Governmental Liability

DKL’s governmental liability practice centers on the representation of cities, counties, police and sheriff departments, public hospitals, school districts and correctional health care entities and professionals.

Our attorneys have a demonstrated expertise in all areas of governmental law, including:

Law Enforcement

DKL attorneys have successfully represented sheriffs, police chiefs, and other law enforcement officers in civil rights claims alleging excessive force, false arrest, false imprisonment, improper police chase, and First Amendment retaliation.

Public Employment

DKL attorneys have an expertise in handling employment matters for governmental entities and officials. We have successfully represented public employers and officials in discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, and contractual claims. Moreover, we have successfully defended claims unique to public employers, including free speech, political patronage, and candidacy-related claims under the First Amendment.

General Litigation

DKL attorneys have represented state, county, and city entities and officials in a wide array of suits, including negligence, breach of contract, and defamation claims, as well as serving as special prosecutors on matters of importance to the city or county.

Zoning

DKL attorneys have successfully defended numerous zoning challenges to both municipal and county ordinances.

Open Records Act and Open Meetings Act

DKL attorneys routinely advise governmental clients concerning the duties and obligations under Georgia’s Open Records Act and Open Meetings Act.

Prisoner Litigation

DKL attorneys have successfully defended prison officials and correctional officers against a myriad of constitutional claims.

Correctional Healthcare

DKL attorneys have successfully defended both national and regional correctional healthcare entities and professionals in numerous suits involving inmate deaths, as well as state law medical malpractice claims.