Leading Civil Rights Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA

Experienced Legal Advocates for Civil Rights Violations

Los Angeles families often find themselves searching for answers after a police shooting, an in-custody death, an unlawful arrest, or a serious use-of-force incident. What begins as a single encounter can quickly become a fight against agencies, investigators, and attorneys whose job is to protect the institution involved. For many people, the biggest challenge is not only what happened, but getting the truth about why it happened.

At the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe, we represent individuals and families throughout Los Angeles whose civil rights have been violated by law enforcement officers, government agencies, and other public officials. For more than 9 years, our firm has handled cases involving police misconduct, excessive force, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, and other constitutional rights violations across California. Attorney Kenneth C. Odiwe (California State Bar No. 315109) developed his civil rights foundation while working with the Law Offices of John L. Burris, one of California’s most respected civil rights firms.

As a Civil Rights Law Firm in Los Angeles, we focus on uncovering facts, preserving evidence, and holding individuals and agencies accountable when they abuse their authority. If you believe your rights were violated, we offer a free and confidential case assessment. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Civil Rights Lawyer in Los Angeles for Serious Rights Violations

When civil rights violations occur, the official version of events is not always the complete story. In many cases involving police misconduct, excessive force, unlawful arrests, officer-involved shootings, or in-custody deaths, agencies begin internal investigations almost immediately. By the time families start looking for answers, reports have been written, statements have been collected, and critical evidence may already be difficult to obtain.

As a Civil Rights Lawyer in Los Angeles, we represent individuals and families seeking accountability after their rights have been violated by law enforcement officers or government agencies. These cases often involve complex legal and factual issues that require a thorough investigation, careful evidence preservation, and a clear understanding of both state and federal civil rights laws.

At the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe, we do not rely solely on official reports. We examine body camera footage, surveillance videos, medical records, witness statements, dispatch records, and other evidence to understand what truly happened. Our goal is to identify the facts, challenge inaccurate narratives, and build the strongest case possible on behalf of our clients.

For more than 9 years, our firm has represented individuals facing powerful institutions with significant resources and legal teams. We understand what is at stake in these cases and are committed to helping our clients pursue justice, accountability, and the compensation they deserve when their rights have been violated.

Civil Rights Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA
Civil Rights Cases

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.

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POLICE MISCONDUCT
Unlawful arrests, excessive force, racial profiling, retaliation, or illegal searches. We hold officers accountable when they cross the line.
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IN-CUSTODY DEATH
Deaths in custody may involve force, neglect, or lack of medical care. We pursue full accountability through detailed investigation.
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OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS
When deadly force is not justified, it becomes a civil rights violation. We investigate independently and challenge official narratives.
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Speak to a Trusted Los Angeles Lawyer Now

About Kenneth Odiwe - Serving Los Angeles with Integrity and Purpose

Kenneth C. Odiwe (California State Bar No. 315109) is a civil rights attorney with 9 years of legal experience representing individuals and families in cases involving police misconduct, excessive force, in-custody deaths, officer-involved shootings, and other constitutional rights violations.

Raised in Vallejo, California, Kenneth saw firsthand how misconduct and abuse of authority can affect communities. That experience helped shape his commitment to civil rights law. During law school, he worked on civil rights matters alongside the Law Offices of John L. Burris, one of California’s most respected civil rights firms, gaining practical experience in police misconduct and constitutional rights litigation.

Kenneth later founded the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe to represent people facing powerful institutions and difficult legal battles. 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, and an AV Preeminent Rating.

Clients know him for his hands-on approach, thorough preparation, and determination to pursue accountability when rights have been violated.

Civil Rights Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 a loved one has experienced a civil rights violation in Los Angeles, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Delays can make it more difficult to preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and protect your right to pursue a claim. As a trusted Civil Rights Law Firm in Los Angeles, the Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe represents individuals and families in cases involving Police Misconduct, In-Custody Death, Officer-Involved Shootings, and other serious civil rights violations.

When you contact our office, you will speak directly with a team that understands the challenges these cases present. An experienced Los Angeles Civil Rights Lawyer can evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best path forward. Your consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation.

Phone: (341) 234-0440
Email: kenneth@kennethodiwelaw.com
Office: 8383 Wilshire Blvd #800, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

We represent clients throughout Los Angeles and across California. Consultations are available by phone, video, or in person, and we can come to you when necessary. You do not have to face a civil rights case alone. The Law Offices of Kenneth C. Odiwe is ready to stand with you and fight for the accountability and justice you deserve.

FREE CASE ASSESSMENT

To contact us, please take the time to fill out the information below or contact us immediately at (341) 234-0440.

Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Rights Lawyers in Los Angeles

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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2880 Zanker Road, Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95134