Melinda Power works in a storefront law office on Division Street, between the two gateways that demarcate the Puerto Rican community. Many of her everyday clients are members of the Puerto Rican community, for whom she handles criminal defense and basic legal needs such as divorces and wills. But Power is also an active fighter for political prisoners and part of the legal team supporting the defendants at the Dakota Access Pipeline project in North Dakota.
We were curious about how a Chicago community lawyer got involved in the high-profile DAPL project and asked Melinda to tell us about her experiences.
We learned about her long history of involvement in political causes—and she told the story of the time her twin sister was a witness in a political protest trial. Melinda interrogated Margaret . . . and there were many objections.
Melinda Power's West Town law office. A classic Chicago storefront.
