PILnet: The Global Network for Public Interest Law

A three-year grant of $300,000 has been awarded to PILnet, a U.S.-based non-profit whose mission is to promote public interest litigation among the legal community. The project, to be implemented out of PILnet’s Moscow office, will strengthen access to justice in Russia, in particular in relation to freedom of association. The proposed project will expand PILnet’s existing network of pro bono providers, increase pro bono services available to Russian human rights groups, and entrench pro bono in Russian legal culture. Foundation dollars will be spent primarily on salaries, travel, and workshops.

PILnet works with private sector law firms to provide free (pro bono) legal services to non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The grant help expand the use of PILnet’s existing infrastructure and extensive network of law firm contacts to make its resources available to NGOs in the MacArthur Foundation’s priority countries of Russia, India, Nigeria and Mexico. Pro bono assistance will range from administrative paperwork such as advice on tax issues or employment law, to more multifaceted programmatic issues such as litigation support and research on complex international human rights issues.

To produce a report on the current state of legal education in Russia (over three years).