Public Interest Law Centre

Who we are

The Public Interest Law Centre exists to challenge systemic injustice through legal representation, strategic litigation, research and legal education. We specialise in public law, actions against public authorities and public inquiries, bringing cases to court for individuals and grassroots groups who have been treated unfairly. We hold government and public bodies to account, challenging unlawful policies and practices.

PILC was set up in September 2016 by Paul Heron, along with Jean Demars and Helen Mowatt. It was set up by Paul as an independent unit based within Lambeth Law Centre in order to allow the use of their public law legal aid contract. Following the liquidation of Lambeth Law Centre in summer 2019, PILC was established as an independent entity and incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee. In November 2020 we became a registered charity.

For Legal Aid purposes, we have access to Public Law, Claims against Public Authorities and Housing contracts. PILC is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Law Society. We are also a member of the Law Centres Network.