Best Out-of-Court Settlement

Cedar Avenue Plaintiffs vs. City of Austin

Commonly referred to as the Valentine's Day Incident, this long-running lawsuit stemmed from allegations that police officers had used excessive force against several youngsters in trying to quell a disturbance at an adult-chaperoned party. The incident threatened to create an irreparable chasm between East Austin African-Americans and the Austin Police Department. But only days before the case went to trial (its second), the plaintiffs, now teenagers, agreed to some pretty heady negotiations with Mayor Kirk Watson (a veteran trial lawyer) and other city officials. After a grueling marathon of talks, the parties emerged with a goodwill settlement - a scholarship fund for East Austinites and stepped-up community police efforts - that left all sides feeling warm and glowy.