Advancing Equality Through Strategic Litigation
At Acosta Law, our civil rights practice is driven by a profound commitment to challenging injustice in all its forms. We understand that civil rights are not merely abstract legal concepts but the concrete foundation of individual dignity and collective freedom in our society.
Our attorneys have represented clients in groundbreaking cases challenging discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. We have also been at the forefront of litigation addressing systemic bias in law enforcement and the criminal justice system, working to ensure that constitutional protections extend to all communities regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status.
Our Civil Rights Services
Employment Discrimination
We represent individuals facing workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Our attorneys have extensive experience litigating claims under Title VII, the ADA, ADEA, and state anti-discrimination laws.
- Race, gender, and religious discrimination
- Sexual harassment and hostile work environment
- Age and disability discrimination
- Retaliation for protected activities
- Wrongful termination
Housing Discrimination
We challenge discriminatory housing practices, working to secure fair access to housing for all. Our practice encompasses litigation under the Fair Housing Act and state housing laws.
- Discriminatory lending practices
- Denial of housing based on protected characteristics
- Discriminatory rental terms and conditions
- Housing segregation challenges
- Reasonable accommodations for disabilities
Institutional Reform Litigation
We engage in strategic impact litigation designed to address systemic discrimination and civil rights violations across institutions and industries.
- School desegregation and educational equity
- Police department pattern and practice cases
- Voting rights and electoral access
- Class action discrimination suits
- Environmental justice
Prisoner Rights
We advocate for humane treatment and constitutional protections for incarcerated individuals, challenging abusive practices and conditions in jails and prisons.
- Eighth Amendment conditions of confinement
- Medical care access and adequacy
- Protection from violence and excessive force
- Religious freedom in correctional settings
- Due process in disciplinary proceedings
Our Approach to Civil Rights Cases
Civil rights litigation demands both legal expertise and a deep understanding of social and political realities. Our approach combines:
- Listening Deeply: We recognize that those who have experienced civil rights violations are experts in their own experiences. Our representation begins with careful, compassionate listening.
- Collaborative Strategy: We work closely with affected communities, advocacy organizations, and experts to develop multi-faceted approaches to civil rights violations.
- Thorough Documentation: We meticulously document patterns of discrimination, gathering statistical evidence, witness accounts, and contextual information that strengthens our clients' cases.
- Strategic Advocacy: We select legal forums and approaches based on where our clients will receive the fairest hearing and the most meaningful remedy.
- Comprehensive Remedies: We pursue remedies that provide not only compensation but also structural reforms that prevent future violations.
Notable Civil Rights Cases
Community Coalition v. Las Vegas Department of Transportation (2020)
Led multi-plaintiff action challenging systemic discrimination in municipal transportation planning that disadvantaged minority neighborhoods, resulting in a comprehensive settlement requiring equitable infrastructure investment.
Jackson v. Nevada Department of Corrections (2017)
Successfully represented transgender inmates denied medically necessary care, establishing new standards for gender-affirming treatment in correctional settings throughout the region.
Rodriguez v. Western Financial Services (2015)
Secured landmark settlement in housing discrimination case identifying previously unrecognized pattern of algorithmic bias in mortgage lending practices, resulting in both substantial damages and industry-wide reform.
