The best civil rights lawyers in Chicago in 2026 include Loevy + Loevy for wrongful convictions and police misconduct, People's Law Office for police abuse cases, Romanucci & Blandin for impact litigation, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym for disability and education rights, and Ed Fox & Associates and Hale Law among smaller practices.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Loevy + Loevy | West Loop | Wrongful convictions, police misconduct | Wrongful convictions and major police cases |
| 2. People's Law Office | Wicker Park & West Town | Police abuse and civil rights | People harmed by police |
| 3. Romanucci & Blandin | River North | Civil rights and impact litigation | High-profile and institutional cases |
| 4. Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym | The Loop | Civil rights, disability and education | Discrimination, disability and school cases |
| 5. Ed Fox & Associates | West Loop | Police misconduct and civil rights | Individual police misconduct claims |
| 6. Hale Law | The Loop | Civil rights and sexual abuse | Survivors and people with civil rights claims |
Civil rights cases can involve police, jails, schools, employers and government agencies. Federal claims are commonly brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, and government defendants have special defenses, so experience matters. Deadlines can be short, particularly for claims against local governments. Write down what happened as soon as you can and keep any video, medical records or names of witnesses.
Civil rights firm with national reach, based in the West Loop.
Loevy + Loevy describes itself as a civil rights law firm working for justice, accountability and transparency. Its practice areas include wrongful convictions, police misconduct, prisoner rights, whistleblower protection and FOIA and First Amendment cases.
Good to know: If you're incarcerated, a family member can make the first contact.
311 N Aberdeen St, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607
A long-running police misconduct practice on Milwaukee Avenue.
People's Law Office focuses on civil rights violations by police, and its site has a history section and information in Spanish. Its address is on North Milwaukee Avenue.
Good to know: The phone number is 773-235-0070.
1180 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Trial practice combining injury and civil rights.
Romanucci & Blandin describes itself as a national trial practice pursuing impact litigation and handles civil rights cases alongside negligence and wrongful death cases.
Good to know: Ask how publicity will be handled in a high-profile case.
321 N Clark St, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60654
A broader practice including disability and education.
Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym has civil rights and constitutional law, disability rights, education and equity law, and class action groups. It suits systemic cases and individuals with a disability or school dispute.
Good to know: Ask whether your situation would fit an individual or group case.
70 W Madison St, Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60602
One of three main focuses for this West Loop firm.
Ed Fox & Associates names police misconduct and civil rights among its main focuses, along with nursing home abuse and employment discrimination.
Good to know: Save any photos of injuries and all medical records.
118 N Clinton St, Suite 425, Chicago, IL 60661
A boutique firm specializing in civil rights.
Hale Law describes itself as a Chicago boutique firm focused on civil rights and personal injury litigation, including sexual abuse cases. It also has an office in New York.
Good to know: Ask about deadlines for abuse claims, which can be different.
53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 334, Chicago, IL 60604
Section 1983 claims in Illinois generally use the two-year personal injury deadline, but state-law claims against local governments can have a one-year deadline. Exact timing depends on the claim, so talk to a lawyer early.
Many take cases on contingency, and federal civil rights laws can allow a winning plaintiff to recover attorney's fees from the defendant. Ask how the firm's agreement treats that.
Complaints about Chicago police go to the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). Filing a complaint doesn't replace a lawsuit and doesn't extend your deadline. Consider speaking with a lawyer first.