What we stand for … is what we stand for.
PILCH stands for the Public Interest Law Clearing House, and PILCH works exclusively “in the public interest”. Our case and project work is determined by criteria relating to need, impact and public concern.
For PILCH, working in the public interest means working to
- advance the rights of the disadvantaged, vulnerable or marginalised;
- avert and respond to injustices;
- prevent abuses of power, including decisions of the state which result in breaches of human, civil, social or communal rights; and
- address issues of public concern.
PILCH believes in promoting the practice of public interest law. PILCH creates opportunities for students and legal practitioners through pro bono referral, secondment, volunteering and training; and maintains a rich network of committed and engaged supporters across the private, public and non-government sectors.
PILCH takes a collaborative approach to advocacy and social change and fosters relationships of partnership and mutual support with other stakeholders in the public interest.
Our Mission Statement
PILCH promotes pro bono legal services, links people and not-for-profit organisations with solicitors and barristers who specialise in public interest practice, and speaks out on issues of public interest.
Public interest issues involve public or group concerns, as opposed to those that involve purely private or individual interests.
PILCH acts to:
- Advance the rights of the disadvantaged, vulnerable or marginalised;
- Avoid or respond to injustice;
- Protect civil rights from decisions of the state; and
- Respond to issues affecting the natural world.
