Last week, on Tuesday, April 29th, UVa’s Blue Ridge Center hosted an inspiring event on Public Interest Legal advocacy in conjunction with our very own Pre-Law Society fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta. The event, held in Monroe Hall, featured guest speaker Stephen Anderson, an attorney with decades of experience who now serves as the CEO at a Public Interest Law Firm, Pacific Legal Foundation, which focuses on issues of individual liberty and property rights. In Mr. Anderson’s words, he was there to introduce students to his career “fighting the government for the people.”
While PLF has a different ideological orientation than typically associated with public interest work, as it is a center-right organization, the work undertaken by Anderson and his team exemplifies the essence of public interest lawyering by prioritizing principles over profit. Centered around the principles of safeguarding individual liberty from government intervention, his firm has pursued numerous cases aimed at protecting the rights of ordinary Americans. These cases include challenges against government seizures of property through eminent domain, as well as addressing issues concerning fines and fees and equal rights.
Anderson, a graduate of UVa’s undergraduate program with a degree in History, shared insights from his journey through law school at Wake Forest, his first years as a practicing attorney, and his eventual transition into public interest work. After practicing law in the private sector for several years, Anderson felt compelled to pursue a career that aligned with his values and made him feel proud of what he was accomplishing– even if it meant taking a pay cut.
During his engaging talk, Anderson provided a comprehensive description of public interest law and the work he does, emphasizing its role in representing individuals or causes where legal representation may otherwise be lacking. He underscored the importance of prioritizing principles and societal impact over profit in the legal profession, encouraging students to pursue careers that offer both financial stability and meaningful contributions to better society. Public interest law, at its core, is about changing the law because it is unjust, not just adjudicating within the existing boundaries of the law.
Drawing from his own experiences, Anderson highlighted the work of the Institute for Justice (IJ) and PLF, where he now serves as President and CEO after joining in 2016. He shared stories of landmark cases the firm has argued before the Supreme Court, including Tyler v. Hennepin County, where PLF represented an elderly woman whose property was unjustly seized. Anderson used these cases to emphasize the critical role of public interest law in protecting peoples’ constitutional rights and challenging government overreach.
Anderson also discussed the historical significance of public interest law, referencing pivotal cases such as the first public interest law case in the US in 1761, and the strategic approach of organizations like the NAACP, the ACLU, and more. He urged the many students listening to consider the broader implications of their potential future legal careers, advocating for strategic lawyering that not only achieves legal victories but also drives societal change.
A matter that came up repeatedly in Anderson’s talk and the subsequent Q&A session was concerns about the funding structure for PLF and other public interest firms. Not-for-profit organizations like PLF are not required by law to disclose the identities of the private donors which fund them, a phenomenon that critics term as “dark money” influence on the operation. Anderson engaged in a thoughtful discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of this system, and the legal precedent that led to this structure for many organizations. While it’s undoubtedly important and fair to question the funding structure and strive for transparency in the future, the invaluable work performed by public interest firms across the country cannot be overstated.
Anderson’s insights left a lasting impact on all attendees, myself included, and will no doubt inspire some students to join the new generation of advocates committed to fighting for legal justice. Anderson’s visit to UVa served as a powerful reminder of the potential of public interest law, and helped provide a strong foundation for students interested in making a difference in the world through the legal profession.
Excellent article!