China

PILnet first became involved in China in 2003 when it included two Chinese lawyers as International Fellows. Among PILnet’s Fellows is the core of a movement to promote public interest advocacy in China. As their efforts matured, they--as well as other like-minded partners--continued to seek PILnet’s support and guidance, resulting in PILnet’s first slate of in-country activities in 2007 and the establishment of a Beijing office in 2008.

PILnet’s work in China has three core themes: promoting the public interest career track among law graduates, in part through the China National Fellows program; strengthening public interest networks across China, especially in the provinces; and developing pro bono practice within law firms.