Wrongful Conviction Project

The Wrongful Conviction Project partners with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and the Making an Exoneree Program at Georgetown University Prisons and Justice Initiative to help exonerate individuals convicted of crimes they did not commit and prevent such convictions from occurring in the first place.

What we do:

There is growing awareness that various deficiencies in the criminal legal system have led to the incarceration of innocent people. After exhausting their appeals, exoneration organizations are often such individuals’ last chance for freedom. The Wrongful Conviction Project works with potential clients who have gone through the appellate process without obtaining relief. Volunteers assess wrongful conviction claims, read through evidence and trial transcripts, summarize their findings, and make recommendations regarding the merits of the case for the Project to begin advocating for the client.

How we do it:

New volunteers typically begin with a stage two review. This involves evaluating a potential client’s case and making a recommendation concerning their innocence and the likelihood of new evidence or testimony.

Who we work with:

The Wrongful Conviction Project works with incarcerated individuals who have completed the standard course of criminal appellate proceedings, meaning that they are past the post-conviction relief stage and can take no further steps without additional assistance.

How and when can I join:

Interested applicants can join at the start of each semester. Depending on the needs of our partner organizations, some projects may require an application. If you have questions, please email the Wrongful Conviction Project’s Director of Training and Recruitment Lulu Lipman (jesslip@penncareylaw.upenn.edu) and Executive Director Scott Aravena (aravenas@penncareylaw.upenn.edu).

What skills will I develop:

Appellate advocacy, client counseling, criminal justice, draft court pleadings, interviewing & intake, investigation, legal analysis, legal writing, working with vulnerable clients.

The work is likely to be New York Bar eligible.