PILnet is a global non-governmental organisation that creates opportunities for social change by unlocking law’s full potential. With programs in Europe & Eurasia, Asia, and at the global level, PILnet aims to reclaim and reimagine the role of law so that it works for the benefit of all.
Held every year in a different city, or virtually when necessary, PILnet’s Global Forum convenes around 400 lawyers and advocates from around the world to forge alliances and develop strategies for using the law to protect civil society and the communities they serve. The PILnet Global Forum features presentations, interactive workshops, social events, and structured networking opportunities for attendees to learn from one another and to form collaborations to help make our societies stronger and more resilient.
PILnet builds networks and collaborations of public interest and private lawyers who understand how law works when it serves the interests of the privileged and then it uses that knowledge to strengthen civil society and the communities they serve. PILnet not only obtains high-quality, free legal assistance for civil society organisations when they urgently need it but also helps organizations to capitalize on the full range of specialized legal expertise that can be provided by corporate lawyers, including against ongoing, or even yet-to-be-determined, challenges.
PILnet has hosted annual pro bono Forums since 2007, first in Budapest, with the location weaving across Europe and Asia, from Berlin and Warsaw, to Madrid, Paris, London, Rome, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Bali, and Moscow. This year PILnet has come to Dublin.
Day one of the Global Forum kicked off with three sessions aimed at Law Firm Pro Bono Professionals, In-house Counsel Pro Bono Professionals and Pro Bono Clearinghouse Professionals respectively. The afternoon then brought all these participants together for a joint meeting to network with each other, discuss the pro bono landscape in Ireland, and exchange good practices and lessons learned about advancing partnerships through breakout groups and engaging presentations.
The day finished at the incredible Trinity College, Dublin Long Room with an evening of traditional Irish music in the historic heart of Dublin sponsored by A&L Goodbody LLP, Arthur Cox LLP and Matheson LLP.
Day two of the Forum left attendees with much food for thought, beginning with a breath-taking keynote speech from Dr Maeve O’Rourke, Lecturer in Human Rights at the Irish Centre for Human Rights (ICHR) at the University of Galway. Dr O’Rourke spoke passionately about her involvement in seeking access for survivors and adopted people to their own personal data, and the publication of appropriately anonymised administrative files, contained in 'historical' abuse archives in Ireland including the archives of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes, the Ryan Commission that investigated Industrial and Reformatory Schools, and the 'McAleese' Committee that inquired into Magdalene Laundries. Attendees were challenged and inspired by the incredible work of Dr O’Rourke and her colleagues fighting for justice for those whose human rights were systematically violated.
Later in the day, Forum attendees were engaged in discussions about Equitable Partnerships in Pro Bono and Beyond, the role of Big Law in helping the environment, how collaborations between law schools and NGOs can inspire new generations of lawyers and how ESG (environmental, social and governance) is changing the business, legal and civil society landscape.
More to follow as attendees look forward to the PILnet Global Awards Dinner to be held in the iconic Guinness Storehouse and another day of learning, collaborating and networking at day three of the PILnet Global Forum!