Underwood understands the complexities of civil rights claims and has the experience necessary to represent governmental entities and their employees effectively. These matters are best handled by legal counsel who are not only well-versed in the law regarding qualified immunity, departmental policies, internal investigations, and ethical standards, but who also have an appreciation of how the media and public perception affect the defense. We understand that the public opinion of law enforcement and other government officials can impact these cases, and we work diligently to protect the reputations of our clients.

Underwood successfully defends cases involving excessive force claims for police officers, as well as all varieties of First Amendment claims, and search and seizure claims, resulting in favorable dispositions for our governmental clients. Our experience in defending private employers is similarly expansive. We litigate claims of civil rights deprivation by employees and individuals based on all of the recognized suspect classifications under federal, state, and local law including but not limited to race, gender, age, pregnancy, disability, ethnicity, and religion.

At Underwood we pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge of civil rights law and our ability to help clients navigate the complexities of these cases. Our trial lawyers are recognized by state and national organizations as among the best for their courtroom skills.