‘Barack Effect’ May Spur Law Students to Seek Government Jobs
The head of a nonprofit group that promotes public interest law sees parallels between John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama.
David Stern, executive director of Equal Justice Works, told the National Law Journal that Kennedy was a charismatic lawyer who encouraged public service, and Obama is of the same mold. He predicted Obama will create a pipeline for law students to join government.
“Years ago, when Kennedy was president, people looked at public service as a noble calling,” Stern said. “I think we’re going to see a similar resurgence. I think we will see some BigLaw attorneys who say, ‘This is my opportunity to do something for the world.’ “
Deborah Ellis, assistant dean for public interest law at New York University law school, told the National Law Journal she is already seeing a change. She recounts an e-mail from a third-year law student pondering a job choice.
“He has an offer from a New York law firm, but he said he is now looking at pursuing a job in the Obama administration,” Ellis said. “There is a great deal of interest in the federal government, and that is exciting to me.”
