Tulane Parole Opportunity Project (POPS)
POPS was established at Tulane Law School in 1989 as a pro bono program to address the problems of the rapidly growing geriatric inmate population in Louisiana’s prisons. In 2017, POPS was moved under the umbrella of the Tulane Law Clinics and expanded to provide representation to any person incarcerated in Louisiana who is eligible for parole. Clinic students representing a POPS client travel to the state prison where the client is incarcerated to interview and prepare the client for the parole hearing. The law students interview family and other supporters, gather documents, conduct an investigation, and create an advocacy packet to present to the Board of Pardons and Parole at the parole hearing. POPS offers an excellent opportunity for clinic students to obtain experience in interviewing, fact investigation, and oral advocacy under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. This program has garnered national attention and has served as a model for similar programs across the nation.