James J. Harrington IV

James J. Harrington IV is a prominent Texas-based civil rights attorney with decades of experience litigating cases against law enforcement agencies, government entities, and institutions that violate the constitutional rights of individuals. He is the founder of the Texas Civil Rights Project, a nonprofit legal organization that has served as a cornerstone of civil rights litigation in the state of Texas since its founding in 1990. Over the course of his career, Harrington has built a reputation as one of the most dedicated and effective civil rights lawyers in the Southwest, taking on cases that challenge systemic misconduct and abuse of power by police and government officials.

Harrington has represented victims of excessive force, false arrest, unlawful detention, and other forms of police misconduct in both federal and state courts throughout Texas. His litigation record includes numerous high-profile cases involving the use of deadly force by law enforcement, civil rights violations in jails and prisons, and the denial of due process rights to vulnerable populations. He has been a fierce advocate for accountability and transparency in law enforcement, frequently challenging qualified immunity and other legal doctrines that shield officers from liability.

Beyond his work in the courtroom, Harrington has been a prolific writer and educator on civil rights law, authoring legal guides and training materials that have been used by attorneys and advocates across the country. He has taught civil rights law and served as a resource for law students and practitioners seeking to pursue public interest litigation. His commitment to the cause extends well beyond individual cases, reflecting a career-long dedication to structural reform and the protection of constitutional rights for all Texans.

Harrington's work at the Texas Civil Rights Project and in private practice has earned him recognition from civil rights organizations, bar associations, and advocacy groups throughout the state and nation. He has been honored for his tireless efforts to hold government accountable and to ensure that victims of police misconduct and civil rights violations have access to skilled and committed legal representation.