Law Over Lunch

Suits and Balances: Using Civil Lawsuits to Hold Governments Accountable

Date:
December 4, 2025

Time:
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Location:
Zoom (register here)

Speaker:
John F. Preis, Esq.
Austin Owen Faculty Research Scholar and Professor of Law
University of Richmond School of Law

Contact:
Tara Casey
Director, Carrico Center for Pro Bono Service
University of Richmond School of Law
(804) 287-1207
tcasey@richmond.edu

Description:

There is an old adage in federal litigation: criminal litigators are responsible for Title 18, civil litigators are responsible for the other 53 titles.

The truth in this adage is that there is a breadth of laws that encompass what the federal government can do, what it cannot do, and the options available to the public when the federal government falls short in this discernment.

One option – filing a civil lawsuit against the government – is intended to empower the public to hold the government accountable for its actions and decisions, potentially leading to policy changes or improvements. These lawsuits can be in response to an alleged violation of rights or a perceived abdication in the enforcement of rights, and often carry an opportunity to seek compensation for resulting damages. Before filing a lawsuit, however, it is crucial to understand the processes that apply, as legal action against the government is complex with many presumptive defenses available.

Please join the Carrico Center as we welcome University of Richmond School of Law Professor Jack Preis, a leading civil rights scholar and appellate advocate, as he presents on the basic rules of when and how to file a civil suit against the government … with a special focus on the why.

(1.5 Virginia CLE credits pending)