Corrections Defense

Our firm is a national leader in corrections defense. We represent corrections departments, jail systems, and their private correctional services providers in routine, complex, and high-stakes litigation in Arizona and across the nation. Our attorneys have defended over 1,000 corrections cases covering an array of claims, including:

  • 42 U.S.C. § 1983 Claims
  • Bivens Claims
  • Access to Court Claims
  • ADA Claims
  • Class Action Claims
  • Classification Claims
  • Conditions-of-Confinement Claims
  • Due Process Claims
  • Excessive Force Claims
  • Failure-to-Protect Claims
  • First Amendment/Publication Access Claims
  • Inmate Assault/Homicide Claims
  • Major Disturbance Claims
  • Maximum Custody Management Claims
  • Medical, Mental Health, and Dental Deliberate Indifference Claims
  • Policy and Investigation Advisement
  • Religious Freedom Claims (RFRA, RLUIPA, and First Amendment)
  • Retaliation Claims
  • Security Threat Group Claims
  • Gang Management and Disturbance Claims
  • Segregation Management Claims
  • Suicide Claims
  • Tort Claims

Our attorneys successfully defended the Arizona Department of Corrections in Lewis v. Casey, 518 U.S. 343 (1996), a landmark Supreme Court decision that defined a state’s obligation to provide inmates access to courts. And in 2014, our attorneys successfully resolved a class action lawsuit filed against the Arizona Department of Corrections that challenged nearly every aspect of inmate confinement. The class, consisting of more than 30,000 inmates, was represented by several special interest groups and two national law firms.

Corrections defense at our firm involves far more than just litigating cases in court. We provide long-term and ongoing support and counsel for our clients, from policy review and advisement to operational training. We understand the unique and challenging legal issues facing corrections providers, and our experience and specialized knowledge can help corrections facilities and jails avoid litigation without compromising operations or security.