Rights behind bars

About

Learn about Rights Behind Bars and our approach to our work.

Who we are

A movement lawyering organization fighting for the rights of incarcerated people

Founded in Washington, DC in 2019, Rights Behind Bars litigates conditions of confinement cases in federal and state prisons and jails across the country. We take on cases that establish precedent, challenge systemic abuse, and shift the law for everyone behind bars — not just the clients we represent. Every case is designed to win for our client and to move the law in ways that benefit all incarcerated people facing similar conditions.

We believe litigation is one tool in a broader struggle. Alongside our legal work, we engage in public advocacy, media engagement, community organizing, and legislative advocacy — working alongside the movements demanding a more humane and just system. Our approach is client-centered: the people we represent shape our strategy at every step.

What guides our work

Our values

At Rights Behind Bars, our values are rooted in our mission to challenge the cruel and inhumane conditions of confinement alongside incarcerated individuals. We embrace the following principles to guide our work and ensure its effectiveness.

Excellence

We bring the highest level of legal skill and preparation to every case. Our clients' causes deserve nothing less, and we hold ourselves to that standard in everything we do.

Client-Centered Approach

Our clients are experts on their experiences. We will not substitute our judgment for our clients' judgment on legal matters, but rather engage in a mutual exchange of knowledge. We reject any form of discrimination based on clients' convictions and ensure that our representation is unwavering and dedicated to their needs.

Abolition

Our work is driven by a vision of dismantling the prison system and fostering transformative change. We prioritize solutions that build power for abolitionist movements, including reparations, decarceration, and community-based accountability.

Movement-led Change

We believe movements, not law, are the main force of change. While litigation is an essential tool in our toolbelt, we support and engage in various strategies and tactics, including community organizing, direct action, media engagement, public education, and legislative advocacy.

Respect and Kindness

We uphold a culture of respect, treating our colleagues, co-counsel, movement partners, and our clients with kindness and compassion. We work to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where individuals can thrive personally and professionally.

Non-Hierarchy

We endeavor toward a non-hierarchical and democratic workplace where every person's distinct contributions are valued, team members have the tools to participate in informed decision-making, and opportunities for growth are fostered.