We work in solidarity with people affected by systemic issues to build their power whilst highlighting their experience. Our priorities and the direction of our strategic litigation are set by these relationships. Strategy is formulated together with the individuals and groups we represent, whom we support through legal education to ensure that the process is transparent and meaningful throughout. Working this way implies a recognition that process and outcomes are not separate; we aim to integrate litigation within a broader movement for social justice.

We work in collaboration with grassroots groups, campaigns and frontline organisations through a legal hub model, building capacity through legal education and advocating through legal action in key priority areas: racial justice and migrants rights; housing/homelessness; violence against women; the impact of austerity; and state surveillance.

We are also conscious that the law is not a favourable terrain for the working class, social justice campaigners or for vulnerable and marginalised individuals/groups. However, we believe it is vital to hold government and public bodies to account and challenge unfair policies and practices wherever possible. We use the law as a tactic to support the work of frontline organisations, grassroots campaigners and working class communities in our areas of expertise.

While PILC’s contribution to human rights and social justice campaigning is through its litigation work, we do not evaluate that work in traditional legal terms. The value of a case is not determined solely by its outcome in the court, however essential that is, but also by the impact it brings to the issues at stake and the rights of the communities we represent.