Our impact
Since 2009, PILS have been breaking down the barriers that prevent human rights organisations from using the law to achieve change.
Latest news and events
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UK Pro Bono Week 2025: an introduction to public interest litigation and PILS’ Pro Bono Register
Event Date(s): November 4, 2025
| Time: 12.30 - 14.00
Event Type: In Person
Event Venue: The Inn of Court, Royal Courts of Justice, Chichester St, Belfast BT1 3JF (in-person only)
The theme for this year’s UK Pro Bono Week is ‘Pro Bono in Action’. PILS are bringing that concept to...
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Autumn Social – in pictures
When communities and lawyers unite to defend the public interest, incredible things happen. On 16 October 2025, the PILS Autumn...
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PILS Autumn Social 2025
Event Date(s): October 16, 2025
Event Type: In Person
Event Venue: Belfast Exposed, 23 Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2FF
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The PIL Toolkit
The Public Interest Litigation Toolkit demystifies the process of engaging in public interest litigation for human rights NGOs.
An Introduction to Public Interest Litigation
04/10/2023
Litigation is simply the process of taking legal action before the courts, or another judicial decision-maker. There isn't a single globally agreed upon definition of Public Interest Litigation. Learn about how PILS defines public interest litigation and how to identify a public interest element in an issue that your organisation...
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Animation: The Toolkit is your guide!
28/05/2024
Combining legal remedies with visible campaigning or policy work can be a really powerful way of holding decision makers accountable. Check out our animation that captures all the benefits that the Public Interest Litigation Toolkit has to offer Northern Ireland's changemakers!
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Pre-Litigation Considerations
04/10/2023
This section of the Toolkit outlines the questions that your organisation should ask itself before bringing any kind of legal action. Your answers to these questions will help you determine whether your organisation is prepared and equipped to pursue litigation.
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