public-interest law

noun

1. a branch of law that often utilizes class-action suits to protect the interest of a large group or of the public at large, as in matters relating to racial discrimination, air pollution, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of public-interest law¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“This settlement has some strong accountability measures that should help ensure students get the resources they need,” said attorney Chelsea Kehrer of Morrison Foerster, which filed the suit in tandem with the public-interest law firm Public Counsel.

From Los Angeles Times

The lawyers who represent the New Jersey-based fishermen, are working pro bono and belong to a public-interest law firm, Cause of Action, that discloses no donors and reports having no employees.

From New York Times

Both the school’s attorney and a public-interest law firm representing an Orthodox Jewish coalition hailed the ruling as protecting the rights of religious employers.

From Washington Times

Both Ms. Carpenter and her attorneys at Alliance Defending Freedom, the public-interest law firm that won the high court’s decision in 303 Creative v.

From Washington Times

Also on Wednesday, a broader class-action suit was filed by Clarkson, a public-interest law firm, on behalf of a dozen anonymous clients, accusing OpenAI of lifting private, sometimes identifying information from Internet users “without their informed consent or knowledge,” according to a report in Rolling Stone.

From Los Angeles Times