The Association of Prison Lawyers
Probate Solicitors
The Association of Prison Lawyers
20 Northumberland Pl, North Shields
# The Association of Prison Lawyers
The Association of Prison Lawyers (APL) is a specialist professional body representing practitioners working in prison law across the UK, based in North Shields. Founded in 2008, the organisation was established to safeguard the interests of prison lawyers during a critical period when funding cuts threatened the viability of the profession.
APL serves as the authoritative voice for prison law practitioners, liaising directly with the Legal Aid Agency, Parole Board, and Ministry of Justice to advocate for members' interests and highlight systemic concerns affecting the profession. Rather than functioning as a prisoners' rights organisation, APL focuses on supporting its membership to deliver exceptional legal services to their clients.
The organisation distinguishes itself through its commitment to professional development and knowledge-sharing. It arranges regular specialist training courses addressing emerging areas of prison law practice identified through member feedback, thereby elevating the expertise and skill base across the profession. The APL website features a dedicated members' area with an active forum enabling practitioners to exchange views, share queries, and disseminate practical information.
APL maintains strong institutional relationships with key regulatory and governmental bodies, positioning members at the forefront of policy discussions affecting prison law practice. By combining advocacy at ministerial level with grassroots professional support, APL bridges the gap between individual practitioners and the broader criminal justice system. The organisation actively encourages member participation and engagement, recognising that collective representation strengthens both individual practitioners and their ability to serve incarcerated clients effectively.
The Association of Prison Lawyers (APL) is a specialist professional body representing practitioners working in prison law across the UK, based in North Shields. Founded in 2008, the organisation was established to safeguard the interests of prison lawyers during a critical period when funding cuts threatened the viability of the profession.
APL serves as the authoritative voice for prison law practitioners, liaising directly with the Legal Aid Agency, Parole Board, and Ministry of Justice to advocate for members' interests and highlight systemic concerns affecting the profession. Rather than functioning as a prisoners' rights organisation, APL focuses on supporting its membership to deliver exceptional legal services to their clients.
The organisation distinguishes itself through its commitment to professional development and knowledge-sharing. It arranges regular specialist training courses addressing emerging areas of prison law practice identified through member feedback, thereby elevating the expertise and skill base across the profession. The APL website features a dedicated members' area with an active forum enabling practitioners to exchange views, share queries, and disseminate practical information.
APL maintains strong institutional relationships with key regulatory and governmental bodies, positioning members at the forefront of policy discussions affecting prison law practice. By combining advocacy at ministerial level with grassroots professional support, APL bridges the gap between individual practitioners and the broader criminal justice system. The organisation actively encourages member participation and engagement, recognising that collective representation strengthens both individual practitioners and their ability to serve incarcerated clients effectively.
Services offered
Professional advocacy and representation to government bodiesSpecialist prison law training coursesMembers' forum and knowledge-sharing platformLiaison with Legal Aid Agency on funding mattersPolicy consultation and feedback on prison law practiceParole Board engagement and coordinationProfessional networking opportunitiesInformation distribution on legislative changes