Law FirmBrewster & De Angelis, PLLC
16 W. Main Street, Suite 771, Rochester, New York, 14614
Rochester's Civil Rights Advocates
Brewster & De Angelis, PLLC is a Rochester, New York-based civil rights law firm with a longstanding reputation for holding law enforcement and government entities accountable for constitutional violations. The firm has built its practice around representing individuals and families who have suffered harm at the hands of police officers and other public officials, including victims of excessive force, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and unlawful detention. With decades of combined experience, the attorneys at Brewster & De Angelis have become recognized advocates in the Western New York legal community for their commitment to protecting citizens' constitutional rights.
The firm has litigated numerous high-stakes civil rights cases against municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, and other government bodies throughout New York State. Their attorneys are well-versed in Section 1983 federal civil rights claims, Monell liability, and the complex procedural landscape of civil rights litigation. Brewster & De Angelis approaches each case with a thorough investigative process, working to uncover patterns of misconduct and systemic failures within law enforcement agencies that contributed to their clients' injuries.
Beyond individual case outcomes, Brewster & De Angelis has earned a reputation for taking on difficult cases that other firms may decline, particularly those involving vulnerable populations and marginalized communities. The firm's attorneys are known for their tenacious courtroom presence and their willingness to take cases to trial when necessary to achieve justice for their clients. Their track record of significant settlements and verdicts against police and government defendants reflects both their legal skill and their deep commitment to civil rights advocacy in the Rochester area and across New York State.
Notable Results
- Recovered millions for victims of police shootings and wrongful death
- Currently leading high-profile 2026 filings against Oklahoma corrections facilities for failure to protect inmates from violence
Key Characteristics
- Broad Constitutional Reach: Litigates First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, and Eighth Amendment violations
- Dual Civil-Criminal Expertise: Deep background in criminal defense allows them to challenge official police reports effectively
- Focused civil rights practice with extensive experience litigating Section 1983 claims against law enforcement and government entities in Western New York
- Represents victims of excessive force, false arrest, and unconstitutional police conduct in both federal and state courts
- Known for aggressive courtroom advocacy on behalf of individuals whose constitutional rights have been violated by police officers and corrections officers
- Long-standing presence in the Buffalo legal community with a reputation for holding municipal and county law enforcement agencies accountable
- Decades of combined experience litigating civil rights cases against law enforcement and government entities in New York State
- Well-versed in Section 1983 federal civil rights claims and Monell municipal liability theory
- Known for taking on difficult and high-profile police misconduct cases in the Western New York region
- Recognized advocates in the Rochester legal community for protecting citizens' constitutional rights against government abuse
- Willing to take cases to trial when necessary rather than accepting inadequate settlements for clients