Palestine Advocacy Legal Assistance Project

PALA (Palestine Advocacy Legal Assistance) SLP Logo

Advocates for Palestinian freedom in the U.S. face escalating efforts by government officials, school administrators, and Israel proxy groups to investigate, censor, and punish criticism of Israel or support for Palestinian rights. On college campuses, students are routinely disciplined for protests and basic free speech expression. Professors have been fired for tweets, sued for research in Palestine, and faced intimidation for supporting an academic boycott. Events at public venues have been canceled in response to pressure campaigns. Over thirty states have enacted laws suppressing the right to boycott for Palestinian rights. Outright censorship of those who contemplate critically discussing this issue — as well as self-censorship to avoid backlash — is pervasive. Palestine Legal confronts this widespread suppression by representing, advising, and providing legal education to activists and communities who stand up for justice in Palestine. 

PALA members will have the opportunity to provide “know your rights” training for activists and community organizations. Members will first learn and then educate others on how free speech law functions in practice through community outreach initiatives. Members may also organize with individuals who are targeted by suppression campaigns. PALA members will have the unique opportunity to witness movement lawyering firsthand, seeing how lawyers can support this and other movements for social change. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in drafting public comments and rulemaking related to speech and activism.

Supervision: Students in PALA provide legal services under the supervision of attorneys at Palestine Legal.   

Time Commitment: 10-25 hours per semester and includes:

  • 2 trainings (1-2 hours each)
  • Bi-weekly check-in meetings (1 hour each)
  • Training for Know Your Rights presentations

For more information, please contact the student leaders at pala@berkeley.edu.