PRISONERS’ LEGAL SERVICES OF MASSACHUSETTS NAMES DAVID J. RINI AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

February 3rd, 2025

BOSTON, MA — Prisoners’ Legal Services of Massachusetts (PLS), a nonprofit public
interest law firm providing free legal services to incarcerated individuals, today announced
the appointment of David J. Rini, Esq. as its new Executive Director. Rini brings extensive
experience in criminal justice reform, legislative advocacy, and nonprofit leadership to the
organization.

“Dave’s proven track record of building effective programs and coalitions, combined with
his deep commitment to social justice and prison reform, makes him the ideal leader for
PLS at this crucial time,” said Patty Garin, Chair of the PLS Board of Directors. “His
experience advocating for marginalized populations aligns perfectly with our mission.”
Rini joins PLS from the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), where he served as
Senior Director of the Systems Advocacy Department. At BARCC, he created and managed
innovative programs serving incarcerated individuals, including establishing one of the
nation’s first volunteer-staffed hotline programs supporting incarcerated survivors of
sexual violence. Under his leadership, the program experienced significant growth,
handling over 2,000 calls in 2022.

His accomplishments include successfully organizing a coalition of over 20 organizations
to advocate for the 2024 VOCA Bridge funding, securing $20 million in support for victim
services. He also played a key role in Massachusetts’ legislative reforms, organizing a team
of advocates that successfully updated the state’s equal pay laws in 2016.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to challenge the carceral system and promote the
human rights of incarcerated persons by joining Prisoners’ Legal Services,” said Rini.
“Throughout my career, I have been committed to advocating for prison reform, and I look
forward to working with PLS’s dedicated and talented team to advance justice and equity in
Massachusetts’ criminal legal system.”

As Executive Director, Rini will lead PLS’s team of 32 staff members in their work providing
individual and systemic impact litigation, direct administrative advocacy, and legislative
initiatives. The organization focuses on critical issues including health and mental health
care, staff misconduct, extreme conditions of confinement, segregation practices, and
racial equity in Massachusetts prisons and jails.

Rini holds a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law, where he graduated with
honors and was a participant in the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project and
Domestic Violence Clinic.