15 Sep 2025
IFMK Law Attorneys Prevail in Southern Illinois Civil Rights Conspiracy Claim
IFMK Law Shareholder Julie Koerner and Partner Joe Bracey obtained a favorable judgment for their client, a county Public Defender. Plaintiff alleged her former Public Defender conspired with prosecutors and child welfare caseworkers to pressure her into relinquishing her parental rights following an adjudication of neglect/abuse. The Federal Court found it lacked jurisdiction to reconsider the prior state court judgments and that Plaintiff failed to state a civil rights claim because a Public Defender is not considered a state actor when performing the traditional attorney role as defense counsel.