Sol-gel process is employed to prepare PLZT ceramic with the composition 9/56/44 (La/Zr/Ti). Complete crystallization of the sol-gel derived powders is achieved after 600°, 1 hr. calcination. The sintered density of the PLZT pellet decreases as the sintering time increases. A ninety-nine percent theoretical density is obtained for samples sintered at 1250° for one hour. The dielectric properties and optical transmission of the sol-gel derived samples are measured and compared with those of the hot-pressed PLZT ceramics reported in the literature. Sol-gel derived powders, when properly sintered, possess sufficient optical transparency for optoelectrical device applications.