Civil rights work has been the core of Ayad Law since the firm opened in 1999. After September 11, our founder Nabih H. Ayad saw Arab American and Muslim families in Michigan face profiling, surveillance, and discrimination at work, at the border, and in the courtroom. The firm built its practice answering those cases, and it continues to represent people of every background whose rights have been ignored.
We handle civil rights matters in state and federal court, including the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Civil rights cases we handle
- Religious discrimination, including discrimination against Muslims, Arab Americans, and people who wear religious dress
- Claims against cities, counties, state agencies, and federal officials under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and related law
- First Amendment claims involving religion, speech, and assembly
- Equal protection claims based on race, religion, and national origin
- No Fly List placements, watch-listing, and secondary screening at airports and borders
- Discrimination by businesses and banks, including closing accounts or refusing service because of ethnicity or religion
- Voting rights and election disputes
Cases that set the standard
In Mokdad v. Lynch, the federal government argued that no federal district court could hear a U.S. citizen's challenge to his placement on the No Fly List. The Sixth Circuit reversed the dismissal in a published opinion and held that district courts do have jurisdiction over those challenges. That same year, in El-Hallani v. Huntington National Bank, the Sixth Circuit reinstated discrimination claims by Arab American customers whose accounts were closed, and the bank later moved to settle.
A dismissal is often the beginning of a civil rights case, not the end. Many of our most important results came on appeal.
Deadlines matter
Civil rights claims carry strict deadlines. Claims against the State of Michigan can require written notice within months of the incident, and federal constitutional claims in Michigan are generally subject to a three-year limitations period. Some claims have far shorter windows. If you believe your rights were violated, talk to a lawyer promptly so evidence can be preserved and deadlines are not missed.
Why clients choose Ayad Law
- More than twenty-five years of civil rights litigation in Michigan
- Our founder served as a Michigan Civil Rights Commissioner from 2008 to 2011
- Appellate experience in the Sixth Circuit and Michigan's appellate courts
- Service in English and Arabic
Frequently asked questions
What is a Section 1983 claim?
Section 1983 of Title 42 of the U.S. Code lets people sue state and local officials, including police officers, who violate their federal constitutional rights while acting under government authority. It is the most common way to bring civil rights claims against cities, counties, and their employees.
How long do I have to file a civil rights lawsuit in Michigan?
Federal civil rights claims brought in Michigan are generally subject to a three-year statute of limitations, but claims against the state, administrative complaints, and some statutory claims have much shorter deadlines. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Can I sue the government if I am on the No Fly List?
Yes. In Mokdad v. Lynch, a case our firm argued, the Sixth Circuit held that federal district courts have jurisdiction to hear direct challenges to No Fly List placement. The right approach depends on your facts, including whether you have gone through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program.
Do you handle civil rights cases outside Detroit?
Yes. We represent clients throughout Michigan and appear in federal courts across the state and in the Sixth Circuit.