PILnet’s mission is to make law work for the poor, vulnerable and unrepresented. It pursues this mission by providing new tools and strategies to public interest lawyers and developing networks of pro bono lawyers to support them. Law has historically been a form of state power, but today, much of that power is in the hands of private sector actors. While public interest lawyers have made great advances using law as an instrument to confront power, especially through impact litigation, corporations and wealthy individuals have benefited greatly from the use of a different set of legal skills that mitigate risks. Through forums, fellowships, and trainings that put new tools in the hands of public interest advocates, PILnet is creating a new frontline of advocates fighting for positive social change. PILnet’s unique approach complements traditional rights-based strategies. PILnet engages the entire legal profession as a global public interest law and pro bono network, to form effective, long lasting collaborations with civil society. As a strategic intermediary between the public and private sectors, PILnet carefully pairs NGOs and corporate lawyers to address emerging concerns and systemic issues. Building these relationships and involving corporate lawyers in long lasting collaborations with civil society, is a crucial piece of the PILnet strategy: it allows NGOs to not only obtain high-quality, free legal assistance when it is urgently needed, but also to become aware of the full range of specialized legal assistance they can receive. This ultimately leads to stronger, more resilient societies. In 2017, through its clearinghouses, annual Forums, strategic convenings, and specialized projects, PILnet assisted over 200 NGOs by engaging 50 law firms to provide direct legal services valued at approximately $3,705,000. At PILnet’s 2017 Global Forum, 340 participants spanning across 48 countries came together to focus on reclaiming law as a force for good.
