We have represented individuals and organizations in a variety of contexts defending First Amendment rights to free speech and expression and to protest peacefully.
Unlawful Conditions at ICE Detention Center at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan
Representing putative class of immigrants detained at ICE detention center at 26 Federal Plaza for days without access to counsel, beds, showers, or adequate meals or hygiene products. The lawsuit asserts a First Amendment challenge to the denial of access to counsel, as well as other constitutional challenges to the horrific conditions of confinement.
Curtis v. City of Kingston
Successfully represented bookseller in First Amendment challenge to permit requirements for street vending, resulting in injunctive relief and amendments to the the city’s laws.
Defending the American Association of University Professors Against “SLAPP” Suit Brought to Punish Protected Speech
Together with the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, we represent the Columbia University chapter of the American Association of University Professors (“Columbia-AAUP”), who are defendants in the lawsuit Doe v. Alwan. During student protests at Columbia in April 2024, Columbia-AAUP made statements supporting the right of students to protest and criticizing the university’s punitive response to the protests. Two months later, five current and former Columbia students sued Columbia-AAUP for making those and similar statements. Wang Hecker LLP and the ACLU filed a motion to dismiss under New York’s “anti-SLAPP” statute, arguing that the case is a “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation,” or “SLAPP,” that weaponizes our legal system and seeks to punish protected speech by making meritless legal claims.
El Sayad v. City of New York
Successfully represented individual who was assaulted and arrested by the NYPD for participating in a peaceful Gaza solidarity protest in Brooklyn.