Become a PILCH Member

PILCH  is strongly supported by the legal profession in New South Wales. Our members are made up of law firms, barristers, corporate organisations, university law schools and professional bodies.

Become a PILCH member

• Support the ethos of pro bono work;
• Contribute to a positive reputation of the profession;
• “Give back” by assisting marginalised, disadvantaged and vulnerable clients who would not otherwise get assistance;
• Work collaboratively with other members of the legal profession on systemic issues through innovative projects;
• Access expertise in developing pro bono programs;
• Gain opportunities to contribute to and participate in awareness raising and fundraising events, including the Walk for Justice;
• Participate in the development of innovative pro bono responses to unmet legal need;
• Improve recruitment, retention and satisfaction of staff; and
• Allow staff to develop additional skills in working with clients, and on issues that affect pro bono clients.

The benefits of membership

PILCH responds to the needs of members by providing a streamlined and structured means of participating in pro bono service.  PILCH ensures a positive and effective experience for members by allocating staff to

• Field enquires from the public;
• Direct clients to appropriate services;
• Obtain full instructions;
• Obtain and collate documents;
• Assess matters against our public interest test (including means and merit);
• Refer matters according to the interests, skills and expertise of the members;
• Ensure the client understands the parameters of the assistance that will be provided; and
• Obtain an instructing solicitor and/or senior and junior counsel as required.

Members may also refer enquiries for pro bono assistance to PILCH.

Work undertaken by members

Referrals

Accept referrals of pro bono clients from PILCH on a range of matters. You will be offered matters according to your interests and skills but are under no obligation to take on matters that are not within your capacity or expertise.

Projects

Take on matters within a project. Our projects are tailored to particular areas of unmet legal need that are generally outside the experience of private practice. Training and resources can be provided, allowing practitioners to develop new areas of expertise.

Training

Develop and deliver training to other members of the legal fraternity as well as community organisations.

Law Reform and Policy Work

All of our projects contain an element of law reform and policy work. We contribute to submissions, lobby government, and engage with the media.

Events

Contribute to the organisation of PILCH events and participate in those events.

Involvement of non-legal staff

The contribution from non-legal staff is integral to our work. Assistance with human resources issues, events management, library research, and administrative assistance is gratefully accepted.

Secondments

Secondments of both legal and non-legal staff are always welcome. We have a range of work that staff can contribute to and develop additional skills and knowledge in that is of benefit to their substantive roles.

How to become a member of PILCH

1. Complete the Application for Membership Form

2. Return it to PILCH

3.  Applications for membership are considered by the PILCH Board. The board generally meets every six weeks.

4. On approval of the membership application, an invoice will be issued for the membership fee.

Membership fees

 Fees stated above exclude GST