Governmental Entities and Civil Rights Defense

We regularly represent governments and public officials in cases involving the following federal and state statutes:

• Civil Rights: First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)
• Texas Whistleblowers Act
• Texas Commission on Human Rights (TCHRA)
• Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA)
• Texas Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Act
• Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA)
• Texas Public Information Act (PIA)
• Colorado Governmental Immunity Act
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Our experience also includes defending against matters related to:

• Allegations of discrimination and harassment
• Retaliation claims
• Free speech, freedom of religion, election rights, and wrongful death
• Excessive force
• Challenges to the conditions of confinement asserted by prisoners and pre-trial detainees
• Due process claims
• Constitutional employment claims
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) claims
• Disability claims and compliance in employment, public accommodations, and transportation
• Land use and zoning litigation

Our attorneys have extensive experience in defending against a broad range of civil tort claims, including false arrest, assault, malicious prosecution, intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, invasion of privacy, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence. In defending these claims, we represent companies, private businesses, governmental entities, public officials, and individuals, from responding to the complaint, through appeal and final judgment.

We regularly represent local governments and public officials in a wide variety of constitutional and civil rights cases, including free speech, religious freedom, excessive force, search and seizure, jail conditions, due process, equal protection, and discrimination claims.

Our attorneys represent municipalities in construction-related disputes and assists in the drafting, negotiation, and enforcement of construction contracts. We have experience defending public entities against claims related to delays, defects, payment disputes, and regulatory compliance issues. We work to safeguard municipal interests by structuring agreements that clearly define responsibilities, mitigate risks, and protect public resources.

From property acquisition and valuation disputes to litigation and appeals, we ensure that governmental entities comply with statutory requirements while protecting public interests and mitigating potential legal risks.

Our team can provide guidance and solutions to both local governments and those affected by claims from property owners seeking compensation for loss or damage related to eminent domain acquisitions, loss of access, or environmental damage.

We work closely with governmental clients to implement policies that withstand legal scrutiny and support effective governance with guidance on employment policies, administrative regulations, procurement procedures, and governance structures to ensure efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation.

We ensure municipalities are prepared to handle internal investigations, civil litigation, and policy development with guidance on best practices for law enforcement policies, training programs, and compliance with evolving state and federal regulations. When litigation arises, our attorneys vigorously defend municipalities and law enforcement officers against claims of excessive force, wrongful arrest, and civil rights violations, while also providing proactive risk management strategies.

We rigorously assert the protections afforded to local governmental entities and expertly defend governmental entities in personal injuries actions brought against them in all aspects of the Texas Tort Claim Act.