Civil Rights Defense

Practice Overview

Attorneys at Drummond Woodsum have extensive experience defending municipalities, public officials, public school systems, and other public entities in cases alleging violations of state and federal civil and constitutional rights. We have recently litigated civil rights matters involving issues such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, due process, equal protection, school funding, the use of force in making an arrest, searches and seizures, and discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, national origin, and sexual orientation. We regularly represent law enforcement officers, teachers and administrators, and other governmental employees lending us the knowledge and experience to confront the most challenging civil rights issues. Given the nature of civil rights litigation, our attorneys in the Civil Rights Defense Group have substantial jury trial experience in state and federal court. They also regularly appear in state and federal courts arguing dispositive motions and appeals. Group members also have experience handling matters before administrative agencies like the Maine Human Rights Commission and the Office for Civil Rights.