have to choose one over the other. The Kroc School of Peace Studies offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for law and peacebuilding into one dynamic career path.
JD/MA in Peace and Justice Dual Degree Program at the Kroc School of Peace Studies
For those looking to merge their legal expertise with a commitment to peace and justice, the JD/MA in Peace and Justice Dual Degree Program at the University of San Diego is an ideal option. This program is the first and only of its kind, combining a Juris Doctor (JD) from USD’s School of Law with a Master’s in Peace and Justice (MAPJ).
The dual degree offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for students who wish to address global justice and conflict issues through both legal and peacebuilding approaches. Students will gain critical insights into conflict resolution, human rights advocacy, environmental justice and more, preparing them for careers in international organizations, legal advocacy, humanitarian aid and policy development.
The program includes opportunities for hands-on experience through internships, fellowships and field-based practicums, helping students to apply their learning in real-world settings. Watch to learn more about what you can expect from the program or explore the curriculum.
Explore the frequently asked questions about our JD/MA in Peace and Justice Dual Degree.
