A lawyer friend of mine has devoted herself to the service of humanity. Her special area is called "public interest law".

    Many other lawyers represent only clients who can pay high fees. All lawyers have had expensive and highly specialized training, and they work long, difficult hours for the money they earn.

    But what happens to people who need legal help and cannot afford to pay these lawyers' fees?

    Public interest lawyers fall this need. Lisa, like other public interest lawyers, earns a salary much below what some lawyers can earn. Because she is willing to take less money, her clients need the help, even if they can pay nothing at all.

    Some clients need legal help because stores have cheated them with faulty merchandise.

    Others are in unsafe apartments, or are threatened with eviction (驱逐，赶出 ) and have no place to go to. Their cases are called "civil" cases. Still others are accused of criminal acts, and seeking those public interest lawyers who handle "criminal" cases. These are just a few of the many situations in which men and women who are public interest lawyers serve to extend justice throughout our society.