Berve M. Power, Jr.
Continuing the legacy of Power and Dixon, P.C. as one of the most respected and oldest black law firms in Chicago, Berve M. Power, Esq, became managing partner in 2002, as founder Robert C. Power successfully transitioned the firm's leadership. Attorney Power has honored the tradition and advanced the practice through focused, community-driven work and service.
"My single objective is to continue fighting for the rights and liberties of our clients, everyday people who deserve equal access to the best of what this country can offer," says Power.
With a focus on civil rights, Attorney Power has been part of internationally noted cases, including "The Ryan Harris Case", "The Decatur 7 Case" and currently lead attorney on "The Fred Grady Case."
Attorney Power earned his law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, IL and studied international law in Cairo, Egypt and Capetown, South Africa. He is admitted to practice in the State of Illinois, has litigated cases in Florida, Arkansas, Indiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and amidst a demanding schedule, Attorney Power taught criminal justice courses at Kennedy King College for three years.
A graduate of Morehouse College, Power was reared on Chicago's south side, excelling at Beasley Academic Center and Lindblom Technical High School, graduating with high honors, before attending the historic Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Power earned a B.A. degree with high honors from his alma mater in just three years. During his academic career, Power was involved in numerous student organizations, including National Honor Society and Student Council. He also founded an after-school tutorial program and coordinated the Morehouse Youth Reading Enrichment Program.
Upon completion of his studies at Morehouse, Power turned his attention from political aspirations to pursue a career and calling as a lawyer, focusing on civil rights and criminal litigation. At the age of 20, Power returned to Chicago to attend law school at DePaul University, where he edited the Arts and Entertainment Journal for the university. Continuing his commitment to academic excellence, Power excelled as a lead member of the Moot Court Trail Team, winning regional and national competitions; and became President of the Black Law Student Association. Power interned at the US Attorney's office for the Northern District of Illinois, where he edited the Manual on Prosecutorial Misconduct among other projects. While in law school Power continued with his commitment to community service by serving as the chairperson of the United Negro College Fund Pageant, which, during his tenure, raised more than $400,000 for underprivileged college-bound high school students. Power completed law school in just over two years and began practicing at Power & Dixon.
In 1998, Power was co-counsel with Attorneys Andre Grant, Lewis Myers, Jr., and Judge R. Eugene Pincham on "The Ryan Harris Case" in which a 7 and 8 year old were accused of murder. The criminal charges were soon dismissed due to lack of evidence against the boys. The civil case was settled in 2005 for $6.2 million.
In 1999, Power and a team of attorneys, along with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. represented the interest of seven young, Black males who were on the verge of being expelled from school for two years because of an altercation at a football game. The case, known as "The Decatur 7", resulted in the boys being able to continue in school and graduating with their respective classes.
In 2003, "The Fred Grady Case" was on the verge of being thrown out of court when the judge offered the family one last opportunity to secure an attorney who could effectively represent their concerns. Attorney Power was called and the case has advanced exponentially and trial began on June 11, 2007.
As a result of his unwavering commitment to serve his community, Attorney Power has received numerous awards including the Million Man of the Year Award and the N'Digo N'Law Award. Attorney Power has appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Defender, Chicago Southtown, and Jet Magazine. He has also been noted as a member of "Chicago's Legal Dream Team" by N'Digo, and was featured as one of the "30 Leaders of the Future" in Ebony Magazine. Attorney Power has been designated by DePaul University College of Law as one of the 16 most outstanding alumni of the past century.