September 14, 2026
Willkie helped secure a settlement in lawsuits that the ACLU of Mississippi and pro bono co-counsel brought against the City of Lexington over allegedly unconstitutional and discriminatory policing practices by the Lexington Police Department.
The lawsuits were brought on behalf of multiple individuals who alleged that Lexington police officers violated their constitutional rights through unlawful arrests, excessive force, fabricated charges, discriminatory treatment, and other misconduct. The cases alleged violations of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The litigation also referenced findings from a 2024 U.S. Department of Justice investigation that concluded the Lexington Police Department engaged in unconstitutional and racially discriminatory policing practices.
"Pro bono work matters to us at Willkie because everyone deserves equal protection under the law, full stop," said Craig C. Martin, lead counsel for Willkie. "The Lexington settlement speaks to the courage of our clients and the hard work of our team. It's a real step toward restoring trust and integrity in that community, and we're proud to be part of it."
The litigation was part of the ACLU of Mississippi’s broader Police Accountability Initiative, an effort focused on addressing police violence, racial discrimination, and unconstitutional policing practices throughout Mississippi through litigation, advocacy, and community partnerships.
The Willkie pro bono team included partners Craig C. Martin and Aaron J. Hersh, senior counsel Bart Schwartz, and associates Bobby Mannis, Ferdinand G. Suba Jr. and Jordan Katz.
The lawsuits were brought on behalf of multiple individuals who alleged that Lexington police officers violated their constitutional rights through unlawful arrests, excessive force, fabricated charges, discriminatory treatment, and other misconduct. The cases alleged violations of the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The litigation also referenced findings from a 2024 U.S. Department of Justice investigation that concluded the Lexington Police Department engaged in unconstitutional and racially discriminatory policing practices.
"Pro bono work matters to us at Willkie because everyone deserves equal protection under the law, full stop," said Craig C. Martin, lead counsel for Willkie. "The Lexington settlement speaks to the courage of our clients and the hard work of our team. It's a real step toward restoring trust and integrity in that community, and we're proud to be part of it."
The litigation was part of the ACLU of Mississippi’s broader Police Accountability Initiative, an effort focused on addressing police violence, racial discrimination, and unconstitutional policing practices throughout Mississippi through litigation, advocacy, and community partnerships.
The Willkie pro bono team included partners Craig C. Martin and Aaron J. Hersh, senior counsel Bart Schwartz, and associates Bobby Mannis, Ferdinand G. Suba Jr. and Jordan Katz.
