Roy L. Austin, Jr.

Roy L. Austin, Jr. is a nationally prominent trial and civil rights attorney. Mr. Austin, who spent almost fifteen years as a federal prosecutor and supervisor, now helps clients navigate complex criminal and civil investigations. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his work on white collar investigations, and he has successfully defended more than a dozen individuals and organizations in high-stakes criminal and civil cases. He also maintains an active civil rights practice representing clients, including the families of victims, who have experienced violations of their fundamental rights. Mr. Austin has tried thirty jury trials, and argued cases in state, federal, administrative, appellate and state supreme courts around the country.

During his tenure in the federal government, Mr. Austin served in several prominent roles, including as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General (DAAG) in the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. In this role, Mr. Austin supervised the work of attorneys in the Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section and the Special Litigation Section's law enforcement (police departments, corrections and juvenile justice) portfolio. In addition, he supervised work under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act (RLUIPA) and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Among numerous other matters, Mr. Austin worked on cases involving the New Orleans (LA) Police Department, Missoula (MT) law enforcement, and the Maricopa County (AZ) Sheriff's Office.

Mr. Austin regularly advises clients on policy issues, particularly on criminal justice reform and how advances in technology may trigger civil rights issues. In his policy work, Mr. Austin draws on his experience on the White House Domestic Policy Council as Deputy Assistant to President Barack Obama for the Office of Urban Affairs, Justice and Opportunity. In this position, Mr. Austin co-authored a report on Big Data and Civil Rights, worked with the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, helped develop the Police Data Initiative, worked on the expansion of reentry assistance, and was a member of the President's My Brother's Keeper Task Force. Mr. Austin's team also played a significant leadership role in policymaking on labor, housing, and human services issues.

Mr. Austin received his B.A. from Yale University and his J.D. from The University of Chicago.