Governmental Entity and Civil Rights Defense Lawyers
The Governmental Entity Representation and Civil Rights Defense Practice at MacMain Leinhauser includes a former Pennsylvania State Trooper and former prosecutors who have extensive experience counseling and representing governmental entities at the local, county, and state levels.
Our governmental entity and civil rights defense lawyers are well-respected by colleagues, clients, officials, and insurers for our tenacious and practical counsel and defense of public entities and those who serve and represent them.
Here When You Need a Governmental Liability & Civil Rights Defense Attorney
We have been very successful in defending thousands of claims—for both liability and alleged civil rights violations—on behalf of state and local governments and other public agencies. Our practice takes us to federal and state courts throughout the country and tribunals at the administrative agency level.
Our civil defense practice includes:
- Claims involving law enforcement and correctional facilities
- Allegations of negligence or misconduct involving the detention of persons in custody
- Tort lawsuits against municipalities
- Disputes regarding zoning or land use
- Employment claims asserting violations of federal law under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, Section 1983, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Complaints involving free speech under the First Amendment
- Allegations of wrongful prosecution
- Claims of failures by those providing children and youth services, including social workers and court officials
- Qualified immunity defense on behalf of judges, officers, elected officials, and administrators
- Suits against schools and school systems
Our record at trial is strong. We have obtained verdicts for the defense in numerous cases against government entities and officials. In many others, we have successfully submitted motions for dismissal or summary judgment or negotiated voluntary dismissals.
Our lawyers are adept at identifying cases that should be defended in court versus those that are better suited for settlement. When we believe negotiating a settlement is the best option, we clearly explain our recommendations and work closely with our clients to achieve a practical and expedient solution. Our reputation and relationships allow us to work with opposing parties and counsel, judges, court officials, and others to move cases through the system efficiently and effectively.
Civil Rights & Government Litigation Defense in Pennsylvania and Beyond
MacMain Leinhauser’s Governmental Entity Representation and Civil Rights Defense Practice is led by attorney David MacMain, a former Pennsylvania State Trooper who now practices in government litigation and law enforcement defense, among other areas.
We serve as national counsel to several carriers who retain us to oversee and/or handle complex, high-risk cases beyond our home base in West Chester, Pennsylvania. To date, these have included matters throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, and Arizona.
Our governmental entity and civil rights defense lawyers have successfully obtained results that include:
- Defense verdicts or dismissals in police-related shootings
- Dismissals of wrongful conviction cases
- Summary judgment in false arrest, pursuit, use-of-force, and state-created-danger claims
- Successful defense of public entity clients in administrative agency actions
- Successful defense of favorable results before Pennsylvania appellate courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and other circuit courts of appeals
David MacMain and the governmental entity lawyers at MacMain Leinhauser regularly speak and present at seminars and conferences In Pennsylvania and throughout the United States on governmental legal matters including civil rights, liability, municipal litigation defense, and other topics. These presentations include engagements with Defense Research Institute (DRI), the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC), the Pennsylvania Municipal League, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, the Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), and the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Legal Counsel by Experienced Governmental Entity Lawyers
In addition to our robust defense practice, our attorneys also provide general legal counsel to help governmental entities and officials prevent litigation and defend against claims when they arise. This includes ongoing service as solicitors, general counsel, review and creation of policies and procedures, assistance in employee training, evaluation of claims, and pre-litigation investigation and guidance.
Contact a Governmental Entity & Civil Rights Defense Attorney
Our legal counsel helps municipalities, other government agencies, and public officials prevent claims and litigation by being proactive and ready. When claims do arise, our governmental entity lawyers have the experience in civil rights and litigation defense to identify and pursue the most effective resolution. Call MacMain Leinhauser to schedule a consultation with an attorney by calling 484-318-7106 or completing our online contact form.