The Firm

Since founding Stephen Bilkis & Associates in 1997, Stephen Bilkis has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of individuals and families throughout New York. The firm has built a reputation for providing strong advocacy, personal attention, and compassionate representation in civil rights and personal injury matters. Whether a person has suffered harm because of government misconduct, excessive force, unsafe conditions of confinement, negligence, or another wrongful act, Stephen Bilkis & Associates is committed to helping clients pursue accountability and recover compensation for the injuries and losses they have suffered. 

Over the years, the firm and attorneys in our office have recovered more than one billion dollars in settlements and verdicts, including some of the highest recoveries obtained in Rikers Island cases. These results include a $3 million wrongful death recovery and numerous civil rights settlements and verdicts worth millions of dollars.

At Stephen Bilkis & Associates, we understand that bringing a claim against a government agency, correctional facility, or public employee can be intimidating. Many people who contact our office have suffered serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, sexual abuse, or the loss of a loved one. Others have spent years believing that no one would listen to them or take their experiences seriously. We believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and we work to hold wrongdoers accountable when those rights have been violated. The firm is led by Stephen Bilkis, who has been recognized by SuperLawyers.com, Avvo, Justia, Expertise.com, and TopLawyer.com for his work on behalf of injured individuals and victims of civil rights violations.

Civil Rights Litigation

Civil rights laws protect individuals from abuses of power by government officials and public institutions. When those protections are violated, victims may have the right to pursue compensation and other legal remedies. Stephen Bilkis & Associates represents individuals whose constitutional and civil rights have been violated by correction officers, law enforcement officers, government employees, and public agencies.

Our firm handles claims involving excessive force, sexual abuse, unlawful detention, failure to protect individuals from violence, denial of medical care, wrongful death, and other forms of misconduct. We understand the legal and procedural issues involved in civil rights litigation and work diligently to investigate each case, gather evidence, identify responsible parties, and pursue justice for our clients.

Representing Survivors of Abuse at Rikers Island

Rikers Island has been the subject of repeated reports involving violence, sexual abuse, excessive force, inadequate medical care, and dangerous living conditions. Individuals who are detained at Rikers Island do not lose their constitutional rights. Correctional facilities and their staff have a legal duty to provide reasonably safe conditions and to protect detainees from foreseeable harm.

Stephen Bilkis & Associates represents current and former detainees who suffered sexual abuse, physical assaults, excessive force, medical neglect, and other civil rights violations while housed at Rikers Island. We also represent family members seeking answers and accountability after a loved one suffered serious injuries or died while in custody.

Our attorneys investigate claims involving correction officers, supervisors, medical personnel, contractors, and government agencies responsible for operating and overseeing Rikers Island facilities. Depending on the circumstances, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost income, and other damages.

Why Clients Choose Stephen Bilkis & Associates

Clients turn to our firm because they want experienced attorneys who will take the time to understand their circumstances and fight for their interests. We believe that effective representation begins with listening. Every case receives personal attention, and every client is treated with respect and compassion.

Our approach combines thorough preparation, strong advocacy, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Whether a case involves civil rights violations at Rikers Island, government misconduct, or a serious personal injury, we are prepared to stand by our clients throughout the legal process.

Much of our firm’s growth has come through referrals from former clients, attorneys, and members of the community. We take pride in the trust that our clients place in us and work hard every day to earn that trust.

If you or a loved one suffered abuse, sexual abuse, excessive force, medical neglect, or another violation of rights while detained at Rikers Island, contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 800.696.9529 for a free, no-obligation consultation. The firm is led by Stephen Bilkis, who was named a Top Rated Lawyer by Super Lawyers in 2026, is rated Excellent by Avvo, has been recognized as a Top-Rated Lawyer by Justia, and has been listed among the best lawyers in New York by Expertise.com and TopLawyer.com.