Civil Rights Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA
A true advocate in your fight for justice
When your rights have been violated — whether by a police officer, a government agency, or a powerful institution — you need someone in your corner who genuinely understands what you are up against. The Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe has been fighting exactly these kinds of battles across California for years, and we are now bringing that same focused, personal advocacy to the people of Los Angeles. If you are looking for civil rights lawyers in Los Angeles who take the time to understand your situation and stand by you through the entire process, our firm is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Los Angeles is one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the country. It is also a city where civil rights cases — from police misconduct to wrongful in-custody deaths — continue to affect real families every year. If you or someone you love has been harmed by those who were supposed to protect you, our firm is here to listen, investigate, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
We offer a free, no-pressure case assessment. You pay nothing unless we win.
What Does a Civil Rights Lawyer Actually Do?
A civil rights lawyer represents people whose constitutional or legal rights have been violated — often by law enforcement, government agencies, or institutions with significant power and resources. In practical terms, that means going to court on behalf of someone who was beaten during an arrest, someone who lost a family member in police custody, or someone whose life was changed forever because an officer used excessive force when other options were available.
This is not routine legal work. Civil rights cases in Los Angeles often involve complex federal statutes — particularly 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, which allows individuals to sue state and local government actors for constitutional violations. They involve extensive discovery, expert witnesses, and opponents who are well-funded and well-represented.
Working with experienced civil rights attorneys in Los Angeles can make a meaningful difference in how these cases are handled, especially when facing large institutions that are prepared to defend themselves aggressively. At our firm, civil rights litigation is not a side practice. It is what we do.
We Handle in Los Angeles
Every case we handle in Los Angeles falls within key civil rights areas. If your situation involves any of the following, we encourage you to reach out for a free case review.
Speak to a Trusted Los Angeles Lawyer Now
About Kenneth Odiwe – Serving Los Angeles with Integrity and Purpose
Kenneth Odiwe grew up in Vallejo, California, where he saw firsthand how police misconduct impacts communities. That experience shaped his legal career from the start. During law school, he worked on civil rights cases alongside the Law Offices of John L. Burris — one of California’s most respected civil rights firms — gaining hands-on experience that built both his skills and approach.
He founded the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe to represent people facing serious situations against powerful institutions, bringing the same level of commitment and fight to every case. His recognitions include Top 10 Wrongful Death Settlements in California (2020), Top 100 Personal Injury Settlements (2022), Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, National Trial Lawyers Top 100, 40 Under 40 recognition, and an AV Preeminent rating — the highest peer-reviewed standard.
Clients describe Kenneth as someone who treats them like family and fights with focus, preparation, and real dedication — the same approach he brings to every case in Los Angeles.
Why Families in Los Angeles Choose Our Firm
Focused Civil Rights Experience
We are not generalists. Civil rights, police misconduct, and related cases are our core focus. That focus matters because we understand how these cases work, how they are defended, and what it takes to build them properly.
Personal Attention to Every Client
You are not a case number to us. Every client comes with a real story and real impact on their life. We listen, communicate clearly, and make sure you always understand what is happening in your case.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront, no hourly fees, and no hidden costs. Our success is directly tied to yours.
Trial-Ready from Day One
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Even when cases settle, this level of preparation often leads to stronger outcomes because the other side knows we are serious.
Support Beyond Just Legal Work
As a civil rights law firm in Los Angeles, our goal is not just to resolve your case. We make sure you feel supported, heard, and properly represented from start to finish.
How We Approach Civil Rights Cases in Los Angeles
Every case is different, but our approach follows a consistent framework designed to give clients the best possible outcome.
Step 1 — Listening First: Before we do anything else, we listen. We want to understand exactly what happened, how it has affected your life, and what outcome matters most to you. No case assessment, no assumptions — just a genuine conversation.
Step 2 — Independent Investigation: We do not rely on official reports alone. We gather evidence independently — surveillance footage, medical records, witness statements, department disciplinary histories, and whatever else is available. We work with investigators and expert witnesses who know these cases.
Step 3 — Building a Theory of the Case: Civil rights cases require a clear, compelling narrative. We identify the constitutional violations, the relevant legal standards, and the specific individuals and institutions responsible. We build toward trial even when settlement is likely.
Step 4 — Fighting for Full Accountability: We do not accept lowball settlements that undervalue what happened to you. Our goal is full accountability — both in terms of compensation and in terms of holding wrongdoers responsible. Sometimes that means going to court.
Step 5 — Keeping You Informed: Throughout the process, we keep our clients informed. We explain what is happening, what the options are, and what we recommend — in plain language, not legal jargon.
What to Do If Your Civil Rights Have Been Violated in Los Angeles
If you believe your civil rights have been violated, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath matter. Here is what we recommend:
- Seek medical attention if you are injured — document everything, keep all medical records and bills.
- Write down everything you remember about the incident as soon as possible — dates, times, officer names or badge numbers, witnesses, any video footage.
- Do not give recorded statements to investigators or insurance representatives before speaking with a lawyer.
- Preserve any physical evidence — clothing, photographs of injuries, any communications.
- Contact our office for a free case assessment as soon as you can. California has statutes of limitations for civil rights claims, and acting promptly preserves your options.
You should not have to navigate this alone. Our team will guide you through every step of the process from your first call.
Communities We Serve Across the Los Angeles Area
We represent clients throughout the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, including:
- Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding neighborhoods
- South Los Angeles and Compton
- East Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Inglewood
- Watts
- Palmdale and Lancaster
- Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley
- The San Fernando Valley including Van Nuys, North Hollywood, and Encino
- Torrance and the South Bay
We travel to wherever our clients need us. Distance is not a barrier to getting the representation you deserve.
Contact a Civil Rights Lawyer in Los Angeles Today
If you or someone you love has experienced a civil rights violation in Los Angeles, do not wait. Every day that passes can make it harder to preserve evidence, locate witnesses, and protect your legal options. The Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe offers a free, confidential case assessment. You will speak with someone who actually understands civil rights law and can give you honest guidance about your situation. There is no pressure and no obligation.
- Phone: (669) 315-4431
- Email: kenneth@kennethodiwelaw.com
- Office: 8383 Wilshire Blvd #800, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
We serve clients throughout Los Angeles and all of California. Consultations available by phone, video, or in person. We come to you when necessary.
You should not have to face this alone. We are ready to fight for you.
FREE CASE ASSESSMENT
Frequently Asked Questions — Civil Rights Lawyers in Los Angeles
How do I know if I have a civil rights case?
If your constitutional rights were violated by a government actor — a police officer, a jail official, or a public employee — you may have a civil rights claim under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983. Common situations include excessive force, unlawful arrest, in-custody injury or death, and racial discrimination by law enforcement. The best way to find out is to speak with us directly. Our initial case assessment is free and carries no obligation
What is the deadline to file a civil rights lawsuit in California?
Generally, claims under Section 1983 in California are subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the incident. However, there are exceptions and nuances — particularly for claims against government entities, which may require a government tort claim to be filed within six months. This is exactly why it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an incident. Delays can close off legal options that would otherwise be available.
How much does it cost to hire your firm for a civil rights case?
We work on a contingency fee basis for civil rights and personal injury cases. That means you pay no attorney fees upfront. Our fee comes as a percentage of the amount we recover for you, and only if we succeed. If we do not recover anything for you, you owe us nothing. We believe this is the only fair way to represent people who are already dealing with significant hardship.
Can I sue the LAPD or Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department?
Yes, it is possible to bring civil rights claims against municipal police departments and county sheriff’s departments. These cases are complex — they often involve Monell liability theories, which establish that a government entity had a policy, custom, or pattern of conduct that caused the violation. These claims require experience and thorough preparation. Our firm has handled cases involving large law enforcement agencies and understands the specific strategies involved.
My loved one died in LAPD custody. Do I have a case?
If your loved one died in custody and you believe that death involved excessive force, inadequate medical care, or deliberate indifference to their serious medical needs, you may have both a wrongful death claim and a civil rights claim. These cases are among the most serious we handle, and we approach them with the gravity they deserve. Please contact us for a confidential, free review of your situation. You deserve answers.
How long will my civil rights case take?
There is no single answer to this question because every case is different. Cases that settle out of court may resolve within a year to eighteen months. Cases that go to trial can take two to four years or longer, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of the matter. We will give you an honest timeline assessment based on the specifics of your situation — we will never give you false expectations just to sign you up as a client.
Do you handle cases outside of Los Angeles?
Yes. While we have a strong focus on Los Angeles and the surrounding region, we handle civil rights cases throughout California, including San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, and Vallejo. We go wherever justice needs to be served.
Publications, Articles, and Media
Awards & Recognitions
