Practice Areas / Civil Rights & Civil Liberties
We take action against government overreach.
We sue federal, state, and local agencies when they break the law.
Results in this area
Prison gate money class action proceeds
Court allowed our challenge to California’s withholding of gate money to move forward (2026). Read more
$465 million+*
CARES Act payments for people in prison, Scholl v. Mnuchin. Yaman Salahi led the briefing at a prior firm.
What we handle
Holding government accountable
Abuse in immigration detention
Federal Tort Claims Act and constitutional claims against ICE and the United States.
Rights of incarcerated people
Challenges to the unlawful withholding of monetary benefits from incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people.
Free speech and academic freedom
Students and faculty facing discipline or exclusion for political expression, and campus discrimination.
Discrimination by public entities
Section 1983, Title VI, and state civil rights claims against government bodies and recipients of public funds.
Our work in this area
Cases and amicus briefs
Prison gate money
CLASS ACTION
Class action over California’s withholding of the gate money owed to people leaving prison. The court allowed the case to proceed and it is currently in discovery.
Abuse in ICE custody
FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT
A Bay Area asylum seeker sues the government over his treatment in ICE custody.
Harvard’s challenge to the Trump administration
AMICUS
Amicus brief on behalf of Jewish Studies scholars. We also filed amicus briefs opposing deportations of people for their campus activism.
Scholl v. Mnuchin*
PRIOR FIRM
Yaman Salahi led briefing that secured over $465 million in CARES Act payments for people in prison.
Frequently asked questions
Civil rights questions we hear
Can I sue the federal government for mistreatment in ICE custody?
Often, yes, under the Federal Tort Claims Act. An administrative claim generally must be filed within two years of the injury, so contact us promptly.
My school punished me for a protest or social media post. Is that legal?
Public schools and universities are bound by the First Amendment. Private California schools are bound by the Leonard Law and anti-discrimination statutes. The answer depends on the facts.
Can you help my organization file an amicus brief?
Yes. We represent scholars, nonprofits, and community groups as amici in civil liberties cases.
A government agency withheld money or benefits I was owed. Do I have a claim?
Possibly. When a practice affects many people the same way, as with California’s gate money deductions, a class action may recover funds for everyone affected.
Free, confidential evaluation
Did a government agency violate your rights?
- Tell us what happened using the form.
- A member of our team reaches out to you promptly.
- If we can help, we explain your options and how fees work before you commit to anything.
Claims against the government often have short deadlines. Mention any date you’re aware of.
Request a free evaluation
Free and confidential. We’ll reach out promptly.
Other practice areas
Antitrust & Unfair Competition →Privacy & Surveillance →Consumer Protection →Employment →Business Disputes →
Attorney advertising. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. *Obtained at a prior firm, before Salahi PC was founded.