Lawyer of Firm Description

About Joseph J. Long — Civil Rights Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Joseph J. Long provides civil rights Baton Rouge residents need when government actors violate constitutional protections. The firm focuses on Section 1983 claims, police misconduct cases, and other federal civil rights matters filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. For additional local options, the Baton Rouge attorney directory covers related practice areas. Because Louisiana imposes a one-year prescription period — shorter than most states — timing matters significantly.

The firm serves East Baton Rouge Parish and the broader Middle District region, which covers Ascension, West Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, and St. Helena parishes. In addition, Long handles some family law matters where civil rights issues intersect with domestic proceedings. His practice base puts him close to federal court.

What Clients Say

Clients in constitutional cases value attorneys who understand both the substantive civil rights doctrines and the procedural hurdles of Section 1983 litigation — including qualified immunity analysis, Monell claims, and appropriate defendants. Reviewers highlight Long’s commitment to pursuing legitimate claims despite the high procedural barriers. Experience with federal motion practice matters.

Civil Rights Baton Rouge — Practice Areas & Services

Section 1983 claims — excessive force, false arrest, and unlawful search cases against government actors.
Police misconduct — representation for victims of constitutional violations by Baton Rouge and parish law enforcement.
First Amendment litigation — protest, speech, and assembly cases in federal court.
Monell municipal liability — claims against local government entities for unconstitutional policies.
Civil rights appeals — Fifth Circuit practice following adverse rulings in the Middle District.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are civil rights Baton Rouge cases filed?

Federal Section 1983 cases are filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana at 777 Florida Street in Baton Rouge. State-law civil rights claims can be filed in the 19th Judicial District Court for East Baton Rouge Parish. Venue depends on the underlying legal theory and defendants named.

What is Louisiana’s statute of limitations for civil rights claims?

Section 1983 claims borrow Louisiana’s one-year prescriptive period for tort actions — among the shortest in the nation. This means most constitutional claims must be filed within one year of the violation. Missing this deadline almost always means permanent loss of the claim.

What is qualified immunity in Section 1983 cases?

Qualified immunity shields government officials from personal liability unless they violated a clearly established constitutional right. Courts often dismiss cases early on qualified immunity grounds. Experienced civil rights counsel identify cases with precedent that overcomes this defense.

Quick Facts: Civil Rights in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Federal court: Middle District of Louisiana covers 9 parishes including East Baton Rouge, with courthouse at 777 Florida Street — US Attorney’s Office, Middle District
Prescription period: Louisiana’s 1-year tort prescription applies to Section 1983 claims — among the shortest nationwide — La. Civ. Code art. 3492
Notable cases: 2016 Baton Rouge protest arrests resulted in significant Section 1983 litigation including the Imani v. City of Baton Rouge case — Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Joseph J. Long – Attorney at Law in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a Personal Injury Attorney and Criminal Justice Attorney who has received mixed reviews from clients. While some individuals appreciate his willingness to listen, others express dissatisfaction with his communication style and perceived lack of empathy during critical moments. Overall, it is advised to conduct thorough research and consider multiple opinions before engaging his services, as experiences vary significantly among clients.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

I met with Joe Long. I caught him in numerous small lies throughout our meeting that I did not address. He did not have any interest in actually looking at evidence but instead, with going with his own opinions of the attorneys that had butchered my case before I met with him. He absolutely proved to me that there is a boys’ network in Baton Rouge that defend each other no matter how unethical or wrong they are. When I asked if I could send him evidence, he told me no. He knew the characters of the men involved from being “friends” over the years, and he did not need to see it. I would absolutely not trust the judgment of a man that defends his friends in such an unethical way while absolutely wasting my time in the process.

Excellent service

I called Mr. Long for help on my case, I obviously was upset and he refused to help me because I wasn’t calm enough. Who would be calm when your life is being threatened? Who would be calm when you were physically abused by a cop. Mr. Long said because I’m emotional he won’t help me. He wouldn’t let me explain said he’s not giving free consultation (I never asked for anything free) he was rude and said I wouldn’t do well in court. Little did he know I’ve worked for attorneys. Being upset on the phone does not mean I can’t keep my composure in court. All in all, he was rude cutting me off and being very derisive. I’m sure he can be a good lawyer but not taking a case because of a person being upset at being assaulted by an officer and a woman isn’t a very good reason to be a jerk.

Horrible with clients talk to you any kind of way. Said that I sound like a “ jailbird” .

Very unprofessional in manner and atmosphere. Another attorney made by the system, for the system. A poor representative for himself and a terrible representative for people. Very untrustworthy, make sure to consult with other attorneys because this attorney is FULL of misguidance and misinformation. I have a strong legal background so I knew well enough to know what I was being “advised” was false and my previous knowledge and current legal representation confirmed that. Steer clear of this one, or at least reference check anything this guy advises.