Legal Rights Center

Author: James Miller

  • Marecca Vertin, Community Defense Attorney

    Marecca Vertin, Community Defense Attorney

    Marecca Vertin

    Community Defense & Access to Justice Attorney

    Marecca joined the Legal Rights Center in 2024 with nearly fifteen years of experience in public/community-based criminal defense and social movement legal support in a variety of roles and jurisdictions.

     

    She worked first as a defense investigator on behalf of kids accused of crimes in New Orleans, is a 2019 graduate of Northeastern University School of Law, and spent the past five years as a trial attorney with the Hennepin County Public Defender, defending cases from petty misdemeanor to serious felony.

     

    Her focus overall has been on interjecting early in the criminal legal process, and, with the LRC, she works to expand access to counsel right at arrest for all those who are policed and prosecuted – the vast majority of whom are unable to afford private attorneys. 

  • Michael Harrell, Legal Empowerment Lead

    Michael Harrell, Legal Empowerment Lead

    Michael Harrell

    Legal empowerment Lead

    Michael is a rising senior at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where he is pursuing a degree in Sociology of Law & Justice Criminology. Born and raised in Minneapolis, he is deeply committed to empowering youth through Know Your Rights education and community advocacy.


    As Legal Empowerment Lead at the Legal Rights Center, Michael designs and facilitates legal education trainings that equip community members—especially young people—with the knowledge to navigate and challenge legal systems. Outside of his work and studies, Michael enjoys reading, writing poetry, listening to music, and staying active.

  • Olive Fine, Community Defense Attorney

    Olive Fine, Community Defense Attorney

    Olive Fine

    COMMUNITY DEFENSE ATTORNEY

    Olive Fine joined the Legal Rights Center as a NYU Public Interest Fellow. They are a criminal defense attorney with LRC’s Community Defense Program and an educator on legal issues faced by social movements. 


    As a law student, Olive worked to defend tenants facing eviction, parents targeted by the family policing system, and people facing criminalization. They worked on land sovereignty and community autonomy at the Sustainable Economies Law Center, restorative justice policy advocacy in Oregon, and queer, nontraditional family law with Diana Adams Law & Mediation.


    Olive’s work is grounded in their commitment to the liberation of all beings from handcuffs, cages, borders, and earth-poisoning industries. If you are part of the struggle against oppression and seeking legal support, Olive can be reached at ofine@legalrightscenter.org.

  • Gabriel Arika, Youth Programming Lead

    Gabriel Arika, Youth Programming Lead

    gabriel arika

    youth programming lead

    Gabriel was raised in a warm and supportive family that shaped the values he carries today. Through childhood trials and tribulations, he discovered a deep passion for youth justice, advocacy, and equity. He believes that everyone, especially young people, deserve grace, compassion, and the chance to be heard. 


    At the LRC, Gabriel coordinates youth programming, leads the LRC Youth Networks, and develops partnerships that empower directly impacted youth to shape policy and practice. He also facilitates youth-led art and storytelling projects, leads statewide campaigns such as End Youth Prisons MN, and supports strategic community engagement with a focus on healing, leadership, and sustainability.


    Outside of work, Gabriel enjoys spending meaningful time with friends and family and finds peace in nature – whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply being present with community.