Interested in Working with the New England Innocence Project?

The New England Innocence Project (N.E.I.P.) accepts applications every fall to join the Project for that academic year. N.E.I.P. offers New England students a chance to work on cases of incarcerated persons who contend they were wrongfully convicted. New England students have worked at N.E.I.P. for several years, and found it rewarding, interesting and educational. It is a chance to see the criminal justice system from a unique perspective, to really learn how a serious criminal case develops, and to work with outstanding, dedicated attorneys throughout the New England area. It is also a chance to free an innocent person from prison.

Who can work with N.E.I.P.?

N.E.I.P. accepts applications from Day or Evening Division students who have completed their first year of study. First year Day or Evening students are encouraged to consider work with the Suffolk Lawyers for Justice Law School Network, that pairs students with lawyers representing indigent defendants in Suffolk County. Students who have completed their first year (Day or Evening) may apply to work with N.E.I.P. in the summer.

Is There pay or academic credit for this work?

No. Work with N.E.I.P., by students as well as by all attorneys, legal staff, and law professors, is strictly volunteer. It does not yield academic credit. Most students find that they are richly rewarded with the hands-on education about the legal system, the criminal justice process, and what it means to be a lawyer, that work with N.E.I.P. provides. N.E.I.P volunteers are also eligible for the Public Service Transcript Notation Program.

What's the time commitment?

Students must commit to work with N.E.I.P. for two semesters, or a summer. The weekly time commitment is six hours.

How do I get a position with N.E.I.P.?

Students must apply for a position with N.E.I.P. through Professor Siegel. Obtaining a position with N.E.I.P. is competitive. The deadline for receipt of applications for the 2008-09 academic year will be announced in August 2008. Be sure to read the informational memo before applying. Summer applicants should contact Professor Siegel for application instructions.

Where can I get more information?

Get the informational memo, describing the details of the work. For additional information, contact Professor Siegel.