Belfast firm Francis Hanna & Co has become the latest solicitors firm to join The PILS Project.

The PILS Project was established in 2009 to help people engage in public interest litigation (PIL).

Francis Hanna & Co partner Claire Edgar told Irish Legal News: “Francis Hanna & Co is delighted to be welcomed on board the PILS panel of solicitors.

“We are seeing an increased need for public interest litigation as a result of both cuts to legal aid and welfare reforms which we think give rise to equality and human rights issues.

“We have particular concerns in relation to benefits and housing. We feel that lower socio economic groups, who very often don’t have a voice, are being disproportionately disadvantaged by austerity measures in a manner that is potentially unlawful. We look forward to supporting PILS in their vitally important work.”