Abogados de Derechos Civiles en Puerto Rico
Protection of constitutional and civil rights, including discrimination, police misconduct, free speech, voting rights, and claims against government actors.
Protección de los derechos civiles y constitucionales, incluyendo discriminación, conducta policial indebida, libertad de expresión, derecho al voto y reclamaciones contra agentes gubernamentales.
Lizette Vélez-Rivé brings three decades of legal experience to her practice in San Juan, where she focuses on labor and employment law, commercial law, civil litigation, workers' compensation, and civil rights. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she provides comprehensive counsel to clients navigating complex workplace and civil legal matters.
Valerie M. Figueras-Mattei is a legal professional based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, whose practice encompasses labor and employment law, contracts, administrative law, civil rights, and notary public services. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she is equipped to serve a diverse clientele across these areas of legal practice.
Residents of Puerto Rico are protected by the U.S. Constitution, federal civil rights statutes such as Section 1983, Title VII, and the ADA, and by the Puerto Rico Constitution, whose Bill of Rights is in some respects broader — it expressly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, birth, social origin or condition, and political or religious ideas. Claims can be brought in local or federal court depending on the rights involved.
Yes. Federal law allows lawsuits against government officials and police officers who violate constitutional rights, including claims for excessive force, false arrest, and due process violations. Claims against the Commonwealth and municipalities follow special notice rules and shorter deadlines, so it is important to consult an attorney promptly after the incident.
Document what happened — dates, witnesses, communications — and act quickly, because discrimination claims have strict filing deadlines. Depending on the context, complaints may go to the EEOC or the Puerto Rico Anti-Discrimination Unit for employment, federal agencies for housing or education, or directly to court. A civil rights attorney can identify every available forum and remedy.
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