The Prison Legal Assistance Project (PLAP) is a practice organization in which students represent inmates in Massachusetts state prisons. PLAP student attorneys argue at disciplinary hearings on behalf of prisoners charged with violating prison regulations. PLAP students also argue before the Massachusetts Parole Board for prisoners facing parole revocation or rescission. In addition, PLAP provides inmates with legal research assistance in matters ranging from civil rights violations to confiscated property.

PLAP provides an excellent opportunity to develop litigation skills – like discovery, investigation and cross-examination – during your 1L year.  Each student attorney receives training and guidance from our supervising attorney and upper-level students.  While each member is encouraged to take on at least one case, this is not mandatory.  However, members are expected to work one hour in the office each week.  During office hours students answer phone calls and letters from inmates, conduct some basic legal research, and refer inmates to appropriate legal services.

PLAP representatives will be available at the Student Practice Organization panel on September 16 and at the Student Activities Fair on September 18.