Experienced Civil Rights Litigation
Constitutional rights defended with conviction. ACLU-trained. Fearless.
Before entering private practice, Attorney Rosalind J. Matos gained extensive civil rights litigation experience through nearly eight years as South Florida Staff Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida — one of the nation's most respected civil liberties organizations. That experience, grounded in constitutional law and the belief that every person's rights deserve to be taken seriously, shapes the way we approach every case we handle today.
While civil rights litigation is not the primary focus of our current practice, we continue to accept select civil rights matters where we believe we can make a meaningful and lasting difference. We evaluate all civil rights inquiries honestly and carefully — if we believe we can help, we will tell you. If your matter is better handled by another attorney or organization, we will tell you that too, and do our best to point you in the right direction.
Every person deserves to have their rights taken seriously.
§ 1983
The federal statute for suing government officials
42 U.S.C. § 1983 allows individuals to sue state and local government actors for constitutional violations in federal court — often the most powerful forum for these claims.
~8 Years
Attorney Matos's tenure at the ACLU of Florida
That experience — litigating federal civil rights cases, testifying before legislative committees, and serving on the Miami-Dade Racial Profiling Advisory Board — is the foundation of our civil rights practice.
Selective
We accept only cases where we can make a real difference
We evaluate every civil rights inquiry honestly. If we cannot help, we will tell you — and point you toward the right organization or attorney.
— OUR SERVICES
Cases We May Accept
— THE PROCESS
How We Evaluate and Handle Civil Rights Cases
Confidential consultation
We listen to your account without judgment and review any documents, videos, or evidence you have. Everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege — we encourage you to share everything.
Thorough factual investigation
Civil rights cases turn on facts. We investigate thoroughly — reviewing official records, obtaining surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing all available evidence before advising on viability.
Legal analysis and honest assessment
We identify the specific constitutional rights that were violated, assess the viability of the claims against likely defenses including qualified immunity, and give you an honest assessment — even if the answer is not what you hoped to hear.
Filing in the appropriate forum
Civil rights cases under Section 1983 are typically filed in federal court. Some claims may also be brought in state court. Forum selection is a strategic decision we make carefully based on the specific facts and the relief sought.
Litigation and resolution
Civil rights cases can resolve through settlement or trial. Some of the most important cases produce a judgment that creates precedent — protecting not just our client, but others facing the same conduct in the future.
— OUR APPROACH
Experienced. Honest. Committed.
These cases are complex, often involving qualified immunity and other governmental defenses. We begin with a careful factual investigation, reviewing all available evidence before advising on viability. When the facts support a claim, we pursue it with precision and conviction — in state court, federal court, and in the public record. Attorney Matos's eight years at the ACLU means you have someone in your corner who has been fighting these battles for a long time.
— COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Legal Help?
Contact us today for a free phone consultation. No obligation — just clear answers.