Job vacancy: Legal Support Officer (p/t)
PILS is looking for a part-time Legal Support Officer.
Closing date: 21 September 2026.
Public Interest Litigation Support (PILS) is a Belfast-based non-profit committed to supporting local organisations to use the law in a creative way to protect human rights and equality.
PILS is a membership organisation, offering a range of free legal and financial supports to our solicitor firm and NGO members to help them take strategic human rights & equality cases in the public interest.
Public interest litigation refers to legal cases that will create positive change for vulnerable or disadvantaged groups of people in Northern Ireland.
Since our project was founded in 2009, our membership network has grown to over 180 NGOs and solicitor firms. Through collaborating with these organisations, and connecting them with pro bono lawyers, PILS has been part of major legal success stories: from ‘game-changing’ judicial reviews on integrated education, seismic climate justice challenges, and multiple examples of holding public bodies to account.
“PILS is such an invaluable asset for so many activists, community groups and organisations – so I would like to thank you for all the collaboration and patient guidance through various legal labyrinths!”
– Roan Ellis O’Neill, campaigner and PhD researcher
From our origins as a pilot project, PILS has matured into Northern Ireland’s dedicated support service for litigation in the public interest.
Now, the project is looking for a Legal Support Officer to coordinate PILS’ membership network of law firms and NGOs, help them develop and submit applications for PILS’ services, and assist the PILS Director with legal casework.
The Legal Support Officer will be an enthusiastic researcher and problem solver, someone with a natural curiosity who will relish the opportunity to investigate unfamiliar areas of law.
- This part-time post is being offered on a one-year fixed term contract with potential for extension subject to funding.
- PILS operates a hybrid working model which allows staff members to work from home for up to 60% of their working week.
- PILS is a member of the NI Human Rights Partnership and is an equal opportunities employer.
Interested in applying?
Download the recruitment information pack, application form and monitoring form:
The closing time and date for receipt of applications is 12.00pm midday (BST) on Monday 21 September 2026.
(Applications received after this time will not be considered.)
To discuss the post in more detail before applying, interested individuals should call the PILS office on 0044 28 9099 4258.
Please note the panel intends to hold in-person interviews in Belfast in the week commencing 12 October 2026.