No. 14-cv-05559, (E.D.N.Y), 992 F.3d 128 (2d Cir. 2021)

Victory on appeal and re-trial, winning punitive damages

Dushanne Ashley was called over to an apartment so he could take care of a puppy named Roscoe, while the police were executing a warrant. But instead of letting him take the dog, he was arrested for possessing drugs that were obviously not his, then a detective lied and said he was there next to the drugs when they raided the house.

No. 21-cv-6296 (W.D.N.Y.)

$9.25 million verdict — highest ever in NDNY civil rights case

Terry Cooper Jr. was killed by state corrections officers in 2016. Evidence showed severe injuries contradicting the officers’ story and a faulty autopsy report. The case ended with an $8.9M settlement and inspired legislation, the Terry Cooper Autopsy Accountability Act.

Nos. 20-cv-10291, 20-cv-10541 (S.D.N.Y.)

$21,500 per person — record settlement for mass arrest class action

Arising from the NYPD’s violent crackdown on 2020 protests in Mott Haven, these consolidated cases resulted in the highest per-person settlement in U.S. history for a mass arrest. Over 320 people received compensation for police misconduct.

No. 21-cv-6296 (W.D.N.Y.)

Class action challenging decades of racist policing in Rochester

Filed after the killing of Daniel Prude, this lawsuit seeks to end systemic brutality and biased policing by the Rochester Police Department. Plaintiffs demand injunctive relief, reparations, and accountability for decades of unconstitutional practices.

No. 19-cv-7977 (S.D.N.Y.)

Class action win — religious freedom for corrections officers

This case challenged the NY prison system’s refusal to allow corrections officers to wear beards for religious reasons. The court certified the class, granted partial summary judgment, and issued a permanent injunction protecting religious accommodations.

No. 15-cv-4091 (S.D.N.Y.)

$2.55 million settlement — NYPD failure to provide lifesaving aid

Barrington Williams, age 25, died in police custody in 2013 after officers ignored obvious signs of medical distress and failed to perform CPR or use an available defibrillator. Years of litigation uncovered hidden evidence, leading to a $2.55M settlement.