Constitutional Rights & Civil Liberties
Sidley works closely with many civil rights advocacy organizations across the country to protect and defend the constitutional rights and civil liberties of all people, especially those most subjected to marginalization, persecution, or profiling. Our clients include prisoners and detainees, women in the workplace, LGBTQ+ individuals, and racial and ethnic minorities. Our pro bono practice works through the courts, administrative agencies, and legislatures to safeguard, promote, and expand individual rights and civil liberties so that all people can live freely and proudly.
In the opinion, the Sixth Circuit cited decisions by the Supreme Court underscoring “the critical importance of education.” The Sixth Circuit recognized that public education is “foundational to our system of self-governance,” and “a great equalizer, giving all children a chance to meet or outperform society’s expectations, even when faced with substantial disparities in wealth and with past and ongoing racial inequality.” For these reasons, the Court held, “a basic minimum education has a longstanding presence in our history and tradition, and is essential to our concept of ordered liberty.”
— From the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on behalf of the plaintiffs, a class of Detroit schoolchildren represented by Sidley
Civil Rights
Our pro bono practice has had a longstanding commitment — both firmwide and in our local communities — to promoting civil and human rights and social justice.
Racial Justice
Sidley assisted with the defense of protestors and is participating in joint programs with other firms to explore ways in which legal action might address racial injustice and other diversity issues.
Supreme Court
Sidley’s Supreme Court pro bono program has been representing clients for many years. Our pro bono presence in the Supreme Court is well reflected in our body of work.
