Practical Approaches to Complex Section 1983 Litigation

In this program, attorney Samuel Maduegbuna shares with experienced civil rights litigators and viewers a number of unique and practical approaches to complex (high value/difficult fact pattern) Section 1983 litigation, including case selection, identifying winning themes, the proper parties, prerequisites to filing the lawsuit, relevant time limitations on doing so, and factors to consider in determining the proper forum in which to bring the action, and compares the relative advantages and disadvantages of bringing these claims in state or federal court. He shows how to assert winning claims and overcome most commonly asserted defenses in this area through ongoing investigation, artful pleadings, and expansive but focused discovery.

Mr. Maduegbuna discusses what reliefs are available in this area, including statutory attorney’s fees, and how to maximize potential damages and available reliefs. His course also covers a number of practical litigation tactics and commonly encountered discovery and trial issues as well as ethical considerations in high profile litigation, including media involvement.  

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learn how to identify winning themes, pre-suit considerations, including intake, investigation and early expert involvement, the proper parties, conditions precedent to filing the lawsuit, claims, and defenses, as well as the practical differences between state and federal claims
2. Understand the various time limitations, such as accrual dates and statutes of limitation applicable to Section 1983 claims
3. Comprehend the factors that must be weighed in deciding whether to bring the action in state or federal court, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of bring claims in state or federal court
4. Grasp how to assert winning claims and overcome most commonly asserted defenses in this area through ongoing investigation, artful pleadings, expansive but focused discovery, and motion practice
5. Identify practical litigation tactics relating to (a) Motion Practice; (b) Discovery Issues; (c) Trial Motions (In Limine Motions; Daubert Motions; etc.; and (d) Trial Presentation
6. Recognize the different forms of relief available in this area, including statutory attorney’s fees, and how to maximize potential damages and available reliefs