Civil Rights Lawyers

At Rectifi, powered by DiCello Levitt, we believe civil rights are not just legal protections—they are essential promises of fairness, dignity, and respect. These rights make our communities safer, workplaces stronger, and hold government institutions more accountable. When those in power betray that trust, we stand with you. Whether you were mistreated by law enforcement, targeted by employment discrimination, or harmed by another form of civil rights abuse, our team is here to help.

Our civil rights lawyers have stood shoulder to shoulder with individuals and families during some of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Our team has delivered results that create meaningful change, including a $50 million jury verdict for a Cleveland, Ohio man brutalized by police.

Whether the injustice happened in a jail, courtroom, school, or place of employment, our nationally recognized trial lawyers know how to respond. We are deeply experienced in civil rights litigation and committed to pursuing accountability with strength, purpose, and care.

Understanding Your Civil Rights

Civil rights are the basic freedoms that help ensure everyone in this country is treated fairly and with dignity. These protections are built into the U.S. Constitution and federal laws and are meant to prevent discrimination based on race, gender, disability, religion, or national origin.

Civil rights violations can happen in many areas—at work, in school, with law enforcement, or when trying to access housing or public services. When these rights are taken away, the effects are real: people can lose their jobs, be mistreated by the police, or suffer emotionally and financially. At their core, civil rights ensure that every person has the same opportunity to live safely and equally under the law.

How a Civil Rights Lawyer Can Help

When your rights are violated, it can be hard to know what to do next. That is where a civil rights lawyer comes in. At Rectifi, we start by listening—really listening—to what happened. Then we explain, in plain language, if the law protects you and how we can help.

Whether you were unfairly fired, stopped by police without cause, denied housing, or harassed at work, our lawyers are here to help. We understand how deeply discrimination affects not just your record, but your dignity and livelihood. We work to recover financial losses, help you find your footing again, and push for accountability. Most importantly, we walk with you through every step of the process, so you never feel alone.

Standing Up to Police Brutality and Civil Rights Violations

Police misconduct is one of the most visible and damaging forms of civil rights abuse. Victims may face:

• Police brutality and use of excessive force
• False arrest without probable cause
• Racial profiling and unlawful searches
• Denial of medical care during detention
• Malicious prosecution and fabricated charges

These actions are not only unconstitutional but often illegal, and they can have devastating consequences. At Rectifi, we hold police departments and government institutions accountable in both state and federal courts. Civil rights litigation allows victims to seek justice and demand structural change.

Malicious Prosecution and False Arrest

When prosecutors or police pursue charges without proper evidence—or out of personal bias or retaliation—it can result in years of legal hardship. Malicious prosecution and false arrest not only damage a person’s record but can also derail careers, destroy reputations, and cause irreparable suffering.

These abuses are often rooted in systemic problems within government agencies, where oversight fails and individuals are left vulnerable. Our attorneys investigate the full timeline of each proceeding to determine whether your rights were violated from the very beginning. Filing a lawsuit for a civil rights case is one of the strongest ways to hold both individuals and government institutions accountable.

Abuse by Government Agencies and Institutions

Civil rights abuses do not only happen in police custody. Public schools, prisons, housing authorities, and other agencies can be responsible for discriminatory or unconstitutional practices. Examples include:

• Unjustified use of force in correctional facilities
• Discriminatory discipline in schools
• Housing discrimination based on race or disability
• Retaliation against whistleblowers or protesters

Rectifi’s team is equipped to take on complex civil rights cases involving powerful institutions. We have the experience to cut through red tape and expose unlawful practices.

Supporting Workers Facing Discrimination

Workplace discrimination is a serious civil rights issue. If you have been treated unfairly based on race, gender, religion, disability, or age, you may have a legal claim. At Rectifi, we focus on systemic harms—such as wrongful termination, refusal to accommodate disabilities, and workplace harassment. We represent workers whose rights have been ignored or denied by public or private employers and can help in cases involving pay inequality, retaliation, or other forms of employment discrimination.

Time Limits for Filing a Civil Rights Claim

Civil rights claims are governed by strict statutes of limitations. For example, federal employment discrimination complaints must often be filed with the EEOC within 180 days. Claims involving police misconduct may also require notice to be given within a few months. The earlier you begin the process, the more options we have to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

We Understand the Lasting Impact

Civil rights violations affect every part of daily experience. People affected by injustice may face financial instability, public scrutiny, mental health issues, or life-changing injuries. The trauma from an unlawful arrest, physical abuse, malicious prosecution, or discrimination in public service or employment can linger for years.

Our civil rights lawyers know that the emotional toll of discrimination and state-perpetrated crimes can be as damaging as physical injuries. Our attorneys represent victims across the country, helping them navigate the legal process with care and clarity.

We work with experts to document your suffering, lost wages, and long-term impact so the full extent of the harm is accurately presented in court. Whether your claim involves law enforcement misconduct, employment discrimination, or unlawful practices by public institutions, our lawyers are here to represent your interests and pursue the justice you deserve.

Civil Rights Cases That Have Made a Difference

Our lawyers helped secure a $50 million jury verdict for Arnold Black, a Black man who was illegally detained and brutally beaten by police in East Cleveland, Ohio. The verdict reflected the severity of the abuse he suffered—and forced meaningful changes within the police department to help prevent similar misconduct in the future.

We also represented the family of Jayland Walker, a young Black man whose death during a police encounter in Akron, Ohio, sparked national outrage and calls for reform. In 2024, the case was resolved through a $4.85 million settlement with the City of Akron. Just as importantly, the litigation prompted the city to revise its police vehicle pursuit policy, a critical step toward improving public safety and accountability. The resolution reflected the Walker family’s courage in demanding answers—and change—during an unimaginable loss.

At Rectifi, we believe that one case can transform policy; not just for one person, but across a community, a state, or the country. When we engage in civil rights litigation, we do it to achieve real change for our clients, and future victims.

Resolving a Civil Rights Case

The process of resolving a civil rights case requires careful planning, strong evidence, and experienced legal guidance. It often begins with filing a formal complaint with the appropriate agency and gathering testimony and documentation to support the claim. Civil rights lawyers work closely with individuals and families to collect evidence, build a compelling case, and determine the best strategy for action.

In many cases, mediation may offer an opportunity to resolve disputes without the need for a lengthy trial. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, a skilled civil rights lawyer will represent the victim or their family in court, fighting for compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and the suffering caused by the violation. The goal of a civil rights lawsuit is not only to secure financial recovery but also to hold those responsible accountable and create meaningful change.

By partnering with us, individuals and families can navigate the legal process with confidence, knowing their rights are protected and their voices will be heard.

Why Choose Us as Your Civil Rights Law Firm?

Rectifi is powered by DiCello Levitt, a national trial law firm with deep expertise in civil rights and public interest litigation. Our team includes civil rights attorneys recognized by legal associations, the media, and national advocacy groups. We take on complex, high-impact cases involving government abuse, discriminatory practices, and civil rights violations, and have the resources to bring claims in both state and federal jurisdictions. Our trial lawyers do not back down. We bring not just experience, but a clear sense of mission to every civil rights case. When laws are broken and people are harmed, we respond with strategy, resolve, and service rooted in justice.

Talk to a Civil Rights Attorney in a Free Consultation

If your civil rights were violated through false arrest, excessive force, malicious prosecution, or systemic discrimination, do not wait. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your options and begin the path to justice.

Our law firm is built on integrity, compassion, and the belief that every person deserves protection under the law. Let us help you fight back.

Contact us for a free consultation. We’re here for you.