Civil Rights & Constitutional Law Attorney in New York
Government officials have a legal obligation to respect the Constitution. When they fail to do so — through discrimination, denial of due process, misuse of public resources, or religious favoritism — individuals and communities have the right to challenge that unlawful conduct.
The Law Office of Laura D. Barbieri, PLLC represents people across New York whose civil rights and constitutional protections have been violated by state and local government actors and agencies.
Protecting Your Constitutional Rights
Civil rights violations take many forms. Whether you have been silenced, excluded, discriminated against, or harmed by arbitrary government action, you may have legal remedies under the U.S. Constitution, the New York Constitution, and federal civil rights statutes.
Common violations include:
Equal protection violations
Due process violations
First Amendment retaliation
Establishment Clause violations
Misuse of public funds for religious purposes
Arbitrary or discriminatory government decision-making
Government actions that deny meaningful democratic participation
If you believe your rights have been violated, the Firm can evaluate your case and determine the best legal strategy.
First Amendment & Establishment Clause Litigation
The Firm represents individuals and organizations in cases involving:
Government endorsement of religion
Unconstitutional diversion of public funds to religious institutions
Restrictions on speech, advocacy, or expressive activity
Violations of the constitutional separation of church and state
Case Highlight: Montesa v. Schwartz
Laura served as lead counsel in landmark federal civil rights litigation against the East Ramapo Central School District, challenging Establishment Clause violations involving the sale of public school property below market value to religious institutions while cutting programs for public school students.
The case — featured on NPR’s This American Life — drew national attention to the misuse of public resources and the importance of constitutional protections in public education.
Section 1983 & Federal Civil Rights Claims
Under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, individuals may sue state and local officials who violate their constitutional rights under color of law. The Firm litigates:
Equal Protection Clause violations
Due Process Clause violations
First Amendment retaliation and viewpoint discrimination
Unlawful or arbitrary government decision-making
Systemic or ongoing constitutional violations requiring injunctive relief
The Firm’s approach combines strategic litigation, factual investigation, and deep constitutional analysis to protect clients from government abuse of power.
Voting Rights & Democratic Participation
When communities are denied meaningful participation in decisions affecting their schools or local governance, the Firm pursues remedies under constitutional and statutory frameworks.
This includes challenges involving:
Disenfranchisement in school governance
Barriers to community voting or representation
Government structures that dilute community voice
Protecting democratic participation is essential to ensuring equitable access to public resources and fair decision-making.
A Career Built on Public Service & Institutional Reform
Laura’s civil rights practice is informed by decades of public-sector experience, including:
Chief of the Charities Bureau, New York Attorney General’s Office
Deputy Commissioner, NYC Department of Correction
Assistant Deputy Attorney General, NYS Organized Crime Task Force
Cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in both the Northern and Eastern Districts of New York
Her work has earned statewide recognition; in 2023, City & State New York named her to its Law Power 100 for her leadership in civil rights litigation and advocacy on behalf of teachers, families, and communities.
Do You Have a Civil Rights Claim?
People often contact the Firm after:
Being discriminated against by a government agency
Being denied access, due process, or fair treatment
Being retaliated against for speaking out
Observing government misuse of funds or religious favoritism
Being excluded from democratic or educational decision-making
The Firm evaluates each case individually and provides a candid assessment of whether legal intervention is appropriate.
Contact the Firm
If you believe your constitutional or civil rights have been violated, you do not have to navigate the situation alone. We can help. Schedule a consultation.
Call: (914) 819-3387
Email: Laura@LDBarbLaw.com
