The Barack Effect

With just 11 weeks to go before Barack Obama’s inauguration, there’s already talk of a “Barack effect” inspiring a new wave of enthusiasm for government and public sector jobs among lawyers and law students. The National Law Journal this week quoted David Stern, executive director of Equal Justice Works, a nonprofit organization that promotes public service law, that he believes the Obama administration will create a pipeline from law schools and Biglaw to government law. “Years ago, when Kennedy was president,” said Stern, “People looked at public service as a noble calling. I think we’re going to see a similar resurgence. I think we will see some attorneys who say, ‘This is my opportunity to do something for the world.’” For a list of government and public interest law Web sites, go to our Avenue Resources, click on Career and go to The Job Bank.