Florida Civil Rights & Employment Lawyer
When the government violates your constitutional rights — or your employer punishes you for doing the right thing — most law firms won’t touch the case. Ave Maria Law Center is built for exactly these fights. The firm is led by a trial lawyer and former Florida Assistant Attorney General who spent years litigating for the State of Florida and now represents individuals against government actors and employers statewide.
Section 1983: when government violates your rights
Federal law allows individuals to sue state and local government actors who violate their constitutional rights while acting under color of law. These claims — commonly called Section 1983 claims — reach far beyond any single scenario. We handle the full breadth: First Amendment retaliation against people punished for their speech; due process violations by agencies and officials; equal protection claims; unlawful searches and seizures; and mistreatment by government institutions. Having argued for the State, we know how government defendants and their lawyers think — and we use that experience for you.
Employment law: discrimination and retaliation
We represent employees — never employers. That includes discrimination based on race, sex, age, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics; hostile work environments; and retaliation against workers who assert their rights. If you were passed over, demoted, or fired for an unlawful reason, you deserve a straight answer about your options. The first conversation is free.
Whistleblower protection — including private employees
Florida law protects employees who object to, refuse to participate in, or report their employer’s illegal activity — and that protection covers private-sector workers under Florida’s Private Whistleblower Act, not just government employees. If you were fired or punished after speaking up about wrongdoing at work, you may have a retaliation claim. These are hard cases that demand a lawyer willing to take on institutions; that is the core of our practice.
Why a former Assistant Attorney General
- State-level litigation experience — years arguing for the State of Florida, now used for individuals.
- Trial lawyer — insurers and institutions pay attention when your lawyer is genuinely prepared to try the case.
- We take the hard cases — civil rights and whistleblower matters most firms decline.
- Statewide practice — state and federal courts across Florida.
Where we serve
We handle civil rights and employment matters statewide, with dedicated pages for Florida’s major metros: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough (Tampa), and Orange (Orlando). Injured in an accident instead? See our personal injury pages for all 20 counties we serve.
Civil rights & employment FAQ
Do I have a case if I wasn’t physically harmed?
Often, yes. Constitutional violations, discrimination, and retaliation cause real damages — lost income, lost opportunities, reputational and emotional harm — that the law recognizes.
I reported wrongdoing at a private company and got fired. Am I protected?
Florida’s Private Whistleblower Act protects private-sector employees who object to or report illegal employer activity. Deadlines in these cases can be short — call promptly.
Can I really sue the government?
Yes — federal law exists precisely so individuals can hold state and local government actors accountable for constitutional violations. These cases have special defenses and strict deadlines, which is why experienced counsel matters.
Talk to a Florida civil rights and employment lawyer
Free, confidential consultation. Call Ave Maria Law Center at 1-855-RAY-CHRIS (855-729-2474).
Raymond Christopher, Attorney, is responsible for this advertisement. Ave Maria Law Center, 5706 Mayflower Way, Unit 207, Ave Maria, FL 34142.