Fighting for Justice on Every Front
At McKenzie Scott PC (MSPC), our commitment to protecting constitutional rights and challenging systemic injustice extends beyond individual cases – we’re actively shaping the legal landscape through groundbreaking litigation that impacts communities across San Diego and beyond.
Our featured cases demonstrate an unwavering dedication to holding powerful institutions accountable, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring that when justice fails anyone, we’re there to make it right for everyone.
Current Litigation Making a Difference
- Civil Rights & Police Accountability
The MSPC Civil Rights Division’s ongoing litigation builds on our record-setting $85 million police in-custody death verdict in K.J.P. v. San Diego. Our cases challenge unconstitutional police practices, fight for fair treatment in the justice system, and work to eliminate the systemic biases that have plagued our courts for too long. - Criminal Defense with Constitutional Impact
Every case handled by our Criminal Defense Division is an opportunity to protect constitutional rights. From challenging illegal searches and seizures to ensuring fair jury representation, our criminal defense work often sets precedents that protect the rights of future defendants. MSPC’s ongoing federal and state cases span white-collar defense, serious felonies, and complex constitutional challenges.
Systemic Reform Through Strategic Litigation
Following Michele A. McKenzie’s critical work to diversify local federal jury pools, avoid illegal and unnecessary delays in presentment for indigent criminal defendants, and end delayed releases of sentenced federal inmates, we continue to identify and challenge institutional practices that undermine equal justice. Our featured cases highlight systemic issues that affect entire communities, not just individual clients.
Why These Cases Matter
Each case we highlight represents years of meticulous preparation, fearless advocacy, and strategic litigation designed to create lasting change. When we take on challenging cases, we’re not just fighting for our clients – we’re fighting for the principles that are essential to making our justice system work for everyone.- Immediate Impact: Protecting our clients’ rights, freedom, and futures
- Long-term Change: Setting precedents that strengthen constitutional protections
- Community Benefit: Challenging practices that harm vulnerable populations
The McKenzie Scott Difference
With Michele McKenzie’s nearly two decades of experience at Federal Defenders and Tim Scott’s record of obtaining favorable outcomes in three-quarters of his 60+ jury trials, our clients benefit from:- Proven Trial Excellence: Record-setting courtroom victories that speak for themselves
- Deep Knowledge of the ‘Criminal Legal System’: Understanding how to navigate and challenge complex legal paradigms
- Unwavering Commitment: Fighting until the very end, regardless of the odds
- Strategic Vision: Seeing beyond individual cases to create broader systemic change
* Due to the sensitive nature of ongoing litigation and client confidentiality, specific case details are shared selectively and with appropriate legal considerations. For media inquiries regarding our featured cases, please contact McKenzie Scott’s office directly.
San Diego and the First Amendment: Who decides what is art?
San Diego native and local artist Sara Duvall has been making and sharing her art for years. She was trained locally (and internationally) and now gives back to the community by teaching as well. Sara has shown her work in galleries, received awards for her art, and—most recently—been fined repeatedly by the City of San Diego for sharing her art with the public in Balboa Park. Why? Because after the City of San Diego passed its Sidewalk Vending Ordinance in early 2024, it decided that Sara is no longer an artist but instead a “vendor” not worthy of First Amendment protections.
San Diego defines constitutionally-protected “expressive activity” as including “the sale of artwork” as well as “visual art sold by the artist.” But San Diego excludes “handcrafts” from constitutional protection.
Young, Black College Student Wrongly Arrested for Felony Vehicle Theft of His Own Vehicle
“Racism is not merely a simplistic hatred. It is, more often, broad sympathy toward some and broader skepticism toward others.
Black America ever lives under that skeptical eye.”
—Ta-Nehisi Coates
In September 2023, Abdullah Wright was not far from the home he shared with his parents and younger brothers when he was placed in handcuffs for lawfully driving his own vehicle on the streets of San Diego one Sunday afternoon.
At the time, Abdullah was 18-years-old, a sophomore at San Diego State University (SDSU), majoring in business, and working while going to school. He was out on a Sunday afternoon with his younger brothers, then-aged 13 and 16. They are all avid athletes, and often spend time together working out. On this particular weekend afternoon, they went to a hill near their home—where they often go—to do wind sprints.
McKenzie Scott’s team of aggressive trial lawyers are regularly featured in the media.
– McKenzie Scott PC: Fighting for the Little Guy
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