Best Lawyers in America for Civil Rights Law

Michael Schwarz gained his admission to the New Mexico Bar in 1980 and is a sole practitioner in Santa Fe, primarily practicing in the areas of employment and labor law. He authored the New Mexico Appellate Manual . He also authored numerous professional publications and appeared as a speaker at several continuing legal education programs in the areas of employment law and professional responsibility both at the local and national levels. Schwarz was past chair of the Employment and Labor Law...

A member of the trial bar for over 50 years, Jim has unparalleled experience and skill in preparing and presenting cases for adjudication – whether by jury, judge, arbitrator, mediator or the parties themselves. He represents Silicon Valley companies with commercial, trade secret and intellectual property issues. Jim also represents individuals in a wide variety of matters, including civil rights actions, employment disputes, family law and criminal defense.

Meaghan Driscoll is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Meaghan, who practices law in Tacoma, Washington, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Meaghan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kevin J. Hamilton focuses his practice on labor and employment counseling and litigation. Mr. Hamilton has addressed, through counseling, negotiation, or litigation, a broad range of key issues critical to the modern workplace. Mr. Hamilton has particular experience with non-competition, trade secret, multiple plaintiff and class action litigation. Mr. Hamilton chairs the firm's nationally-recognized Retail & Consumer Industry practice, including more than 200 lawyers throughout the firm ...

Attorney Nick Crosby practices in labor and employment law, municipal liability, constitutional law, civil rights defense and general civil litigation. Mr. Crosby represents management in binding labor arbitrations and labor-management proceedings regarding contract interpretation and discipline and discharge matters. A native of Reno, Nevada, Mr. Crosby attended the University of Nevada, Reno where he received a bachelor of arts degree, with distinction, in journalism with an emphasis in adv...

Amy Rao Mohan provides a practical, problem-solving approach for her clients whether it involves litigation, crisis management or general counsel work. As a former Emmy-award winning television journalist, Amy brings a unique approach to the law to develop effective approaches to protect her clients’ interests and reputations inside and outside of the courtroom. She takes pride in her ability to connect with clients, ease their minds during a crisis, and provide them with a clear path f...

Steven C. McGaver is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law. Steven C., who practices law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Carlos Mahoney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Carlos, who practices law in Durham, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Carlos is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Founding Partner On January 16, 2025,, Gary Gwilliam received the first ever, Legend of The Law, Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Alameda Contra Costs Trial Lawyers Association. Gary Gwilliam is considered one of the best consumer trial attorneys in the state. His reputation and skill in representing seriously injured plaintiffs is well known. He has tried over 180 jury cases, of which almost 150 were plaintiff civil personal injury cases. He has handled major cases in every area o...

Avi Kumin is a founder and partner at Katz Banks Kumin. For over 20 years, Mr. Kumin has been successfully advising employees about their legal rights, resolving difficult situations with employers, and litigating employment claims in court. Mr. Kumin’s practice focuses on whistleblower protection, sexual harassment and assault, executive negotiations, contractual disputes, discrimination, and retaliation, among other areas of employment law, often in highly complex and contentious situ...

Nancy Erika Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law, Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Nancy Erika, who practices law in Montclair, New Jersey, has been recognized since 1987. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nancy Erika is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

A recognized leading litigator and chair of the Litigation Group, Pat has successfully tried and defended cases ranging from commercial litigation, product liability and toxic tort, employment discrimination and redistricting litigation, bribery, wire fraud, honest services and conspiracy. Pat's healthcare practice includes representing healthcare providers before state and federal regulatory agencies as well as in civil and criminal investigations. Dedicated to the law and service to society...

Michal Shinnar is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Civil Rights Law, Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Michal, who practices law in Greenbelt, Maryland, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michal is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Pfau, a Seattle-based lawyer with a national practice, has devoted a significant amount of his 30-plus year career to helping childhood sex abuse victims find justice, compensation, and closure through the legal system. He has brought hundreds of successful lawsuits on behalf of children—and adults who were sexually abused as children—against the predators and perpetrators that have hurt them, including the powerful institutions that ignored, covered-up, or acted in secrec...

Guy A. Fortney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Civil Rights Law, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Guy A., who practices law in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been recognized since 2017. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Guy A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Experienced Trial Lawyer Delivering Results Dan joined Fishel Downey Albrecht & Riepenhoff LLP as a Partner in August 2013. He led the firm as Managing Partner in 2018 and 2019. He received his law degree from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude , from Youngstown State University. Dan is a trial attorney and enhances the insurance defense and law enforcement liability sections of the firm. He is experienced in employment and civil rights litigation, la...