Federal Civil Rights Litigation

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The Federal Civil Rights Litigation (“FCRL”) Division defends Chicago Police officers and the City in federal civil cases brought under 42 U.S.C. §1983 for claims for false arrest, use of excessive force, unlawful detention, denial of medical care, reversed convictions, wrongful death and related claims under state law such as malicious prosecution, battery, and false arrest. The vast majority of the underlying incidents arise from police arrests or police involved shootings, criminal investigations, drug arrests, domestic disturbances, gang activity, thefts, fights, disturbances, suicides or other lockup incidents and many other fact situations. These lawsuits seek compensatory and punitive damage awards against the individual officers, as well as compensatory damages and claims for attorneys’ fees against the City. The Division defends the majority of this litigation in the federal United States District Court in Chicago.

Federal Civil Rights Division currently has nearly 40 attorneys plus support staff. The more junior attorneys work under the supervision of more seasoned attorneys to work up their cases and prepare them for trial or settlement. The division has numerous opportunities for research and drafting of case dispositive or other motions on substantial constitutional or procedural issues of law. The division welcomes applicants from among both newly admitted attorneys and more experienced attorneys.