Paul Heron to step down as Legal Director after 9 years

Paul Heron will be stepping down from his position as PILC’s Legal Director at the end of July with Helen Mowatt, current Head of Legal Casework, taking up the position from 1^st August 2025.

Paul will focus on the legal work he is most passionate about and continue to work with PILC on a consultancy basis, while also exploring new avenues for legal and political work.

Paul originally founded the Public Interest Law Unit, an independent unit within Lambeth Law Centre in 2016 ‘with nothing more than a phone, a photocopier, and a deep belief in the power of law to serve working class people and grassroots movements fighting for justice’, later moving the Unit to becoming an independent organisation and law centre affiliated to the Law Centres Network.  

Over the years, he has been instructed by key figures in the socialist, trade union and peace movements to represent them in the Undercover Policing Inquiry (including the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Stop the War Coalition, and Youth Against Racism in Europe) alongside running a number of strategic legal cases defending working class and marginalised communities that have resulted in some landmark legal cases. Paul also represented Ricky Tomlinson, Arthur Murray and the family of Brian Williams, all part of the Shrewsbury 24, challenging their unjust imprisonment and getting their convictions quashed after 47 years. Most recently, he led a legal team in partnership with the Palestine Centre for Human Rights, submitting a major report to the SO-15 (Met Police War Crimes Unit) with compelling evidence that 10 Britons had been involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Paul Heron said:

“I have always recognised that law has its limits and it is not a favourable terrain for the working class, however the mission has always been to use the law as a tactic to challenge systemic injustice by working alongside communities, grassroots organisations and campaigners.

I am immensely proud not only of what I have built, but also the work I have contributed to consolidate PILC.  I know that my colleagues will continue to build the organisation going forward. PILC is a collective project rooted in movement lawyering, a legal and political commitment. I want to thank everyone, staff, comrades, clients, and campaigners who have worked with me since PILC was founded. I look forward to continuing the fight for justice along with you in my new role.”

PILC remains in a strong position going forward. As part of that, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Mowatt to the position of Legal Director. Helen is one of the co-founders of the organisation. For the last 8 years, she has been indispensable in the development of projects and staff as well as carrying her own caseload of public law and civil claims cases. Helen will now co-lead the organisation with Jean Demars (Director) whilst overseeing PILC’s strategic casework.

Helen Mowatt said:

“I am excited to step into this role at such a key time for PILC. It’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Paul Heron who has guided and inspired me for many years. PILC is built on a strong foundation of collective action and fighting alongside communities, and I'm excited to co-lead the organisation into its next chapter.”

We are also extremely fortunate to have an incredible team of staff and trustees who all share a deep commitment to building power and seeking justice with working class and marginalised communities through strategic legal action, research and legal education. Together we will continue to provide access to the law, support social movements and work hard to bring about change that benefits marginalised communities.