This week on the Sumud Podcast, we’re joined by powerhouse attorney and civil rights advocate Amir Makled. As managing partner at Hall Makled, Amir is one of the most formidable legal voices defending Arab and Muslim communities in the U.S. From police brutality to the criminalization of pro-Palestine protests, his cases speak to a deeper story: what it means to resist injustice within the system.
Amir reflects on his journey from growing up post-9/11 in suburban Michigan to tackling police abuse and taking on the Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, herself—and winning.
His clients range from working-class families to student organizers, and his advocacy is rooted in dignity, law, and unwavering solidarity.
🔑 In this conversation, we explore:
➡ Navigating identity and discrimination after 9/11
➡ Building a law firm rooted in justice and access
➡ Holding power to account—whether police or prosecutors
➡ Defending Palestine through the First Amendment
➡ Why are some cases bigger than the courtroom
This episode reminds us that courage takes many forms—and sometimes, it wears a suit and walks into court.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & The Irony of a Muslim Defending
05:41 – Post-9/11, Football, and Fighting Racism in High School
11:55- From Collision Shops to Courtrooms: Why Law?
21:52 – Suing Police for Beating a Disabled Arab Man
31:48- Taking Unpopular Cases & Defending the Accused
38:17- Pro Palestine: The U-M Protester Case & Dana Nessel Drops the Case
01:00:00- Stopped at the Airport: Navigating Challenges and Practical Advice
01:14:50- Reflection & Continuing the Fight for Justice and Civil Rights
📲 Follow Amir Makled: @AttorneyMakled
📲 Follow our host: @dredhasan
🌐 Explore more at: https://sumudpod.com
🌐Check out: https://www.hallmakled.com/
#Palestine #SumudPod #LegalResistance #ArabAmerican #CivilRightsAttorney #MuslimRights #FreePalestine #CeasefireNow #JusticeForAll #CivilRights
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