At Abrams Fensterman, LLP, we are dedicated to protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and communities. Our Civil Rights Practice, led by seasoned litigator Amy B. Marion, is committed to standing up for justice, equality, and the rule of law. We represent clients in a broad spectrum of civil rights matters, holding those who violate basic human rights accountable and ensuring our clients’ voices are heard.
Civil Rights Law Focus Areas
Discrimination Claims
We represent individuals who have faced discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. Our team works tirelessly to ensure justice is served and systemic inequities are addressed. The Civil Rights Practice at Abrams Fensterman has successfully litigated discrimination cases against large municipalities and corporations, achieving justice for those wronged by unlawful biases.
Workplace Rights
Our attorneys advocate for clients facing discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination in the workplace. We enforce labor laws and fight for fair treatment for all employees. Our litigation team’s extensive litigation experience in employment-related disputes ensures strategic and vigorous representation.
Prisoners’ Rights
We represent incarcerated individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated, including cases of abuse, neglect, and denial of basic healthcare. Amy Marion has litigated high-profile cases of police brutality and detainee abuse, including the prosecution of the former Suffolk County Police Chief James Burke and cases involving the mistreatment of female prison detainees.
Voting Rights
Protecting access to the ballot box is critical to our democracy. The Politcal and Election Law Practice Group at Abrams Fensterman has been on the fore front of the New York State Voting Rights Act. Our firm works to combat voter suppression and actively litigates to ensure fair representation for all citizens. With over 30 years experience as a litigator, Amy Marion’s commitment to justice extends to defending voting rights and ensuring fair electoral processes.
Public Education Rights
We advocate for students and families who have faced discrimination or deprivation of educational rights within public schools. We handle cases involving unequal access, harassment, and violations of students’ rights to a fair education.
Criminal Prosecution Misconduct
We represent individuals who have suffered wrongful convictions or prosecutorial misconduct. Amy Marion recently secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who was wrongfully convicted, demonstrating her relentless pursuit of justice for those falsely accused.
Construction Litigation
Our civil rights advocacy extends to construction-related disputes involving safety violations, negligence, and contractual rights. The Civil Rights Practice group at Abrams Fensterman has successfully obtained six-figure settlements for clients involved in construction litigation.
First Amendment Violations
Freedom of speech, religion, and assembly are cornerstones of our democracy. We defend clients who have faced First Amendment violations, ensuring their rights to free expression are upheld. Amy Marion’s trial experience in religious corporation disputes highlights her dedication to protecting these fundamental freedoms.
Notable Achievements
Child Victims Act Cases
The Abrams Fensterman Civil Rights Litigation Team has successfully handled numerous wrongful conviction cases, tirelessly fighting to correct injustices and secure compensation for those falsely accused. One such case, for example, in 2023, the team obtained a multi-million dollar settlement for a client after years of litigating a complex wrongful conviction case.
Child Victims Act Cases
Our Civil Rights team has litigated multiple cases under the Child Victims Act (CVA), advocating for survivors and defending clients against unjust claims. One notable instance in 2023, Amy Marion secured a favorable verdict in one of New York State’s first CVA trials, shielding her client from millions in potential damages.
Commercial and Civil Contempt Litigation
The Civil Rights Practice has navigated a range of commercial disputes and civil contempt proceedings, protecting clients’ rights and enforcing legal judgments. On one occasion, in 2023, Amy Marion won a civil contempt hearing and obtained attorney’s fees for her client in a contentious commercial litigation matter.
Religious Dispute Cases
Abrams Fensterman has successfully handled litigation disputes involving religious organizations, safeguarding clients’ interests in complex legal contexts. For instance, in 2021, the team successfully tried a religious corporation dispute, achieving a judgment in favor of their clients.
Criminal Defense Cases
Our attorneys have defended numerous clients against criminal charges, often securing dismissals and favorable outcomes. In one recent case, Amy Marion obtained a dismissal of menacing charges, sparing her client from potential jail time.
Construction Litigation Cases
The Civil Rights Litigation Team has managed a variety of construction-related disputes, achieving significant settlements and resolutions for clients. One such success involved securing a settlement of hundreds of thousands of dollars for a client entangled in a construction litigation matter.
Actual Innocence Cases
Our firm has relentlessly pursued justice for clients facing wrongful convictions, establishing their innocence and clearing their names. In one remarkable case, Amy Marion demonstrated actual innocence for a client wrongly convicted of sexual abuse, leading to the conviction being set aside after a successful Criminal Procedure Law § 440 motion.
Why Choose Us
Proven Track Record
Led by Amy Marion, our team has a history of success in civil rights litigation. Our victories include high-profile cases of wrongful conviction, discrimination, and constitutional rights violations.
Client-Centered Approach
We prioritize the needs and goals of our clients, offering compassionate and personalized legal representation every step of the way.
Experienced Advocates
Amy Marion brings over 30 years of experience and a passion for justice to every case. Her background includes work with the New York City Legal Aid Society and an appointment to the New York State Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct.
How We Can Help
If you believe your civil rights have been violated, our team is here to help. We will listen to your story, assess your case, and develop a strategic plan tailored to your unique circumstances. From negotiation to litigation, we will stand by your side to seek justice.
For further information about our Civil Rights Department, please contact our law firm on Long Island at 516-328-2300, in Brooklyn at 718-215-5300, White Plains at 914-607-7010, Rochester at 585-218-9999 or Albany at 518-535-9477 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case today.
